What is a sportsman?
A dictionary defines ‘Sportsman’ as the following:
sports· man | \ ˈspȯrts-mən \
1: a person who engages in sports (such as hunting or fishing)
2: a person who shows sportsmanship
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance recognizes that while all our members who hunt & fish match this definition to a ‘T’ – their purpose for getting outdoors & back to nature are as different as the union organizations they are a part of.
In alignment with our mission of uniting and unifying our different union members who have a strong passion for the outdoors; this article aims to give insights & understanding to the diverse types of sportsmen & women that you may encounter out in the wild.
The Adventuring Sportsmen
The adventuring sportsmen are the sportsmen who cannot wait to get away for the weekend, the afternoon, or even for just a few hours when they have the time.
They are constantly on the chase of new experiences, new challenges, and new stories to tell. These individuals will often have the longest list of locations they have been, species they have hooked or harvested, and cannot wait to share their knowledge with others.
The adventurers are always happy to supply their knowledge to other’s who are looking for new experiences and are just as hungry to hear tales from other sportsmen. Hoping to add another item to their extensive list of accomplishments.
The Providing Sportsmen
The providing sportsmen are the types of individuals who are a provider for their family and friends in more ways than one.
These individuals may not visit as wide of a variety of places or make as many trips as an adventuring sportsmen – but their goal is to have a successful experience so that they may put food on the table for those who they love and care about.
These individuals have a connection to nature, the animal, and the earth. They respect the bounty that is provided by the world around them. And are always grateful for their bounty. Whether it be from their garden, local lakes, rivers & streams, or during a season where they can fill their freezer for the year.
The providing sportsman is the kind of sportsman you are glad to be friends with. They never hesitate to share their bounty with others – and with years of experience preparing these meals, are often the best chefs of the bunch. If you are looking for tips on how to filet a fish, season your meat, or what snacks you can safely forage & enjoy while out in the backwoods, the providing sportsman is your go-to expert.
The Primal Sportsmen
The primal sportsmen are those who have an internal connection with the sport & the outdoors. They are seeking experiences to fulfill an urge deep inside to connect with their heritage, their ancestry, and the land.
The primal sportsman is someone who is a champion of conservation. Someone who respects the process, the animals, and will ask the same of anyone who they share a blind or a boat with.
Often the most educated in every element of survival, being outdoors, and being one with nature as they typically are the most likely to go-it alone. They don’t want to be disrupted in their experience as it is a spiritual connection to nature that they are seeking to get away from the grind of their day-to-day life where they don’t feel as fulfilled as they do when they are out, at home, in the wild.
We need primal sportsmen in the world as they understand best how the systems of the earth interact with each other. They recognize what true balance entails. They know the devastation which invasive species, and over population can cause to local wildlife & are allies to defend that balance through conservation, preservation & management.
The Greenhorn Sportsmen
The greenhorn sportsmen are those who are just getting into the world of being a sportsman. They are often interested through interactions with other sportsmen and are drawn to learn more.
Hunger for knowledge is the defining trait of greenhorn sportsmen. While they will often make their start with far too little, or far too much equipment. They are quick to learn what is necessary to find success (however they define it) out in the field or on the water.
These individuals should seek out relationships with as many other types of sportsmen as they can. The education provided by experienced veterans lends to a more rapid understanding of the connection with the outdoors each of these individuals have.
If you know a greenhorn sportsman, you know that you will need to deploy a little more patience than usual. But know in their heart, whether they say it or not, these sportsmen are grateful for that extra time & extra effort that you put into them. And most will pay it forward once they find their way down the road. Whether that’s through a recommendation of an adventure worth having, a new recipe that sticks to your ribs, or another individual to contribute to the balance of the wild.
While Our Why Is Different – Our Purpose Is Alike
We hope you have enjoyed reading this light-hearted article! Our hope is that you take away that just like our union affiliations – no matter your background, or your purpose; we all share the common interest in enjoying our outdoor livelihoods, respecting & conserving our land, and preserving our heritage for future generations to come.
