Mountain Hunter Magazine Fall 2020

FIRST ONE EVER! Also featuring...

MY BIRTHDAY BILLY BOW HUNTER ODYSSEY MACKENZIE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE Vol. 31 | Issue 3

DISPLAY UNTIL

DECEMBER 31, 2020

$

8.95

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Mountain Hunter is the official publication of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC), Association of Mackenzie Mountains Outfitters and Yukon Outfitters Association.

FEATURE STORY

Articles, photos, editorial submissions, comments and letters to the editor should be sent to:

FIRST ONE EVER! George Lawrence

MOUNTAIN HUNTER: c/o GOABC, #103 – 19140 28th Avenue Surrey, British Columbia Canada V3Z 6M3

ON THE COVER

Tel: (604) 541-6332 Fax: (604) 541-6339 E-mail: programs@goabc.org www.MountainHunterMagazine.com

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www.facebook.com/mountainhuntermagazine @MtnHunterMag

George Lawrence with Stone sheep guided by Terminus Mountain Outfitters

@mountainhuntermagazine

MOUNTAIN HUNTER is published three times a year by the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia 2 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

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50

MACKENZIE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

PILLAR LIFE MEMBERSHIP FEATURE

BOW HUNTER ODYSSEY

MY BIRTHDAY BILLY

Dallas Kaiser

GOABC

Michael Cummings

Michelle Flugel

All prices include tax.

SEAN OLMSTEAD MICHAEL SCHNEIDER FRASER MACDONALD DOUG MCMANN KEN ROBINS MATT LEUENBERGER MICHAEL YOUNG LEIF OLSEN

President Past-President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Director Director Director Director

LOCAL PRESIDENTS: STEWART FRASER SCOTT PICHETTE AARON FREDLUND COLIN NIEMEYER SHANA DENNIS BEN STOURAC MELVIN KILBACK RILEY LEUENBERGER MIKE LEWIS STAFF: SCOTT ELLIS JENNIFER JOHNSON BRENDA GIBSON CRAIG SWEETMAN BRENDA NELSON

Cariboo Chilcotin North Central(Omineca) Northern (Peace) Northwest (Skeena) Tahltan Guide & Outfitter Assoc.

Thompson Okanagan Southern (Kootenay) Vancouver Island/South Coast

Executive Director Executive Assistant & Member Services Communications & Special Projects Consumer Marketing Director Content Quality Oversight

DEPARTMENTS 2

GOABC President’s Corner

44

Conservation MattersTM

3

News & Views

60

Fair Chase Kitchen

6

Preferred Conservation Partners

62

A Different Perspective

30

Highlight of the Hunt

ADVERTISERS Ambler’s Bighorn Country Guiding................................58 Arcadia Outfitting..................10 Bar WK Ranch Outfitters.......11 BC Trophy Mountain Outfitters............................33

(403) 357-8414 HAROLD GRINDE KELLY HOUGEN WERNER ASCHBACHER

President Past-President Secretary

(867) 668-4118 MAC WATSON CHRIS MCKINNON SHAWN WASEL

President Past-President Executive Director

Depositphotos.com: amykmitchell, MennoSchaefer, Rangizzz, iger_barb, harrybeugelink@gmail.com, romankosolapov

Beaverfoot Outfitting..........20 Bonnet Plume Outfitters......20

Gana River Outfitters...........58

Mervyn’s Yukon Outfitting...21

GOABC - Who Cares?...........49

Okanagan Outfitters.............43

Grand Slam Club/Ovis...........32

Raven’s Throat Outfitters....11

Gundahoo River Outfitters...21

Safari Club International....IFC

Horst Mindermann (Remax)............................48

Scoop Lake Outfitters..........9

Kenetrek Boots.....................IBC

SITKA Gear...............................5 South Nahanni Outfitters......20

Boone & Crockett Club...........48

Kettle River Guides & Outfitters...........................33

Bugle Basin Outfitters..........43

Krieghoff International.......9

Cariboo Mountain Outfitters...21

Love Bros. & Lee.....................10

Terminus Mountain Outfitters...........................OBC

Dallas Safari Club................19

Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters...........................33

Tuchodi River Outfitters........11

Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters...........................10 Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters.............................20

McCowans Sporting Properties............................10

Sports Afield............................42 Stone Glacier............................43

Wild Sheep Foundation..........59 Yukon Big Game Outfitters.....58

McGregor River Outfitters...21

All rights reserved. Articles and advertising in Mountain Hunter do not necessarily reflect the view or directions of GOABC. GOABC reserves to the right to refuse any advertisements.

