Bushnell's Secrets of the Hunt
September 18, 1999
A fellow named Dave Watson is hosting a new hunting show on TNN (The Nashville Network, currently airing Saturdays at 9 am Eastern Time). It's called "Bushnell's Secrets of the Hunt," for a couple of reasons: One, Bushnell is the show's primary sponsor, Two, this show makes an effort to offer you some real-life hunting tips in between the hunts they feature.
Dave Watson is an outspoken and publicly visible proponent of hunting. He apparently first came into the public eye as a singer and songwriter who performed with the Oakridge Boys, Lee Greenwood, Shenandoah and Mark Chestnutt. Watson writes the soundtrack to each episode of the show. He's a national spokesman for the Archery Shooter's Association, a staff shooter for Mathews Solocam, and a member of the pro staffs of Hunters Specialties, New Archery Products and Scout Mountain Equipment. This guy gets around!
Their format is something like this: Watson takes viewers on two hunts (for different species) in two different locations in each 30-minute show. Along the way, you'll find the action of the hunt punctuated by tips and techniques relating to the species and/or the terrain on which the hunt is taking place. There's a "Moment of Truth" in each episode, "dedicated to correcting misconceptions about hunting."
I viewed a sample episode, and basically liked the show. Watson can get a bit corny at times, what with trying for the down-home feel that every hunting show seems to want. It would be refreshing to see the folks in front of the camera acting naturally, but, as usual, unnecessary chatter often fills in the peaceful scenes while the game approaches, and you can easily tell that most of the things done and said on this show are scripted. From time to time, the interruptions for tips & techniques got a bit bothersome, as I was really intent on watching the hunt and rued any interruption. The forced air about Watson's monologues can be a bit disconcerting as well.
That said, what I did like was that these folks are willing to talk to you instead of at you; while I resented the interruptions of the hunts at times, the tips offered were practical and useful to someone hunting in similar conditions. This I find unique; most hunting shows I've seen before follow the standard prescription: Wait a while, kill something, shake some hands, show some advertisements, repeat as needed to fill time remaining. Bushnell's Secrets of the Hunt dares to deviate from this format, which is a good thing. Another positive aspect is that they are willing to show the hits. I know all the arguments for and against showing the prey being hit, and I, for one, am proud of them for standing up and not hiding the truth. This is the aspect of hunting shows that I find most interesting; I must always have them on tape, so I can watch the hits over in slow motion. I find it intriguing to watch the reactions to the various hits, since I'm learning more about the animals, and that's my goal.
To summarize: Set your VCR's and tape Bushnell's Secrets of the Hunt this Saturday (9am Eastern Time). Check it out for yourself. This show will show you more useful information than any other that I know of, so take advantage of it!
- Russ Chastain
