Can I get a witness?

 

” What we really need is to increase our membership base, mainly to increase the size of our advocacy base.” – Chris Hunt, TU Communications Director

Last night, it was more than clear that any misconceptions I’ve had about TU’s leadership were unfounded. As we sat around swatting giant “skeeters” and braving the chilly night air, the prevailing theme was naturally conservation. And you’d expect that from a TU group – but what you may not expect is the amount of passion that drives these men to work so hard in conserving cold water fisheries. And you know, you may assume that too – that anyone working for a conservation organzation would be “passionate” about their cause – but it goes beyond that, really. That was clear from the many conversations taking place on this, the very first night of the TU Tour. Small groups of bloggers and TU employees (obviously excited as much about saving good fishing and hunting for future generations as they were about a weekend of fishing together) talked about land use issues, invasive species, best practices, and yes even water conditions and fishing possibilities for the weekend.

We bloggers were treated to an “up close and personal”  briefing on the issues facing cold water fisheries here in Montana and the country as a whole. It wasn’t a sales pitch. It wasn’t some formal line-by-line talking points presentation. It was better than that and a welcome introduction to the weekend event. I’d like to tell you that I remembered the minute details of the talks, but since this isn’t Up the Pooder, Mike’s Gone Fishing, or The Tailout or I’ll just hope you don’t expect too much in the way of minute details. As you know, that’s pretty much more brain-power than I can muster most days.

What I will tell you is that the instant friendships were unexpected. Sure, you expect to get along with these guys – after all, they’re

anglers, hunters, outdoorsmen. My kind of people, even if I was the only guy NOT wearing Jesus sandals and talking with a funny accent. ( They said I had the accent, but I don’t know what they’re talking about….) But they’re also regular guys. Didn’t think TU had “regular guys?” Surprise.

Lodge owner: ” I caught this one with my spinning reel, just edit that out…haha..”

TU guys: “Hey, fishing is fishing.”

Someone even mentioned that they thought we should actually be keeping a few more fish and eating them. The times, they are a …well, you know….

I think there’s an image out there, whether warranted or not ( probably not in the most general sense) that TU members, leadership and volunteers are those “snobby fly fishermen” you heard about when you first got into fly fishing. ( Or maybe if you’re not into fly fishing?) Turns out, not only are they regular guys (doing extraordinary work out here in Montana and elsewhere), but they are extremely passionate about the future of cold-water fisheries for their children and grandchildren. And quite honestly, the future of cold-water fisheries for YOUR children and grandchildren.

We’re all sitting here eating breakfast together, and five minutes before the chowing started I asked them what they expected out of us, the bloggers. Obviously, I’m not going to let a free trip influence what I write about the event. That’s just not me. You guys know that by now. If this sounds like a bunch of “back-scratching” because the TU guys have been so gracious to have us up here to “God’s Country” for a little fellowship and fishing, you should know that it’s absolutely not.

So what do they want? What do they expect out of this? Why are we here? The reason is incredibly simple, yet profound.

They want us to let you know that they’re not just working for trout, trout rivers, and habitat conservation ( although they are working hard for all that), but that they’re working for the bigger picture – and that they’re trying their level-best to do it in the right way….with a balance between conservation and preservation, environmentalism and sportsman’s issues.

No offense to your grand-dad or his friends, TU members or not - but this ain’t your grand-daddy’s Trout Unlimited. This modern, in-touch manifestation of TU that we’re experiencing this weekend is more open, more inclusive and more friendly than ever before. You can feel it. They’re “real” people, open to discussion from all sides and they’re simply looking for help from their fellow anglers.

A little help for coldwater habitat, so that your kids can enjoy the trout fishing, the woods and the water that we enjoy today…and sometimes take for granted. If you can help – you won’t find a more grateful, sincere and passionate and bunch of guys…

Trout Unlimited

Montana Trout Unlimited

 

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