Printed in Canada by Dollco Print Solutions Group Designed in Canada by PG Web Designs Ltd.

MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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GOABC PRESIDENT’S CORNER Spring transitions to summer and summer to fall. Year over year, the life of the outfitter is predictable with its patterns of preparation, execution, and recovery. This year, however, has disrupted the usual process in almost every way imaginable (and some not), yet presented new opportunities too. It has been up to each one of us to decide which ones we’ve chosen to take.

When I first became president of the GOABC, I expressed my ranking of priorities to the membership: Family first, business second, then GOABC. I believe most people prioritize the same way that I do. Day to day, however, the lines can become blurred. This crazy COVID year has given me the opportunity to delineate and give each of these three important parts of my life the attention it deserves.

To say I enjoy time with my family is an understatement.

Our outings, adventures and shenanigans always create incredible memories, and I am grateful to have had more time to invest in this area of life. I’ve never been home with them like this at this time of the year. We’ve made the most of it and will cherish these unique memories throughout our lifetimes.

I’ve also taken the chance to reevaluate the business in ways I’ve never been able to before. When I entered outfitting, I had certain reasons and goals. The sudden suspension of the usual day in, day out has allowed me to work on our business, instead of in it. I’ve had some deep conversations with all of my family and had time to take stock of what the 35 years of investment have produced. Have we achieved the goals we’ve aimed to? Are we living the lifestyle we dreamed of when we hitched our wagon to this star? And how can we best leverage this downtime to level up and make Prophet Muskwa even better in the years ahead?

The GOABC family has been part of my life for many years.

I am proud to see how the members, board, and staff have drawn closer to face this challenge together. I’ve heard it said that, although we are all in the same storm, we are each in a different boat. Each outfitting operation is unique and every one of us has come at the current challenges from our unique perspective, with our own unique strengths. Although the board discussed issuing a blanket recommendation regarding client deposits, in the end we agreed that everyone needed to do what was best for their operation, their family, and their

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

Sean Olmstead & Family President, GOABC

clients. It has been so gratifying to hear the many stories of how everyone affected has been working together to find productive paths through this that work for everybody.

Something tells me that we’ve got a way to go yet. However, I believe if we keep a steady hand on the rudder, we’ll make it through – stronger together and better for having taken the time to focus on what matters.

Our Vision A province with a strong and stable guide outfitting industry and abundant wildlife populations for all to enjoy, both today and in the future.

Our Mission As passionate advocates for wildlife, the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia is the recognized voice of the guide outfitting family. With integrity and professionalism, GOABC promotes the conservation, stewardship and sustainable use of wildlife.

Wildlife FIRST

TM

NEWS &

VIEWS

Here we are, rolling into the fall – typically the most exciting and anticipated time of our year here in British Columbia – and the international borders remain closed. Despite our grandest efforts, it is most likely that they will stay this way for the rest of this incredible year.

The past five months have been a blur. The GOABC has been working tirelessly on the ever-expanding COVID-19 file since mid-March. The wins have been few and far between, but we take them where we can get them!

We were proud to be one of the first sectors in BC to deliver on the Minister of Tourism’s request for an industry Best Practices document. This comprehensive document has been circulated throughout all levels of provincial and national government, receiving high praise. Even more important – BC outfitters are eager to demonstrate their ability to deliver on their enhanced protocols. Our businesses can operate under these conditions while still delivering the safe and quality experiences that British Columbia is known for. The fly in the ointment – clients being able to pass through the border and complete their 14-day self-quarantine as mandated by Canada’s Quarantine Act. As British Columbians, we are proud of the collective good work done by residents to “flatten the curve” and keep our province safe. We look forward to the day when the threat of COVID-19 has passed, and the international borders can be softened.

