Being a life-long Californian I have encountered some strange reactions when hunters see your CA license plate on an out of state hunt. In fact just a couple of years ago we were trying to reach a camp spot Southeast of Rock Springs after a snow storm. The roads were extremely slick and muddy. After watching a truck from Oregon slide off the road due to the slope. We opted to turn around. As we were talking to the Oregon hunter a Wyoming Native with a one-ton 4x4 towing a fifth wheel pulled up. He looked at our license plates and the road and said he could make it. We sat and watched as he wound up his diesel. As soon as he hit the slope the truck and trailer started sliding down towards the bar ditch. When the trailer hit it came up on two wheels. I was amazed it did not turn on its side. After we helped him get his rig up into the sage he admitted once he saw our plates he figured we didn't know what we were doing.
I have compiled a short list of reasons why I think those of us from California have been stereotyped. Unfortunately many items on this list are from real discussions. Feel free to add your own reasons.
You show up for a guided hunt wearing sandals, shorts and an orange tie-dye shirt. You ask if orange tie-dye meets the state blaze orange requirements.
You think a tank is a military vehicle and wonder why your guide wants you to sit on one.
You ask your guide if the elk you are hunting is organic meat.
You ask for an espresso or latte in the cook tent. When you can’t get one you pull a coffee press out of you backpack.
You think a two-track road is a spot where the guide found two sets of deer tracks.
When your guide asks why you didn’t shot the turkey standing right in front of you at twenty yards and you reply, “I thought they had to be all white”.
When sitting around the campfire and listening to the wrangler play Hank Williams and George Strait songs on his guitar you request Wipeout from the Beach Boys.
You have to explain to your Guide that Silicone Valley is not where California women (or men) go for breast augmentation.
That high rise has nothing to do with how your jeans fit.
You have to explain that your flowered shirt will work as camouflage.
You argue that California Black tail Deer are not Jackalopes.
You arrange a satellite uplink to send selfies from the backcountry.
You think an auto-guard is someone who watches your truck after the valet parks it.
You wear an eye mask and designer pajamas in your sleeping bag at night.
You put chains on the rear tires of your front wheel drive vehicle.
Your new set of hunting clothes still has the tags on them and you plan to return them for a refund after your hunt.
You complain that the cook doesn’t have a glass of Caymus 2012 Special Selection Cabernet from Napa Valley to drink with your dinner.
If your guide asks if you have practiced shooting and you inform him that you are in the top twenty in scoring on a Call of Duty video game.
I have compiled a short list of reasons why I think those of us from California have been stereotyped. Unfortunately many items on this list are from real discussions. Feel free to add your own reasons.
You show up for a guided hunt wearing sandals, shorts and an orange tie-dye shirt. You ask if orange tie-dye meets the state blaze orange requirements.
You think a tank is a military vehicle and wonder why your guide wants you to sit on one.
You ask your guide if the elk you are hunting is organic meat.
You ask for an espresso or latte in the cook tent. When you can’t get one you pull a coffee press out of you backpack.
You think a two-track road is a spot where the guide found two sets of deer tracks.
When your guide asks why you didn’t shot the turkey standing right in front of you at twenty yards and you reply, “I thought they had to be all white”.
When sitting around the campfire and listening to the wrangler play Hank Williams and George Strait songs on his guitar you request Wipeout from the Beach Boys.
You have to explain to your Guide that Silicone Valley is not where California women (or men) go for breast augmentation.
That high rise has nothing to do with how your jeans fit.
You have to explain that your flowered shirt will work as camouflage.
You argue that California Black tail Deer are not Jackalopes.
You arrange a satellite uplink to send selfies from the backcountry.
You think an auto-guard is someone who watches your truck after the valet parks it.
You wear an eye mask and designer pajamas in your sleeping bag at night.
You put chains on the rear tires of your front wheel drive vehicle.
Your new set of hunting clothes still has the tags on them and you plan to return them for a refund after your hunt.
You complain that the cook doesn’t have a glass of Caymus 2012 Special Selection Cabernet from Napa Valley to drink with your dinner.
If your guide asks if you have practiced shooting and you inform him that you are in the top twenty in scoring on a Call of Duty video game.
