I have mixed opinions on this topic. Although I do think that it is the viewer or the public perception that these guys are the elite when it comes to hunting. I don't think many of the TV personalities would claim that they are better hunters than someone who isn't on TV, but doing what they do for a living has opened up opportunities that some of the Joes wouldn't have (much like any profession). There are quite a few guys that are 100% legit on TV though and have been killing animals since they were young kids (i.e. Tom Miranda). It's pretty easy to see that america has a infatuation with television and the people who they see on it. Look at the Hollywood hype and the people that are famous for doing nothing, yet people are obsessed with them. This has trickled over to the hunting world and isn't going away. And that's not all bad. Our sport is publicized more now than ever and I think MOST of the shows do a pretty good job of showing our sport in a positive light.
So yeah, I agree that alot of the hatred is coming from within the hunting world and stems from jealousy, but that is the way it is in just about any walk of life or any endeavor that someone takes on. There is always someone who kills bigger deer or makes more money or has more toys. People need to relax and remember that these shows are supposed to be for entertainment and not everyone on TV is going to do things the way that YOU do. I don't shotgun hunt, but I don't turn off the TV everytime I see someone gun hunting.
Point is.... These guys on TV are there because that's what they wanted to do for a living. Is it frustrating to see some of them doing things differently than you would...sure. Is it frustrating that half of the shows or videos you watch are loaded with no talent wannabies that really don't know how to hunt they just think it's cool to be on TV... sure, but there are alot of really people that are really good for the future of hunting and the awareness of what we all love to do. Heck if you are on this website, you are contributing to the commercialization of the sport. I love the fact that I can sit down in my chair and watch people killing animals on TV at any givin time. Thats' the way America should be, and some of you need to remember that TV and internet has made it so much easier to lobby against the anti's out there. It comes down to the fact that even if you don't like these people (Raglin), he's still a hunter and is on OUR side. :way: Who really gives a chit if he likes to shoot his deer in a fence?