I originally said no. But that changed this week. WDFW has suspended my spring bear tag, it'll likely be canceled. They're already offering refunds, but I scored on minimal points, I was the hunt back. So far that's not an option. Youth turkey is cancelled, they'll cancel general turkey next week. Fishing is canceled. WA Public lands are mostly closed (all state lands and all federal trailheads).
If anything I'm going to go out on a limb and say, if I can legally travel I'm swinging for the fences. I'm applying for sheep, deer, multiple states, shit I might try to book an AK hunt.
I usually just apply for elk maybe pronghorn out-of-state, but this shutdown has really enlightened me to the frailty of my dreams. I dream about hunts, fishing trips, and general outdoor adventures across this continent and planet. I've always assumed there are some things I can count on, some trends that I can expect to continue, and that if I save and plan wisely, if I continue to fight for public lands, that I'll be able to check many of these adventures off the list over the remainder of my life. However, as I type this I'm looking at a world and a future that doesn't look anything like it did two months ago. From my perspective those certainties are no longer certain. People, both those in power, in cities far away, and my own peers and neighbors, can completely take away the freedoms I cherish so dearly, all out of fear of the unknown and in an attempt to completely the eliminate risk of death.
As someone who plays in places and in ways that require some planning, some plan B's, and a healthy dose of risk management, someone who's been to the edge, thought the end was eminent, made my peace, and came out alive, I apparently take for granted the ability to manage the risk of my own death. Risk of death is not the end of the world, we will all die- it is unavoidable, and while death should be treated with care, considered and weighed with the benefits, it should also not be used as a source of fear.
Not knowing what the future holds, what the next perceived threat will bring, I'm done waiting until I can afford it, waiting until it fits my schedule, I'm reevaluating, reallocating, and making my dreams a reality sooner rather than later.