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Things You Never Say to Another Hunter

By Brodie SwisherOctober 18, 20211 Comment

“Some things are better left unsaid.”

It’s a lesson I was taught by my parents from an early age. Still, it’s tough to bite my tongue when you have something I feel needs to be said. And while we are often quick to blame social media for providing a platform for airing out our thoughts and concerns, we are the ones at fault for sharing the words that would have been better off left unsaid.

Hunters are likely among the worst at keeping their mouth shut. So it’s only fitting that we provide a short list of the things you should never say to another hunter – just in case you struggle with sharing your 2 cents, too much.

I Woulda Let Him Walk – It screams of arrogance and your desire to put yourself on a pedestal. Unless you were asked, don’t let this one come out of your mouth.

Since You’re Checking Cameras, Can You Hang a Stand for Me? – Don’t get lazy with those treestands! No, your buddy doesn’t want to hang a treestand for you – unless, of course, he or she can hunt it as well.

Do You Think the Landowner Would Care if I Hunt, Too? – Nothing will ruin a friendship quicker than you trying to slip in on a buddy’s private ground honey-hole. Don’t even think about going down this road.

hunters in field
Hunting with friends is hard to beat. But it's important to know all the legalities when it comes to party hunting.

That Saddle Looks Great on You – It’s pretty much the equivalent of saying, “You look great in those jeans.” Women can get away with it, but it should never come from one man to another.

Why Did You Shoot a Doe? – Because I like to eat deer meat – and it was fun. That’s why I shot a doe! Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers. Don’t be the jerk that asks this one.

It’s Too Cold to Hunt – Please submit your man card the moment this one comes from your mouth. Regardless of how you feel, or the oncoming frostbite on your toes, don’t let this statement come from your mouth.

I’d Be Glad to Take Your Wife Hunting if She Ever Wants to Go – You’ll be trampling on sacred ground if you ever offer this one. Don’t do it! It’ll likely cost you a friendship – and your membership in the hunting lease.

Can I Hunt Your Stand in the Morning? – The answer is always, no! Regardless of what they might say, nobody wants you hunting in their stand. Don’t put a buddy in an awkward situation by asking such a question.

I Don’t Miss – I heard a buddy say this prior to opening day. He missed a deer opening afternoon. Pride comes before a fall. You may think it, but it’s best you not actually say it.  

Jack with his opening day buck
Watch what you say to a young hunter. Your remarks can have a lasting impression.

He Needed Another Year – Celebrate with your friends in their victories. Never be the guy to offer useless insight after the fact. It’s of no value to him to hear that his buck was cut off a year too soon.

It Was a Long Shot, But I Just Had to Try – Your reckless gamble on a wild animal is not likely to be received well by your buddies or other members of the hunting club. Think about how such a statement might be perceived before it comes across your lips.

Did You Catch Any? – It’s the million dollar question asked by girlfriends and grannys across the country. But it should never come out of the mouth of an actual hunter.

Were You Aiming for the Guts?!?! – I’ll be honest, this one is actually fun to throw at your buddy when his shot goes a little wide. Every camp has the guy that needs a little prodding from time to time. This one is the perfect way to help humble a friend or family member.  

I Checked Your Trail Cameras for You – Want a lesson in overstepping your bounds? Rule #1 – Never mess with another man’s trail cams unless you were asked. You might get hurt.

I’m Not Sure Where I Hit Him. It Was Too Dark to See My Pins – Another fine example of your reckless abandonment of doing what’s right. Nobody likes this guy. Don’t let it be you.

I’d Rather be Fishing – There’s no problem with this statement, if you’re hanging out with a bunch of hardcore fishing guys. But if you’re in the presence of a bunch of hunters, in the middle of hunting season, don’t let this one come from you.

Why Did You Shoot That Little One? – This is a classic social media comment that fuels more anger than about any other comment out there. A trophy is in the eye of the beholder. Judge not, lest you be judged.

Can’t Eat the Horns – Nothing will alienate you farther from the quality deer management crowd like dropping this little nugget of truth. Watch where, and when, you say it.

You won't have to look far to find someone that has something negative to say about crossbow hunting.

You Shouldn’t be Allowed to use that Crossbow – Elitist across the country attempt to establish their dominance by making false statements or threats about gear and methods, particularly crossbows. It’s an old school tactic used by politicians, but it seems to be used just as often by crossbow haters everywhere.

What about you? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever heard one hunter say to another? Comment below and let us know.

Brodie Swisher
Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, seminar speaker and Editor for Bowhunting.com. Brodie and his family live in the Kentucky Lake area of west Tennessee.
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