Troll. The term usually bring thoughts of a creepy being of sorts – a dwarf that dwells in caves or under bridges. This product of folklore has always been relatively harmless, yet today trolls disrupt and divide people in social media settings such as sports forums, Facebook and Twitter on a regular basis. The subject of hunting is certainly no exception and “trolling” at the expense of our fundamental tradition of hunting and the shooting sports often runs rampant. The main source of this problem lies with the growing division between the sportsman and the anti-hunting community. The numbers don’t lie. With less than 10 percent of Americans identifying as hunters, it has never been more crucial to consider the position and influence of the rest of the population – especially in a society increasingly armed with online personas and social media.
Our Own Worst Enemy?
The anti-hunting contingent is not exactly new to the scene. For years, they have poked, prodded and rebuked the hunting minority. They are alive and well and wearing clever anti-Peta t-shirts doesn’t offer nearly enough resistance. Current events such as mass shootings alone stir a lot of strong emotions and negativity about firearms and hunting in general. Obviously. 
Without getting into a debate about semiautomatic rifles and the like, it’s obvious that our hunting heritage is behind the the eight ball like never before. Outlaw activities such as poaching are still prominent as well.
However, the amount harmful behavior coming from within the pro-hunting community is what is astounding. And to think this is the part we can control. Consider the many forms of self-inflicted damage. Many hunters bicker over weapon choice, as well as berate trophy hunting, the shooting of younger bucks and hunting within game fences. Unfortunately, this only scratches the surface. Many times, I’ve shared hunting camp with fellow hunters so jaded about legal baiting practices in some states that I think their heads will explode. Imagine how exponentially this negativity increases when social media is involved. As cartoonist Walt Kelly once said, “We have met the enemy and it is us”. Okay, we’re not the only enemy, but a little self-awareness seems to be in order if we want our kids and their kids to enjoy our outdoor heritage. I once witnessed a thread on a bow hunting site forum where someone with a username of Gutpile Gary was under fire from several other posters that were extremely offended. Admittedly, I couldn’t help but think that these folks needed to lighten up a bit, but you get the idea.
So what can we do as hunters?
Positive Promotion
Simply put, hunting is not always displayed in a positive light – by hunters. Though hunting is a fundamental primal activity involving blood and guts, a little discretion never hurts in the message we send. Granted, there is nothing wrong with this aspect of hunting, too often the fire is fueled by unnecessarily graphic photos of hunters and their kill. I know that many of our photos are apt to be published online or in print and a couple of minutes spent cleaning blood around the animal’s wound and mouth goes a long way. I might add that it only takes about 2 seconds to remove a deer’s tongue as well. Anti-hunters really love images of dead deer with their tongues hanging out. Not. An ounce of prevention can eliminate misguided criticism from them. 
Pictures of hunters and their bounty is a positive of the outdoor experience, so why taint it with photos from the back of a truck or with beer cans in the background? Again, it’s great to be proud of our rights as hunters, but there is no reason to give ammo to those already unarmed with the facts about hunting and the outdoor community.
There are plenty of undeniable positive aspects of harvesting animals. Share your culinary masterpieces with others. A well-prepared venison steak, dove breast or pork loin speaks volumes. We eat what we shoot. Show others what they’re missing! Likewise, don’t just manage your hunting property and practice effective conservation, but share these concepts with hunters and non-hunters alike. It’s not boastful to promote our stewardship of wild game and the land from which it dwells. For that matter, take a kid or non-hunter to hunting camp and show them what it’s all about. I’ve introduced several people to hunting over the years. Some became downright smitten with it. There have been others that don’t particularly like to harvest animals but love the atmosphere and camaraderie of the deer camp.
Remember that hunting isn’t for everyone and that’s okay.
Shout it From the Mountain Top
Again, we can’t convince everyone, but we can at least ensure that our houses are in order. Social media may be used to speak out against hunting, but it also can be used to a positive end. It’s an increasingly powerful tool and we should likewise, use it to our advantage. As managers of hunting and outdoor media, we can remove the internal and external voices that damage our pursuits. Owners of hunting businesses, ranches, organizations and communities can all help in this way. Communicate with one another in a positive and productive manner. Congratulate the fellow hunter on the spike, 3 year old 8 pointer and Boone and Crockett buck alike. If you can’t, consider saying nothing at all.
Again, we’re not going to convince everyone, but why shoot ourselves in the foot? Don’t be a troll. Our legacy and future depends on it.