Hunters know firsthand that the outfitting industry is unique in that most activities take place in wilderness isolation by design, with no contact with nearby Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities. Therefore, the remoteness of guide outfitting operations provides the ideal opportunity to gradually introduce international tourism back into our province, when safe to do so.

We support the Alternative Self-Isolation Plan approved by the Yukon government in late July where clients can selfisolate for 14-days while simultaneously participating in the activity they came to do (fish or hunt). We have lobbied the Province to approve the same plan here. Obviously, this would be done safely and in a manner that conforms to all orders and guidelines of the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC. We have stressed to government that without some flexibility where travelers can isolate, and some alleviation to the border closure, more emphasis will need to be on Federal and Provincial aid. The outfitting sector requires support in order

Scott Ellis, Executive Director, GOABC

to survive and recover from the current situation.

We have received encouraging signals from government on our allocation and waiving-of-fees asks and are looking forward to continued meaningful engagement with government.

Families all throughout rural British Columbia are relying upon government’s support – and collaborative dealings with their clients. As a sector, we have been very proactive in going to government with well-formulated solutions and have worked hard to prepare our operations. We will continue to do so until these COVID days are behind us.

Straight shooting and safe travels.

MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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NEWS & VIEWS I am writing today from my home in Alberta. Thanks to COVID19 and travel restrictions, I am home in July for the first time in 24 years. There are some positive things about being here, but my heart is really up at our base camp in the beautiful Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories (NWT). I have been doing all I possibly can to try to get some clients to camp this summer but so far, to no avail. Our NWT government and especially our chief public health officer are totally against taking any risk by allowing non-essential travel into the NWT. I could go on about how much I believe that approach is wrong but will not bother at this time. What I do want to talk about Harold Grinde, President, Association of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters

is some positives. I will soon be allowed to go up to camp with a few of our crew and do some much-needed repair and maintenance. Hopefully, the bears have not moved into the cookshack yet!

What I really want to do is to commend all of the clients who have been so supportive

and understanding through this very difficult time. Each and every one has been amazing to deal with. Even though they would very much love to be able to come on their hunts this year, they understand that we have done all we can to make that happen, but in the end, it is out of our hands and just not going to happen. I appreciate each and every one of you and thank you for your steadfast support. This is why I love this industry—the people we deal with are simply amazing. I have not had one single client want his deposit back—they just all want to come and hunt next year. God bless each and every one of you!

The rams will be a year older and a year bigger next year!

Good Hunting!

May you live in interesting times! Normal seems so long ago. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating effect on global travel, tourism, and of course outfitted hunting. Within the Yukon Outfitters Association (YOA) we are persevering and working hard to enable some COVID-19 safe hunting to occur and ensure that our crew remains employed and doing what they love. Globally, all outfitters have been impacted. Within the YOA, we have been working continuously with health officials and others to develop COVID-19 safe operating practices to enable some outfitting to occur this season. The reduced number of clients has enabled a shift in tasks towards maintenance, upgrades, exploring new hunting grounds, and further refining our operations to be ready for resumption to efficient and full operations Mac Watson, President, Yukon Outfitters Association

once international travel resumes.

As professionals in the outfitting industry, we remain committed to top-notch operations. The safety of our clients and crew is paramount, especially during this pandemic. We ask that our international hunters be patient; as outfitters, we remain

focused on providing them with their Yukon adventure as soon as it becomes safe to do so. If you have an adventure already booked, or are contemplating one in the near future, communicate with your outfitter to schedule around the ever-changing world of COVID-19.

Hunters and outfitters are a resilient bunch and one lesson we have all embraced in the experience of hunting is “always have a Plan B.” We shall persevere and be as ready as ever to be a part of your Yukon adventure.

Stay safe and happy trails.

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

WILD SHEEP FOUNDATION

tunnel.

Summer 2020

resilient lot. We thrive on overcoming (Memoranda of Understanding).

