“How better to address the question ‘Does hunting make us human?’ than to live the hunting life fully, unconscientiously, ethically and unapologetically? To teach by lived example, with humility and without regret, that all life feeds on death, including, eventually, our own.” – Mary Zeiss Stange
I used to go into the woods and imagine that I was the first to walk on a piece of ground and my footprints were the first to leave their mark. I was drawn to the idea of pristine wilderness. My imagination was romanced by the possibility that I was the first human to walk or paddle a place. I would see footprints from a past hiker and feel somehow disappointed or… Read More
Category: Personal Reflections Tags: Backcountry, Darwin, Hiking, Hunter recruitment, hunting stories, Nature, Nature-culture, Steven Rinella, stories
Forgotten gear, soaked clothing, cold hands, even a minor oversight in preparation can turn a backcountry trip uncomfortable. In most cases, discomfort is not life-threatening and a little bit of suffering adds a little poeticism to the story. However, there can be a fine line between the discomfort we come to expect in the backcountry and the kind of discomfort that can eventually distract us from looking for animals, interfere with sleep,… Read More
Category: Practical Matters Tags: Backcountry, Gear, Gear tips, Hiking, Merino
I had been working on an article for a great new magazine called Homegrown Hunter published by a friend of mine, Steve Elmy, who owns and runs Rack Stacker. I started this article back in January 2015 for inclusion in the next year’s issue of HGH. Unfortunately, the magazine has been put on hold, but I would suggest everyone check out the accompanying web show. Being that we are heading out on our first moose… Read More
Category: Personal Reflections Tags: Backcountry, Camping, Canada, Hunting, Moose, Wildlife photography