idahonative
New member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2011
- Messages
- 15
Guys,
It would be very easy for me to ignore the “Elk Hunter Magazine and Extreme Elk” post and “thumb my nose” at some of the negative comments like a lot of those in the spotlight do. However, there’s two reasons I want to come on here. 1) I am a simple guy from simple roots and don’t believe I’m “above” anything. 2) I have spent years and years and a lot of effort to make my work as “above reproach” as I can. My reputation means everything to me in this industry. Whether it was as Assistant Director at Boone and Crockett, when I was Editor at Eastmans for the past 3.5 years, or even writing my own books on Idaho hunting history, I have – at every single opportunity, time and time again – always tried to send the right message, keep the content extremely ethical and thoughtful, be extremely respectful to the audience, and know that when some kid picks up something I might read, that he doesn’t go away still questioning how to be as a hunter and sportsman. I believe I have always stayed true to that and have a very large following who respect me for just that. Some people in this industry get into it for all the wrong reasons, nothing more than “look at me, look at me”. I have never sought out the spotlight. When I went to work for Eastmans, my one and ONLY goal was to try to send the best possible message and make our readers better, more thoughtful, and more respectful hunters. Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. Have I ever made mistakes? You bet. Do I always try to learn from them and make myself a better person? Yes. More than anything, I’ve always taken very seriously the responsibility and obligation of my role in this industry, and have always tried my best to lead by example. I have two small boys that will someday read what I wrote, and I keep that in mind every day.
Here’s an important thing to consider: As Editor of Elk Hunter Magazine, it is ME that is in charge of content pretty much from cover to cover, and it’s MY responsibility to decide what kind of message we send, what method we use to get there, and what topics and variables get into the magazine and what don’t. As such, if anyone deserves a questionnaire on their beliefs, I guess it’s ME! So if you want to know about me, here it is:
1) I’m a DIY hunter but don’t try to thump my chest about it. To this point in my life, I’ve never been on a guided hunt, and nearly every animal I’ve ever taken has been on public land. However:
2) I believe there is a time and place for guides and for people who want to use them and I don’t judge them for it. Some people would have no business going into the Bob Marshall on their own!
3) I am NOT a fan of governor’s tags. I personally don’t believe in them – not even ONE – for one reason. I feel that selling wildlife to the highest bidder sends a bad message (even if the short-term gain of funds is good) and that it goes against the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation – that being that wildlife should be available to ALL the people.
4) I am not against a reasonable amount of raffle tags as money generators, because at least then, Joe Lunchbox can still put in his $5 and have a chance.
5) I believe in honest, hard hunting, packing it out on your back or a horse.
6) I have no problem with ATVs if they obey the law. I hate them when the blaze trails into pristine country where they are off-limits. I love them for mountain rides on mountain roads with my kids.
7) I believe in drug testing for welfare recipients
8) I pray that Obama is defeated in the next election.
9) You will never see anything in my magazines that should EVER cause you alarm. If it’s even borderline, IT DOESN’T GET IN.
10) I am NOT a member of SFW. I AM a member of RMEF.
I feel very proud of what I’ve done and the quality of publication I’ve been able to put together with Elk Hunter Magazine. Like I’ve said before, I’m a small-town Idaho guy, have hunted DIY my entire life, and hunt with the masses to this day. As Editor of Elk Hunter Magazine, I can guarantee you that “MY” magazine will reflect that.
• You will NOT see governor’s tags in this magazine as long as I am Editor.
• You will not see Gang Hunting and posse trophy shots with 10 different hunters.
• You will not see illegal radio use.
• You will not see anything that I view as anything even CLOSE to borderline ethics.
• You WILL SEE thoughtful, respectful hunters sharing their stories, tips, tactics, and passion for hunting.
• My focus, while still trying to appeal to all facets of elk hunting and elk hunters, will mostly center around blue-collar hunting.
Here’s the deal. I’m confident enough in what’s going to be in my magazines that I’m going to let them speak to themselves. My email is [email protected]. If you’re man enough, I want anyone on the “Elk Hunter Magazine and Extreme Elk” thread – THROUGH POST 29 - who has had something negative to say, to email me your Hunttalk handle, your real name and mailing address, and any concerns. I’m going to personally buy each and every one of you a year’s subscription to Elk Hunter Magazine. If you hate it, I want you to get on here and bash the hell out of it. If you like it, I want you to get on here and say why. Let my work stand on its own. Fair enough? Again, sorry for the long-winded message, and I appreciate your time.
I hope you're all going to have a great 2012.
