Hunting camp firepits feature all kinds of banter. Of course, there is the old faithful joke-telling, solving the world’s problems, and well, things best left in the camp. However, the chatter we share in deer camp often revolves around topics like hunting gear, popular strategies of the day, and of course, big bucks. Social media is no different. Often the discussion eventually turns quickly to debates over such aspects of the hunting culture.
That’s why the topics featured below are some of the hottest hunting controversies of all time – themes we find ourselves still talking about today. Here’s a look at 8 popular controversies or debates that will likely never die.
Record Buck Brouhahas
Hunters love a good story and those shrouded with controversy are often at the top of the list. It’s in our DNA. We also love big bucks. Controversy plus trophy bucks equal interest and lively debate.
Arguably the most controversial buck of all time, the Rampola Buck will forever be shrouded in controversy. Originally reported with a Boone and Crockett score of 218 5/8″ and an outside spread of a whopping 38-inches, Mitch Rompola’s 1993 archery buck would go on the scrutinized and ultimately, doubted by many. As if the image of the behemoth buck wasn’t enough, it reportedly exceeded the famous Milo Hanson buck by 5-inches. Questions ranged from shot placement to the position of the ears in the after-photo. Perhaps the most telling fact was that Rompola basically disappeared after the barrage of accusations.
Some hunters want to believe it was real, while, like circling sharks, others refuse to accept the would-be record typical buck. We’ll likely never truly know. This is but one of many similar disputes in the whitetail genre.
Broadheads
Cutting diameter, accuracy, penetration… the variables are undeniable. While mainly a matter of personal preference, the debate over fixed vs. mechanical broadheads continues to be alive and well within deer hunting circles. From simple discussions to vehement clashes, the merits and drawbacks of fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are largely based on personal experiences and opinions. Many arrow slingers deem fixed broadheads more reliable since they typically have a more consistent flight. Others laud the size and red-carpet blood trails yielded by mechanicals. There are other variables too and the debate continues to roll on. Either weary of the debate or purists at heart, many simply lean on the obvious fact that it doesn’t matter as long as good shot placement is achieved. Oh, and about the personal experience aspect; I know several deer hunters that switch back and forth based on the most recent results. This argument will never die.
Trophy Hunting
From anti-hunters to hardcore whitetail junkies, the debate over trophy hunting continues to boil over. There is nothing more misunderstood than this hot topic and concept. Mired in stories and images of hunters posing with harvested lions, giraffes, and the like has perhaps skewed opinions far and wide. Regardless of how people feel about hunting and killing such animals, the disdain toward trophy hunting has long since spilled over into the whitetail sphere. While many deer hunters proudly tout the “antler size doesn’t matter, it’s the experience that counts” sentiment, others proudly push their relentless pursuit of bucks with the biggest headgear possible. As for the latter, even many of the diehard DIY hunting crowd can admit they particularly relish bigger antlers.
At the end of the day, vehement opinions amid hunters on either side are divisive at best. Conversely, many non-hunters typically have no idea what they’re talking about when it comes to “trophy hunting” (or any hunting for that matter).
Weapon of Choice
Unfortunately, there is always a contingent of deer hunters intent on touting their weapon of choice – and berating that of others. From gun hunters reprimanding the number of wounded deer at the hand of bows, to archers puffing out their chests over the extra challenge of hunting with stick and string, there is no relief in sight for this one. Like many deer hunters, I hunt with both rifle and bow and, in my world, they both have their place. This is arguably the sweet spot in an area where many hunters are unyielding when it comes to different legal hunting weapons. Regardless of what side you fall on, the narratives roll on; and it’s a shame.
Debates associated with weapon of choice continue to be a fixture in the whitetail hunting world.
Conservation
The “Hunting is Conservation” debate is largely one between hunters and non-hunters. The latter claims, among other things, that hunting causes pain and suffering, is not a sport, and can lead to violence toward other people. Further, they claim it has no favorable results regarding animal populations.
