The other day I was in my reloading/hunting equipment shop cleaning up some gear I had put off doing. Looking at all the stuff I have accumulated over the years got me thinking.
I started hunting in 1948 when I was 7 years old. I started out shooting a circa 1920's Eastern Arms single shot 20ga for doves and ducks. I also had a Winchester M67 single shot .22 rifle. I still have them both. No real specialized hunting clothing except for a pair of leather lace up boots and a canvas hunting vest.
Today there is specialized equipment for everything we use for hunting. The evolution of everything we use has been mind blowing! Everything you can think of such as guns, ammo, optics, footwear, clothing and even underwear has improved and it's been overwhelming. We take for granted the quality and durability of our "stuff".
Has it made us any better hunters? My Grandfather would probably say no, because he could never imagine the quality and innovative things we take for granted. I think I have experienced this evolution and appreciate what we have. I remember when I thought surplus WWII stuff was the best ever...some still is pretty good. But today we have things that are here because of the race to the moon and our desire to have the best and people who are willing to invest time and money to supply us. Technology has had it's consumer spinoffs.
Next time you get out your gps, pull on you wonderful boots or dress in your advanced textile, camo clothes, think about what you would do if they were suddenly to disappear.
Just thinkin a little about times gone bye.
I started hunting in 1948 when I was 7 years old. I started out shooting a circa 1920's Eastern Arms single shot 20ga for doves and ducks. I also had a Winchester M67 single shot .22 rifle. I still have them both. No real specialized hunting clothing except for a pair of leather lace up boots and a canvas hunting vest.
Today there is specialized equipment for everything we use for hunting. The evolution of everything we use has been mind blowing! Everything you can think of such as guns, ammo, optics, footwear, clothing and even underwear has improved and it's been overwhelming. We take for granted the quality and durability of our "stuff".
Has it made us any better hunters? My Grandfather would probably say no, because he could never imagine the quality and innovative things we take for granted. I think I have experienced this evolution and appreciate what we have. I remember when I thought surplus WWII stuff was the best ever...some still is pretty good. But today we have things that are here because of the race to the moon and our desire to have the best and people who are willing to invest time and money to supply us. Technology has had it's consumer spinoffs.
Next time you get out your gps, pull on you wonderful boots or dress in your advanced textile, camo clothes, think about what you would do if they were suddenly to disappear.
Just thinkin a little about times gone bye.
