Well for me there are two questions and two answers.
Why did I join ?
Because I miss spending time hunting and fishing like I used to.
I still do those things, just not nearly as much as I used to. Life got complicated and so I can't get out as often as I used to. I hoped this would help me feel like I was out there.
So why do I stay?
Many reasons.
#1 because I found what I was looking for, sort of.
It's not all wine and roses here, but it does fill that void that not being able to get out there much, leaves.
#2. I have met some real interesting, some real cool, and some real nice folks here.
#3 Even though I still don't get out any more then I did before joining, I am involved in hunting, trapping and fishing much more now, by sharing ideas, experiences and knowledge, what little I have.
#4 even though some times people say things that get me riled, such comments also get me thinking. That gets me to studying, reading researching and from that I learn. I like to learn.
#5 I love the photos, even those I do not comment on.
One thing though. Spending time here has also raised a bit of a quandary for me. See I am a nature nut, a Bird lover, a tree hugger in a way.
I don't enjoy killing anymore. But I do enjoy hunting and shooting.
More then that, I enjoy eating wild edibles, be they plant, animal or mushroom. I have no problem taking a life of an animal for a purpose, but I don't enjoy it.
However, part of me says one can not love animals and kill them for any reason. Maybe I'm not a animal or bird lover, maybe I just admire them for what they are. I don't know, but for me, it feels conflicted.