I think there's a big difference between being a celebrity within the hunting community (which is fairly small in the grand scheme of things) and being a true celebrity. As others said - if you go into the public at large and are recognized and asked for photos, autographs, etc you are a celebrity. Most folks in the hunting industry - even some of the biggest names - wouldn't be recognized if they walked into a restaurant in 90% of this country. The same holds true for every other hobby/leisure driven niche as well - fishing, motocross, etc. Guys who fish know who Kevin Van Dam and Mike Iaconelli are. People who don't have no idea. They are celebrities within their field. When someone says they're "in the industry" it's typically code for "I'm a ******bag". Those guys are usually just looking to get something for free or to make a name for themself.
I think Britt McHenry with ESPN is much more of a celebrity now than she ever wanted to be. You know that 15 minutes of fame can certainly be fleeting.
How about some off the public figure pages on Facebook? 90% off the invites I see I think who the **** is that?
I love it!!! Every Tom, Rick, and Harry that owns a Sony handy cam is in "the industry". They "film" their hunt and thank every manufacturer under the sun and throw it on Facebook and see how many "likes" they can get. Instant hunting celebrity. TV has ruined hunting as I knew it! SCFox
Hehehe this made me chuckle...I know of a few guys on YouTube like that. One in particular wants to be Ted Nugent so bad he can't stand it....but in his defence in the last 4 years of having a "hunting" YouTube channel he has killed one button buck:p
Celebrities are few and far between in the Industry and are usually glorified prostitutes to the highest bidder...rarely is it based on their skill or ability to get things done as those guys are typically (not always) not the best in front of the camera or about advertising....for example some of the best in the business in my opinion are Jeff Sturgis, Bill Vale, Jim Brauker, Charles Alsheimer and a handful of others. Those guys get it done and have for years...yet lack that knack for being a televised advertiser which you must be to be a big time celebrity....don't get me wrong I love watching guys like Potts and Waddell hunt but they're a different breed from the ones I listed.
Dan Infault may by the only guy that did it all on ability and hard work rather than selling products. Dude is a machine.
Brad I will agree with you that Dan gets it done but does many people that are not from Wisconsin and die hard bowhunters know who he is? If he walked thru the big show in Harrisburg or the Dixie Classic would a high percentage know who he was?
My favorite well known whitetail hunter/author is Bill Winke. I've been reading his articles for many years and have learned much.
I think to some degree. He has gotten a fairly big name. But perhaps not celebrity status. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I will say this and remember its only my opinion. The SPORT is and always will be a SPORT. Those that get a check from a company that sells products, produces material to promote a product, or sells services directly involved in the SPORT can call it a "industry". Lets compare it to a sports car. Just because you have a fast car don't make you in the sports car industry. However, if you build for profit, race, market, or sell them, you could say you were. As for the "Celebrity" status thing. You and I can refer to the those in the industry that is widely known because of the fame he or she has gained in their accomplishments but if a person throws around they are a celebrity I would say they are just screaming hey "look at me". Kinda crazy if you ask me. Last I checked they put their pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us. The thing that pushes me away from most of the people that stand in the spot light is their arrogance. I am not saying all "celebrities" in the hunting INDUSTRY are arrogant. I am just saying I really don't care for the ones that are. A lot of people have a huge misconception of what being sponsored is, what it takes, and the responsibilities tied to the sponsorship agreement. I could go on and on about it but that's a completely different topic. Bottom line, those in the industry cannot forget or put themselves above those in the sport, because its the sport side of hunting that makes it a successful industry.
Just for future reference, what "industry" should I say I'm in? You know... in the event someone asks? :D
Call it what you want I guess. But it what it is noun, plural industries for 1, 2, 7. 1. the aggregate of manufacturing or technically productive enterprises in a particular field, often named after its principal product: the automobile industry; the steel industry. 2. any general business activity; commercial enterprise: Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There is the difference that defines the D-bag, I believe that you would answer the question when asked, the D-bag doesn't wait to be asked they make the point of making sure anyone they talk to knows that they are in the hunting industry.