DSC and the International Council adversity. We’re working together and

Hunters and anglers are a

number of partnerships by way of MOUs

An American friend posted a hilarious we’ll take care of each other and our meme a few months back on social industry.

for Game and Wildlife Conservation

As for WSF, we are working with

their partnership to benefit wildlife

outfitters, clients, state, provincial,

conservation, and support sustainable

media that read:

“I bet Canada feels like they live in the apartment above a meth lab.”

As an American I had to laugh but also lament on the truth of it. From a disproportionate infection rate of COVID-19, sickening civil unrest, destruction of public property, urban chaos, to a cultural (or cancel culture) revolution all on top of the typical American presidential election-year antics and follies, living north of the 48th parallel must feel like living above a meth lab.

All jokes aside, the past five-to-six months have been a challenge at best for our industry – especially the guide outfitting community dependent on foreign ecotourism.

We all learned mid-July that the Canada/USA border will remain closed

tribal and territorial agencies to work wildlife use and the livelihoods of rural through the border closure challenges and Indigenous people. and the effects on hunts and trips booked as well as the risks to the conservation dollars generated. We are working on our January 13-16, 2021 convention

scenarios of knowns and unknowns for our exhibitors, donors and attendees.

Rest assured, there will be a Sheep Show in January 2021. And while it may look a bit different than prior years, we are excited and confident for the future.

Be strong, be safe, and stay healthy...we are sheep and mountain hunters. We’ve got this.

Gray N. Thornton, President & CEO

MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

partnership

provides

the

opportunity to leverage the combined reach and influence of DSC’s and CIC’s knowledge, programs, and networks

management. DSC and CIC will work diligently on all matters impacting hunters internationally.

DSC Executive Director, Corey Mason, stated, “CIC is an institution in the international

conservation

arena.

DSC is greatly looking forward to this partnership and the significant results that our combined efforts will bear.”

Also this past summer, DSC and the Property and Environment Research Center

(PERC)

signed

an

MOU,

formalizing their partnership to further conservation efforts. The goal of the MOU is to advance the missions of

As part of a long-range strategic DSC and PERC through collaboration,

But there is light at the end of the plan, DSC has recently entered into a

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This

and various options on how it will be to effectively guide policy in a way conducted. We are working on what-if that encourages science-based wildlife

to August 21st. Sadly, the closure is likely DALLAS SAFARI CLUB to extend beyond August and into the fall DSC Signs Memoranda of with the result being a significant loss of Understanding with Key Partners a major component of GOABC members’ business. We are all feeling the pain.

(CIC) signed a joint MOU, formalizing

communication and interaction between

COVID-19. It goes without saying we are

exhibitor partners.

the two organizations. strategize

living in uncertain and unprecedented

ways in which to protect and advance DSC Renews Partner, Title

times. The coronavirus has created a

policies that enhance conservation at Sponsorship with Sports Afield

huge crippling and hurtful impact on

the state, federal, and international

our economy.

Both

organizations

will

level. Further, both organizations will support research activities that uphold rights of sovereign nations to manage their natural resources, support rural livelihoods,

and

protect

legal

and

regulated hunting as a conservation tool.

DSC looks forward to working with PERC on environmental policy and engagement, and enhancing the efforts of both organizations for the benefit of people and wildlife across the world.

DSC Convention Dates Changed

Since

2009,

wildlife

conservation,

education, and ethical hunting have been the beneficiaries of an ongoing partnership between Sports Afield, the premier big-game hunting adventure magazine, international

and

DSC,

a

conservation

premier orga-

nization. A new five-year agreement, 2021 through the 2025 show, will

Many businesses and

companies are suffering. The hunting industry is no exception.

Outfitters,

hunters, and wildlife conservation organizations are facing stiff headwinds.