Ryan Hatfield
Editor, Elk Hunter Magazine
It would be very easy for me to ignore the “Elk Hunter Magazine and Extreme Elk” post and “thumb my nose” at some of the negative comments like a lot of those in the spotlight do. However, there’s two reasons I want to come on here. 1) I am a simple guy from simple roots and don’t believe I’m “above” anything. 2) I have spent years and years and a lot of effort to make my work as “above reproach” as I can. My reputation means everything to me in this industry. Whether it was as Assistant Director at Boone and Crockett, when I was Editor at Eastmans for the past 3.5 years, or even writing my own books on Idaho hunting history, I have – at every single opportunity, time and time again – always tried to send the right message, keep the content extremely ethical and thoughtful, be extremely respectful to the audience, and know that when some kid picks up something I might read, that he doesn’t go away still questioning how to be as a hunter and sportsman. I believe I have always stayed true to that and have a very large following who respect me for just that. Some people in this industry get into it for all the wrong reasons, nothing more than “look at me, look at me”. I have never sought out the spotlight. When I went to work for Eastmans, my one and ONLY goal was to try to send the best possible message and make our readers better, more thoughtful, and more respectful hunters. Am I perfect? Not by a long shot. Have I ever made mistakes? You bet. Do I always try to learn from them and make myself a better person? Yes. More than anything, I’ve always taken very seriously the responsibility and obligation of my role in this industry, and have always tried my best to lead by example. I have two small boys that will someday read what I wrote, and I keep that in mind every day.
Here’s an important thing to consider: As Editor of Elk Hunter Magazine, it is ME that is in charge of content pretty much from cover to cover, and it’s MY responsibility to decide what kind of message we send, what method we use to get there, and what topics and variables get into the magazine and what don’t. As such, if anyone deserves a questionnaire on their beliefs, I guess it’s ME! So if you want to know about me, here it is:
1) I’m a DIY hunter but don’t try to thump my chest about it. To this point in my life, I’ve never been on a guided hunt, and nearly every animal I’ve ever taken has been on public land. However:
2) I believe there is a time and place for guides and for people who want to use them and I don’t judge them for it. Some people would have no business going into the Bob Marshall on their own!
3) I am NOT a fan of governor’s tags. I personally don’t believe in them – not even ONE – for one reason. I feel that selling wildlife to the highest bidder sends a bad message (even if the short-term gain of funds is good) and that it goes against the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation – that being that wildlife should be available to ALL the people.
4) I am not against a reasonable amount of raffle tags as money generators, because at least then, Joe Lunchbox can still put in his $5 and have a chance.
5) I believe in honest, hard hunting, packing it out on your back or a horse.
6) I have no problem with ATVs if they obey the law. I hate them when the blaze trails into pristine country where they are off-limits. I love them for mountain rides on mountain roads with my kids.
7) I believe in drug testing for welfare recipients
8) I pray that Obama is defeated in the next election.
9) You will never see anything in my magazines that should EVER cause you alarm. If it’s even borderline, IT DOESN’T GET IN.
10) I am NOT a member of SFW. I AM a member of RMEF.
I feel very proud of what I’ve done and the quality of publication I’ve been able to put together with Elk Hunter Magazine. Like I’ve said before, I’m a small-town Idaho guy, have hunted DIY my entire life, and hunt with the masses to this day. As Editor of Elk Hunter Magazine, I can guarantee you that “MY” magazine will reflect that.
• You will NOT see governor’s tags in this magazine as long as I am Editor.
• You will not see Gang Hunting and posse trophy shots with 10 different hunters.
• You will not see illegal radio use.
• You will not see anything that I view as anything even CLOSE to borderline ethics.
• You WILL SEE thoughtful, respectful hunters sharing their stories, tips, tactics, and passion for hunting.
• My focus, while still trying to appeal to all facets of elk hunting and elk hunters, will mostly center around blue-collar hunting.
Here’s the deal. I’m confident enough in what’s going to be in my magazines that I’m going to let them speak to themselves. My email is [email protected]. If you’re man enough, I want anyone on the “Elk Hunter Magazine and Extreme Elk” thread – THROUGH POST 29 - who has had something negative to say, to email me your Hunttalk handle, your real name and mailing address, and any concerns. I’m going to personally buy each and every one of you a year’s subscription to Elk Hunter Magazine. If you hate it, I want you to get on here and bash the hell out of it. If you like it, I want you to get on here and say why. Let my work stand on its own. Fair enough? Again, sorry for the long-winded message, and I appreciate your time.
I hope you're all going to have a great 2012.
Ryan Hatfield
Editor, Elk Hunter Magazine
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