Indeed, the notion that killing animals can preserve a species continues to be lost on many people. It should come as no surprise, as liberal-heavy news and social media dominate the narrative.
Without getting into the whole can of worms, the guiding principle that well-managed hunting provides funding for positive activities such as habitat management is played out every time a hunter legally harvests a deer from a grain field or woodlot. Indeed, the North American Conservation model holds that wildlife should be managed such that they are perpetually available at maximum population levels. This is a righteous approach and the numbers bear it out. Put differently, well-managed hunting (even trophy hunting) can provide both revenue and incentives for people to conserve and restore wild game populations, maintain areas of land for conservation, and protect wildlife from poaching.
Simply put, if game animals hold an economic value, they survive. Regardless, many proponents of each side will not waver.
Baiting Wars
Feeding deer in any way associated with killing them is a hard sell to many. Nonetheless, in states where baiting is legal, you rarely hear complaints. Go figure.
Many consider hunting over deer feeders to be no different than setting up over crops and food plots.
The legal baiting crowd reasons that it’s no different than hunting over a food plot. Further, these slingers of corn and pellets also point out that doing so doesn’t equate to a slam dunk – especially with mature deer. On the contrary, the anti-baiting bunch often claims that using baiting sites isn’t really hunting. Note that some bowhunters claim the same about rifle hunters (and even crossbow hunters). Either way, the hunting community would be much better off without this tiresome skirmish.
High Fence Hunting
If you want to see a good old-fashioned verbal brawl, bring up the topic of hunting behind game fences. This is a popular area of contention on social media and hunting forums. For that matter, I’ve seen near-fisticuffs around deer camp firepits and bar tables over the topic. Coming from Texas, the high-fence hunting crowd is common, especially in the southern senderos and underbrush of the Lone Star State. It’s a unique culture, for sure. Having experienced my fair share of game-fenced hunting ranches, I can tell you that the larger ones often hold very wild and wary deer. Further, I’ve seen bucks disappear into thin air only to show themselves years later. However, I’ve also seen smaller tracts that are much more akin to a petting zoo. I can promise you that one size doesn’t fit all.
High-fence hunting is a real hot-button topic for many deer hunters.
In conjunction with deer breeding, arguments usually get even more heated.
Still, like deer farming, many a fervent free-range hunter will billow out their feathers at the notion of it. Throw in deer feeders and it is game on. Regardless of your position, it’s legal in many areas. If taken too far, the argument can be pretty prickly within the hunting community.
The Public Land Owner
In my mind, there are few developments within the hunting collective more positive than the public land hunting resurgence. After all, it involves the challenge of hunting wild spaces often with small deer populations and directly competing with more hunters. With the rising cost of hunting land, it’s easier on the pocketbook too. You’ll often hear DIY public land hunters plugging their method as requiring more woodsmanship and legwork. At the end of the day, the up tic in public land hunting has also gotten more of the younger demographic involved in hunting.
Opponents of public land hunting claim it’s not worth dealing with the extra hunting pressure and doesn’t appreciate the rising sentiment that most private land hunting is in comparison, much easier. Whichever team you fall on, most would agree that public land hunting is a great alternative for hunters. This debate will probably run rampant as long as hunting land prices skyrocket, the tree saddle craze continues, and DIY hunting is heavily featured on popular podcasts and YouTube channels. Nonetheless, any honest look at our hunting heritage demonstrates the greatness of both private land and public land hunting.
Honorable Mentions and Final Thoughts
Debate and controversy will always be part of the whitetail world – and the above list barely scratches the surface. There are so many more, including using dogs, culling deer, and, the anti-technology crowd. The proponents of the latter believe that innovations such as trail cameras create an unfair advantage and have no place in the deer woods. While healthy debate can be entertaining and harmless, if too intense, it can foster divisiveness. As long as it’s legal, it’s a good idea to consider which, if any of such hills are worth dying on. Choose wisely, whitetail brothers and sisters.
