It would be interesting to break this down further - "sportsman/sportswoman" or "bozo."
I'm not a hunter, but have a great deal of respect for the guys I see at my club who talk about one shot, clean kills and discuss the relative merits of calibers vs. game. Some of my favorite stories are the ones I hear about shots they DIDN'T take. I'd go hunting with them if they were hunting for something I like to eat. I know they enjoy the stalk - and clean and humane kill. It's a matter of character for them and I find it admirable, even though I don't partake in that aspect of our sport.
Unfortunately, I often hear bozos blasting away during deer season. And I see guys who are not club members come in for "sight in days." The club members help these guys not hurt themselves and lower the danger to those around them are really providing a public service. Many of the guys who come in for that one day are bozos. I regularly see people with the wrong caliber ammo, poor/dangerous handling, etc.
Similarly, I shoot competitively and when I'm not at a match, I practice as though I was at one. I get a great deal of pleasure over both improving my skills and beating good competitors. Part of the pleasure is getting beat by better competitors (especially guys older than me) because it gives me something to work towards. I help anyone who has a question or seeks advice - I bring extra equipment in case someone who's just starting out needs a hand.
On the other hand, I see "mall ninjas" (mostly) at the public ranges - guys can't shoot straight, wear inappropriate clothing, etc.
My favorite are the guys who wear semi-military clothing and swagger around when you can see that they've never been in shape in their lives - and the only service they've seen is on TV.
My point is that this board seems to be mostly "sportsmen and sportswomen." But I think it's the "bozos" with firearms which make us an easy "target" for politicians and eliminate our rights in the end.
