This could be a new day for predator hunters and hunting. Social upsets ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to mass protests and riots triggered by concerns over perceived institutional racism have combined, changing the basic precepts of our general society.

            As subversive and frustrating as such turmoil can be, the situation could represent an opportunity for there to be a new way hunters and predator hunting are perceived by non-hunters. Or not. It all depends on how predator hunters play the hand that has been dealt.

            Hunting in general and predator hunting are prime targets for anti-hunters who want to end all hunting everywhere, forever. Their persistence is not about to subside. If anything, they can be relied upon to crank up the pressure.

            In times such as these, the real question is whether the unaligned masses have an appetite to hear the lies of anti-hunters — or to hear them at all. The masses are focused on other things closer to their homes right now.

            The masses are afraid. Afraid of a virus they can’t see, but which could kill them and their loved ones. Afraid that subversive rioters could invade and ravage their homes and families. Afraid of the general unknown of the times.

            In response, there have been more first-time gun owners in the past few months than ever before in the republic’s history. These truly are historic times. This is a perfect time to think long term. Act now but think ahead. Think about the next 100 years, not next week.

            Predator hunters are a special breed of hunters in that we hunt the hunter rather than focusing on the hunted. We are part of the natural order. Predators dictate the dynamics of the hunt. There is every reason that predator hunters should dictate the dynamics of social discourse about hunting. It’s time to overwhelm the masses. It is time to consider who we can be in the bigger picture. Rightfully, we should be the lead dogs, the alphas who guide what happens rather than reacting to what happens to us.

            Historically, predator hunters have spent virtually all of their time hunting or getting ready to hunt. Social interaction hasn’t even been on the radar screen. How do we change that historical reality of being absent or not engaged? There are many ways, and it can start with something as simple as ganging-up.

            By nature, predator hunters are rugged individuals. It isn’t as natural for us to act in groups as it is for others, who literally are herd-focused prey in the natural hierarchy. But in nature, predators can and do gang-up when the situation dictates. Coyotes and other canines form packs when their combined numbers can make the difference between success and failure.

            In nature, failure to succeed can result in starvation and death. In society, failure to succeed can result in extinction. As predator hunters, we could become extinct. And it could happen quickly.

            Literally, this struggle is for all the marbles. There is no middle ground. Ultimately, one side will win and the other side will lose. To win, it takes strategic thinking and tactical action. Efforts must be focused at every level, all the way from local families and communities to national and global government levels.

            Individual predator hunters can make sure that those in their personal spheres understand that we are the good guys. There are valid reasons why we do what we do and represent a net benefit to society. Non-hunters do not know what we are about, and they won’t care if we don’t show them why they should.

            In addition to evangelizing within our own personal spheres of influence, we need to gang-up. This can happen via a local predator hunting club or by aligning with larger pro-hunting and pro-freedom organizations such as the National Rifle Association or Safari Club International. Those two groups do more to assure a future for the hunting culture than all other organizations combined.

            In the end, politics determine what society looks like. That means that becoming politically active is one of the primary ways to protect what is right, what is your right.

            Individually, predator hunters can help assure that able-thinking politicians are elected to town councils, county boards and school boards. Not only does that take care of local concerns, but all statewide and national political leaders started out at the local level. If the local level produces able-thinking politicians, then that will percolate to the top in future years.

When looking at the overall picture, it can be daunting, especially for those who have not engaged socially or politically in the past — no need to panic. We have not gotten to where we are overnight, and we’ll not win the ultimate battle tomorrow. It is an evolution that progresses one small step at a time.

What this means is that every predator hunter needs to do just one thing. Take one step. Once that is complete, take another step, do another thing. That is the pathway to success. And it needs to begin today. It all boils down to the question of who we are as predator hunters. Are we Alpha lead dog predators or whimpering prey? The future is in our hands right now, right here. It’s time to act.