They don’t make men like they used to. Nowadays, most young men spend their extra time in front of the computer playing endless online games or just surfing the internet. If they’re not cooped up indoors, most are out with their friends getting sloshed or burning tire marks on streets. It seems that today’s young men are no longer interested in pursuing the hobbies or interests that made our forefathers the men that they are now. Here are five hobbies that used to be the favorite pastime men, both young and old.
Fishing
Fishing is defined as the activity of trying to catch fish in the wild. Different techniques are employed in order to catch fish and these include hand gathering, spearing, netting, trapping, and the most common form, angling. Fishing was mainly used to find food, however, fishing has now evolved to become a very popular recreational pastime. In 2011, 69 million recreational fishing trips were recorded to have been taken in the United States alone.
Recreational fishing is commonly done with a rod, reel, line, hooks and baits. Other devices, such as a terminal tackle, can be used and these affect or complement the presentation of the bait to the targeted fish. Terminal tackles can come in the form of weights, floats and swivels. Serious fishing hobbyist oftentimes make their own handmade tackles and use materials such as plastic lures, and artificial flies.
When going fishing, make sure you read up on the prevailing fishing rules and regulations in your region. In some areas, there are rules about catching and releasing fish back into the wild to protect and sustain certain game species. This practice is quite common among recreational fishermen.
Camping
Camping is an activity where the campers leave their homes or the city to spend some time outdoors to enjoy nature. Lodging while at camp may be in the form of a tent, caravan, motor home or cabin. More serious campers, such as the survivalist campers, opt to stay in more primitive structures such as lean-tos.
Usually, the camp basically serves as a base point, and campers go out and participate in a wide range of other activities that can be done in and around the area. Some of these activities include canoeing, climbing, fishing, hiking (or tramping), backpacking and hunting. However if you just want to read a book and commune with nature while you’re at camp, you can most definitely do so.
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any animals, usually wildlife, by humans. In the past, hunting was done predominantly to provide food. Nowadays, hunting is regulated and is done primarily for recreation, and to some extent, for trade. Hunters generally use guns to catch their prey, and regulations specify the caliber or muzzle energy of the firearms used. In most cases, rifles are not permitted due to safety reasons.
Some hunters prefer to use silencers on their hunting guns to reduce noise when shooting prey. The practice of using silencers is highly contested with supporters of each side giving valid reasons to justify their stance.
Woodworking
Woodworking is simply the process of building, making or carving something out of wood. In the past, woodworkers used to rely on the kind of wood that is readily available in their region, however, due to improvements in transport and communications, craftsmen are now able to work with more exotic materials.
Woodworkers generally work with three basic types of wood: (1) hardwood which is typified by tight grain and comes from broad-leaf trees, such as maple, birch, and elm; (2) softwood which comes from coniferous trees, trees that bear cones and have needle-like leaves – typical of pine trees; and (3) man-made materials such as plywood, and Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF). Since big chunks of good quality hardwood and softwood can be expensive or difficult to secure, most wood workers prefer to use plywood and other man made products to create their artwork.
Marksmanship
Marksmanship is probably considered as one of the most “masculine” of all masculine hobbies. Marksmanship is loosely defined as having a skill in shooting, and a marksman is one who is skilled at shooting at a target. It is not easy to become a good marksman. This sport requires strong concentration and a steady hand – both of which can only be acquired through years of practice. Those interested to be better marksmen can start their journey by joining shooting clubs in their local community where newbies can rent firearms while trying out the waters.
Individuals who have seriously taken up marksmanship as a sport usually have their own firearms. If you feel that marksmanship is the sport you would like to focus on, and want to start building your own collection of firearms, you can go online and look for places that sell the firearm you want to specialize in. Most online stores have sections or pages where you can browse the handguns for sale. If you want more power, most sites also offer rifles for sale.
Remember, however, that if you are going to purchase firearms, you have to keep these in a safe and secure place, and if you want to practice your skills – do this in the shooting range, not in your backyard.
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Preston Cooper Is a professional blogger that provides information and advice on firearms. He writes for Fire Arms For You, the top place to find handguns for sale and rifles for sale online.