Jimmy Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

All of us stakeholders will be adjusting

our sails while we navigate through continue the partnership well into these tumultuous times. the next decade. As a result of the Outfitters and hunters alike are a tough,

agreement, Sports Afield will continue resilient bunch. We’ve experienced to be the title sponsor of DSC’s annual hardships before – and we’ll endure convention. Over the past decade, the more in the future. Joshua J. Marine

show has grown exponentially as a was quoted, “Challenges are what make DSC result of the combined marketing efforts life interesting and overcoming them is Convention has been moved from of both groups. what makes life meaningful.” Realizing January to February 11-14. Considering Please mark your calendars and make we are all in this together, we will get the COVID-19 pandemic and the plans to join DSC in Dallas on February through these rough times by working Save

the

date!

The

2021

restrictions

on travel and other 11-14, 2021, to celebrate our hunting together. I don’t have a magic wand or uncertainties, a decision was made after heritage and all things outdoors. concrete formula but it’s going to take numerous discussions and feedback

Corey Mason, Executive Director some flexibility, understanding, and from exhibitors and sponsors to find perhaps the toughest of all, patience.

GRAND SLAM CLUB/OVIS the best date. DSC hopes this change I don’t see a quick turnaround from Adjusting Our Sails... will provide the very best opportunity the COVID impact – it may take two or for a wildly successful and enjoyable convention for both the attendees and

We might as well jump into the three years to circumnavigate this crisis. meat and potatoes of current events – Robert H. Schuller said, “Tough times MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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PREFERRED CONSERVATION PARTNERS

to the majority of hunters and devastated

By the late 1800s, unregulated sport and the outfitters who facilitate these hunts. market hunting had decimated wildlife The hunting industry and wildlife SCI acted quickly, urging members to species throughout North America. The conservation organizations are going sign a petition calling for the ban’s repeal broader public was becoming aware of to take a hit from coronavirus. The and launching a grassroots campaign this devastation, and to many the logical programs and projects we are supporting through the Hunter Advocacy Action solution appeared to be ending all may take a setback. The challenges we Center (HAAC), a software tool SCI hunting. However, avid sportsmen like face in the coming days are many but our utilizes to connect members with elected Theodore Roosevelt believed differently. conservation goals and objectives are officials regarding issues of importance In 1887, they formed the Boone and Crockett Club and began promoting the too important to throw in the towel. We for the hunting community.

SCI has similarly steered grassroots concept of “conservation.” must and will prevail. “It is under the Conservation was based on the fact greatest adversity that there exists the campaigns in Canada through the HAAC that people need and will use natural greatest potential for doing good, both focused on increasing financial support for oneself and others.” Dalai Lama. for Canada’s outdoor recreation industry resources, including wildlife, but this Brighter days are ahead, and we’ll work in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, use would now have to be regulated supporting the permanent authorization and guided by science. If hunting was our way through to see them!

Mark Hampton, Executive Director of Ontario’s spring bear hunting season, going to be allowed to continue, how it and engaging on a variety of proposed was being conducted and the character SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL hunting regulatory changes in British of the hunter now mattered. For society to accept this new idea over complete SCI Continues to Fight for Canadian Columbia.

Hunters During the month of August, SCI protection, Roosevelt and the Club began to promote another new concept: one Safari Club International maintains conducted one of the largest fundraising called fair chase. efforts in recent memory in support of an active presence in Canada, with 16 Fair chase became a part of an overall chapters and nearly 3,000 members. hunting guides and outfitters whose conservation ethic. It defined a true SCI employs full-time staff dedicated livelihoods have been threatened sportsman as one who could kill game to protecting Canada’s proud hunting by COVID-19. SCI’s Share the Impact yet use self-restraint and stand guard to heritage and promoting wildlife Outfitter Benefit is expected to generate ensure that wildlife populations would substantial and necessary funds for conservation across the country. SCI never be threatened again. It didn’t monitors developments at all levels the Canadian Federation of Outfitter mean hunting was a sport like other of government in Canada and works Associations, further cementing SCI as contests, but rather its participants proactively to ensure policy development First for Hunters in Canada and around used a “sporting” approach. Fair chase recognizes the rights of hunters and the the world.

Brett Stayton, Communications Manager defined the rules of engagement that critical contributions hunters make to elevated sportsmen to being highly conservation and the economy.

