The Pursuit of Huntingness

These words are the mere ramblings of an amateur that has experienced some things. Don't confuse this with wisdom, as I am simply trying to provoke your thinking beyond the glamour shots and pageantry within our current society. Be honest with yourself and do things that feel right based on reasoning driven from integrity not false expectations. This is truly owning a result and reflecting on lessons learned that lead to the planning of your next adventure. Hopefully this gives you a voice someday to inspire those who might listen to your own stories.

Trophy hunter, meat hunter, bow hunter, trad hunter, long-range hunter, fit hunter, fat hunter, high fence, low fence, no fence and the dozens of other pointless labels that we create to associate ourselves with accomplishments further create division in what should be a thriving community. It seems like the reason for how we hunt has become more important than the hunt itself. Whether you're exploring interests, decorating walls, and/or filling freezers, those byproducts are only secondary to the fact that it's okay to want to kill something to feed your soul and remember your quarry's sacrifice for generations to come.

Hunting has dramatically evolved over the past 2 to 3 decades for one primary reason: monetary gain. There, I said it and I hope to convince you that this is a good thing... Not only do the animals have a value resulting in worth and protection, but the industry is comprised of multi billion dollar markets siloed into categories defined by a sense of ruggedness, a level of self reliance, and the pursuit of something fulfilling to break away from the normality and everyday comforts of the modern world. The glory of the era of hunting to live from our great, great grandparents' generation which resulted in the near extinction of wildlife is long gone; thankfully the resource and activity has shifted to a sporting nature resembling a hobby and for some - a lifestyle. However this shift in culture is not a new phenomenon as it blends primal nature with pursuits that were reserved almost exclusively for nobility only two centuries ago. Accessibility, purposeful conservation, and quality content are driving people's interests resulting in more competition, technological advancements, and evolving opportunities within the industry. 

Hunting is not just the act in and of itself, rather it is the journey resulting in a potential intersection in time with your game and the aftermath which is celebrated and in most cases: earned. Everyone’s Pursuit of Happiness is different and I am proud to stand in unwavering support of their accomplishments when taken in good taste within the confines of conservation regulations. We all start somewhere, but the result is nearly the same. Every hunt has a story: the animals have a say, the weather has a say, and your preparation has a say.

This is what hunting proper is all about.