The man makes some good points, especially about the exclusivity vs support by society. I think the elephant in the room, is that the global population has grown and put so much pressure on nature that there is less and less room to hunt. This is the main price driver.

the problem is also this.
modern by David Frank Allen, on Flickr

Groups of hungover or half drunk 'hunters' shooting things from dead rests on the back of bakkies with rifles and costumes that look like they escaped from sniper training school is the biggest thing that puts me off what increasingly seems be the prevailing hunting culture in SA. 

Groups of hungover or half drunk 'hunters' shooting things from dead rests on the back of bakkies with rifles and costumes that look like they escaped from sniper training school is the biggest thing that puts me off what increasingly seems be the prevailing hunting culture in SA. 

Agree. Few things beat a sensible, sober discussion around a campfire.

Agree. Few things beat a sensible, sober discussion around a campfire.

I have nothing against getting gesous and until a recent medical road bump I've been a lifelong and enthusiastic practitioner. Getting jolly around a fire at night after or before a long day on foot in the field is an intrinsic part of my enjoyment and I hope to get back to that sooner rather than later.

Agree. Few things beat a sensible, sober discussion around a campfire.

I have nothing against getting gesous and until a recent medical road bump I've been a lifelong and enthusiastic practitioner. Getting jolly around a fire at night after or before a long day on foot in the field is an intrinsic part of my enjoyment and I hope to get back to that sooner rather than later.

I respectfully disagree, and others can/may disagree with me in return. Getting up all achy, blurry, jittery and slow doesn't make sense and bothers me for religious and practical reasons. My conscience is creating blue toe nails with a constant nagging of "Was that really necessary?"

I once shot an antilope through the mouth after a hard night with Oom Johnnie and had to leave it in the field to starve. I have not drank too much ever since.

Sitting down, relaxing and enjoying is something else.

I respectfully disagree, and others can/may disagree with me in return. Getting up all achy, blurry, jittery and slow doesn't make sense and bothers me for religious and practical reasons. My conscience is creating blue toe nails with a constant nagging of "Was that really necessary?"

I once shot an antilope through the mouth after a hard night with Oom Johnnie and had to leave it in the field to starve. I have not drank too much ever since.

Sitting down, relaxing and enjoying is something else.

We are 100% in agreement then. By 'jolly' I meant geselig and relaxed not blitzdronk which appears to be what a lot of hunters see as a requirement the night before going afield. When and if I start drinking again I doubt very much that I will ever experience a performance impairing hangover again and most certainly never on a wingshoot or hunt.   

I pretty much always get a bit on my ear on a hunt around the fire. I see it as a escape and let loose. Now  I am not saying get pissed stupid fall over talk shit drunk, but I really usually have two more than usual kinda thing, it just works for me. No regrets or apologies kinda stuff, no hangover, just a bit more than I would if visiting or out for dinner - escape ?

Just my luck that Treeman was on the wagon when I went hunting...

Having a few beers after a shoot has become an intrinsic part of the experience of shooting for me. The amount of shooting and reloading knowledge I have acquired at the table with a beer in hand rivals what I have learnt online. And now it is my turn to pass said knowledge onto the younger generation; usually with a beer in hand.

Just my luck that Treeman was on the wagon when I went hunting...

Having a few beers after a shoot has become an intrinsic part of the experience of shooting for me. The amount of shooting and reloading knowledge I have acquired at the table with a beer in hand rivals what I have learnt online. And now it is my turn to pass said knowledge onto the younger generation; usually with a beer in hand.

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Beer makes old men wise, spirits make all men think they wise.
Good advice - When you think the bar lady or waitress has the hots for you, time leave.
When you start realising you the most knowligeable guy around the fire - time to shut up.

Now where is the fun in that?

Also, where was the bar lady when we went hunting? I can promise you this; there is no amount of alcohol in this world that will make you look attractive. 🤣

Beer goggles are best goggles.