Shootin' it Straight - Plugged In

One of my buddies has recently reignited his interest in fishing. He previously had an older boat and enjoyed cruising around, fishing casually with guidance from an old-timer on the finer points of snagging bass. Nowadays, it’s an arms race to infinity, the purchasing of the world’s greatest electronics and gadgets. His boat hosts more sonar, radar, and screens than Logan International Airport. He even complains of neck pain from arching his spine to stare at screens for hours on end. When we cross paths with guys who simply don’t use or enjoy fishing with sonar electronics, he’s flabbergasted looking at them as if the Fred Flinstone thier automobiles. 

I purchased a new, spiffy cellular deer camera recently and am still baffled by the array of options it offers. The monthly plans fly directly in conflict with my frugality. These cameras track deer migration patterns, weather movement, smart tagging of species, and much more. They come with their own detailed smartphone apps boasting an array of features and can even link with feeders, remotely syncing with peak feeding times of specific deer.

As with many things, I find myself aligned with the old ways more often than not. I’m in favor of technology when it benefits us by simplifying mundane tasks or improving the efficiency of daily routines. But when it robs the simple joys of certain things, I find it egregious. In the case of outdoor activities, it seems to undermine the very goal of these pastimes. It drains some of the charm and relaxation out of what was once viewed as a way of “getting away.”

An elder neighbor who has long since passed used to tell my father, “The old way will work.” It became comedic relief around the farm as we did certain jobs the hard way for one reason or another. We’d drop the saying in the midst of a task, always drawing a chuckle. While I don’t fault anyone for pursuing outdoor sports however they see fit, I do see a clear divide between two camps. Keeping up with the Joneses and following every new marketing scheme can make a person batty.

Technology has always brought advantages to hunting and fishing, but it’s now becoming a taskmaster. I’d counsel anyone not to let it suck the joy out of a simple hunt. Don’t get so bogged down staring at a 16-inch screen on a boat that the old man’s flat-bottom Jon gets forgotten. Bluetooth, 4K, 640p, and AI will rob conversation, simplicity, and skill from a trip, all while acting as a gatekeeper, driving away the younger generation.

Try turning the phone off. Lose the tracking applications. Cast into the downed trees without the Livescope directing you. Take the earbuds out, park the drone, and just enjoy. Life demands enough already. Electronic distractions are everywhere. Cut the power and get plugged in to what made you get hooked in the first place.