A Call to Unity: Let’s Be as Game as Our Roosters

To our fellow gamefowl breeders, cockers, and true-blue enthusiasts across America—There comes a time in every fight when retreat is no longer an option. That time is now. As a lifelong cocker and breeder who has seen the golden years of our sport and now watches its decline, I write this not out of despair, but out of defiance—and with hope.

For too long, we’ve allowed ourselves to be divided. Not by outsiders, but from within—by jealousy, greed, and pride. We’ve whispered rumors instead of seeking truth. We’ve guarded bloodlines instead of mentoring the next generation. We’ve stayed silent while animal rights extremists like PETA and ASPCA marched in numbers, shaping the narrative, enacting bans, and painting us as villains.

This isn’t just about birds. It’s about heritage. About freedom. About standing up instead of bowing down. Let’s not become cattle, obedient and afraid. Let’s be game—like the birds we raise.
Terry shaw

I remember the battles to save Oklahoma cockfighting, standing shoulder to shoulder with real warriors of the sport like Bobby Fairchild. But even then, many of the “big names” chose silence over sacrifice. And when the heat came, too many scattered. They weren’t as game as the roosters they raised.

This is not a rant. This is a wake-up call.

We are now at a critical point. Laws are tightening. Shipping is under threat. The next generation is being denied the right to connect with our heritage. The fight is closing in from California to Kentucky, and if we remain fragmented, our legacy will fade into history books.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Let’s learn from the animal rights groups. They organize, rally, and fundraise. Why aren’t we doing the same? Why aren’t we standing by the thousands? Why don’t we have lawyers on retainer? Why aren’t we calling out their hypocrisy—documenting their own animal abuses, exposing their double standards?

If we truly love this way of life, then it’s time to protect it—with unity, strategy, and action.

Let’s bring back the gatherings—the heart of our community. Not just derbies, but real get-togethers where we can break bread, build bonds, and rally for the future. I’m willing to host one in the Midwest. Central. Accessible. Let’s talk, plan, and show the world we’re still here—proud and united.

Let’s reach out to the youth. Mentor them. Share bloodlines, knowledge, and the values that come with raising gamefowl: discipline, patience, respect for nature. My own daughter grew up in the sport. She went on to college, got a degree in biology, never once got in trouble. Cockfighting didn’t ruin her. It helped raise her right.

Let’s stop turning on each other. If you hear something—ask. Don’t gossip. Don’t accuse. Rumors have done more damage to this community than any government raid.

This isn’t just about birds. It’s about heritage. About freedom. About standing up instead of bowing down. Let’s not become cattle, obedient and afraid. Let’s be game—like the birds we raise.

If you’re a young breeder, reach out—I’ll help. And I challenge every elder in this sport to find at least one young man or woman to mentor. Share your blood. Share your story. Share your strength.

It’s not too late. But it soon will be.

United, we still have a chance. Divided, we’re already done.

Let’s not go down without showing our spurs.

Respectfully,

A Fellow Cocker Who Refuses to Quit
Terry Shaw

About Post Author

Mhar Delaben

See author's posts