Calling all outdoor enthusiasts!

[Redneck Socialist]

I propose an Outdoor Life Group for all of us hunters, anglers, hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, skiers and outdoor fanatics of all stripes.

He is what I was thinking for a mission statement:

The purpose of the Outdoor Sports Group is to discuss and share all aspects of hunting, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing and other outdoor sports.

We understand that hunting provokes a strong emotional response in many people. To those non-hunters honestly interested in why we hunt, we welcome your questions. To those that dislike hunting, please no flaming.

As always, personal attacks and flame wars will not be tolerated.

Thank you for your understanding a support.

I already ran it by Skinner and he said it was a go as long a I could round up 10 other paying members to join in.

Whadaya think?

[YankeyMCC]

1. I'd be interested

I'm not a hunter or much of a fisher (although I used to be) but I'm a big hiker, say up to difficult class 3 type trails, camper and enthusiastic albeit only moderately skilled skier.

[Tikki]

2. Is 'camping' going to be a part.....

of an Outdoor Life Group? We are in for this Forum Group.....

The Tikkis

[Redneck Socialist]

9. Sure why not

Camping, hiking I tend to lump them together.

[rawtribe]

3. Sounds good

I'm a big hiker and skier. I don't hunt but don't have a problem with it .

[Goathead]

4. Hunters?

I don't really consider hunters to be outdoor enthusiasts. They don't tend to mix well with hikers.

[Redneck Socialist]

10. I hike and I hunt

I mix pretty well with myself.

Sorry, don't mean to be too much of a wise ass. I hope that folks are tolerant enough to hang out in a group that deals with both interests.

[Goathead]

16. Mix well as in...

Shoot that deer! Uh ohh... Not a deer, some kid taking a leisurely hike along the Appalachian Trail.

scroll down to November 2002
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/trailnews/tn_novdec02.html

scroll down to January 2003
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/trailnews/tn_janfeb03.html

[Redneck Socialist]

18. I guess I'm not sure what point you are trying to make

The people who did the shooting in those cases are criminally irresponsible.

There are irresponsible hikers out there that get themselves into trouble and put the lives those that have to rescue them at risk.

I'm not sure what either of those things has to do with forming a group to talk about outdoor activities though.

On Edit: Typo

[Goathead]

24. Hikers are more environmentally responsible

Hunters care about killing things. Hiker=preservation, hunter=destroyer. It's like oil and water, the two do not mix and if you could explain to me how using dogs with radio collars to zero in on prey is "sport" I would sure like to hear it, sounds more like Nintendo to me.

[YankeyMCC]

12. mixing with hunters

I find as long as I don't were my fake antlers I'm safe on my hikes. :)

[LynzM]

5. Sounds cool

I'd love to know if there are other liberal climbers around... I'd love to have cool people to hang with if we go on climbing road trips!

[Droopy]

6. You have the Droopy seal of approval

I'd be interested in such a group as I am an angler. Unfortunately I don't get out on the water too much anymore, but I still enjoy reading about outdoors kind of stuff.

My main areas of interest are catfish and crappie fishing.

[Gothic Sponge]

7. I'm an "outdoor enthusiasts" but not into hunting.

Drop the hunting and i'll join.

[Redneck Socialist]

11. Trying to be inclusive

I participate in many of the activities I listed and I hope that even those folks that are only interested in hiking or only interested in hunting and fishing will be accommodating enough of each other to participate in the group.

[madinmaryland]

8. You have any interesting screen name.

"Redneck Socialist" Isn't that an oxymoron? I had just never heard those two words used together.

Anyway, this sounds like an interesting forum, though you might want to divide it into two categories, one for athletic interests and the other for hunting, fishing, etc.

[Redneck Socialist]

14. Not necessarily an oxymoron, but

definitely a little facetious.

My liberal friends think I'm something of a redneck and my conservative friends tend to think I'm a flaming socialist when it comes to politics. I figure why can't I be both?

As for dividing the group into to categories I'm hoping that folks that are only interested in one or two of those activities will be tolerant enough to participate in a group that is trying to cater to a broad audience.

[pagerbear]

13. I'm a city boy

To me the outdoors is what you go through between your apartment and a cab.

[Redneck Socialist]

15. What's a cab?

Just kidding.

As far as I'm concerned the city is the real wilderness. I'll take the woods any day even if it means that I miss out on good sushi and espresso.

[brainshrub]

17. Count me in.

I love rock-climbing. In fact, if you want to go to Table Rock in NC this weekend, reply to this post or drop me a PM.

[Redneck Socialist]

19. NC is kind of a haul for me

and to tell the truth I haven't been on a rope in years. My equipment is gathering dust in the back of my closet somewhere. :(

I'd love to hear about your trip though. I'm hoping this group (if we get it going) will be the place to talk about those kinds of things.

on edit: typo

[brainshrub]

21. I'll post pics.

[Xithras]

20. I hike, I hunt, I fish, I camp, I bike, and I'm certainly interested

Some people may be shocked by this, but the vast majority of the hunters I know are actually ardent environmentalists as well. Think about it...where would we hunt if all of the forests were clearcut or the marshlands were built over? Those cheesy "game reserves" with their domesticated deer and cip-winged ducks? Puhleeze. The protection and enjoyment of nature is in ALL of our best interests.

[skygazer]

22. I'm in.

I love to hike and camp, I have no problem with responsible hunters and would like to be involved with a group that was into all those things. Good idea. :hi:

[StopTheMorans]

23. I'm in, MA hiker here