BOONE & CROCKETT respected members of the community, Earlier this year, Canadian Prime both for their skill as woodsmen and Minister Justin Trudeau proposed a Promoting Our Ethics: The History of providers, but also for their commitment firearm ban that included modern Fair Chase to something greater than themselves. sporting rifles, but even more concerning Most of us have heard of the concept Danny Noonan, was the initial inclusion of modern 10- of fair chase hunting and aspire to be Sales & Corporate Relationship Manager and 12-gauge shotguns, some of the most ethical hunters living up to this standard. commonly used firearms in Canada. However, many may not understand the never last, but tough people do.” And we are tough.

Such a ban would have made some of history of fair chase and how it became the most exceptional waterfowl hunting

the founding principle of the Boone and

opportunities in the world inaccessible Crockett Club.

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

Darwin & Wendy Cary 5615 Deadpine Drive Kelowna, BC V1P 1A3

Tel: (250) 491-1885 Cell: (250) 859 4327 Email: info@scooplake.com www.scooplake.com WE HUNT:

Stone Sheep, Moose, Goat, Caribou, Elk, Black Bear & Wolf WE FISH:

Lake Trout, Bull Trout, Arctic Grayling, Dolly Varden, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout & White Fish MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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Elk Valley Bighorn Outfitters

Come to BC with

Love Bros. & Lee Ron Fleming & Brenda Nelson

Hunting British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains for: Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Shiras Moose, Black Bear, Mule Deer, Cougar, Lynx, Wolf

Ryan & Denise Damstrom 250.421.0476 ryden@skcmail.ca

Sam Medcalf 250.425.5531 sam@elkvalleybighorn.ca

elkvalleybighorn.ca

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

250-842-6350 lovebroslee@bulkley.net www.lovebroslee.com

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Hunts Offered River raft and heli-assisted back pack hunts for:

Alaska/Yukon Moose, Dall Sheep, Mountain Caribou,

Wolf, Wolverine

GRIZ & GINGER TURNER are excited to offer exceptional

service, with personal, high quality hunts in over 6,000 sq. mi. of

PRISTINE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES WILDERNESS.

GREG ‘GRIZ’ & GINGER TURNER PO Box 58, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 5X9 867-332-RAVN(7286) | hunts@ravensthroat.com

www.ravensthroat.com

Elk,

Deer,

Moose, and Black Bear Hunting in BC

WWW.BARWKOUTFITTERS.COM MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

An account of the first ever Stone sheep to be taken by crossbow.* *according to Grand Slam Club Ovis

by George Lawrence MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

booked my ram hunt with Craig Kiselbach and Terminus Mountain Outfitters at the Wild Sheep convention. The year before I had been on a hunt that lasted 21 days without success.

Weather, smoke, and anything that could make the wheels come off a hunt seemed to have happened. My guides and outfitter were great but it just didn’t happen.

This time I was prepared mentally and physically for another very difficult hunt.

Finally, the day came when I flew to the base of Terminus Mountain, which is the furthest most point of the Rockies and why they call it “terminus” – the final point, the end. My wife Kelly and I flew there via Darwin Carey in a Cessna 206 wheel plane. The lodge was amazing with cute cabins for a private stay for Kelly and I. Hospitality and comfort were over the top. The Kiselbach family greeted us warmly and I immediately started shooting my bow with Craig’s 10-year-old son

Gage, then got my gear ready for an early morning float plane ride to a lake with no name. My wife planned to stay back at the lodge, where there was an abundance of spectacular scenery to take in from the large window.

The next morning, my guide Jared Christon and I were flown into the lake one at a time. Then we mounted horses and a wrangler took us up the mountain with a string of riding and pack horses. At the start, the weather had looked good, but a little rain came our way as we rode, higher and higher into the mountains, for about eight hours to our destination. On our way, we watched eagles soaring above. We got to our campsite and set up quickly, jumping inside just as it began to hail.

We had gotten to our site four days before season so we could survey the area and find a legal ram for opening day. During that time, we found two legal rams. One all by himself, and one in a group of about eight. Things were looking good except for the close encounter with a

Photos: (clockwise from immediate left) George Lawrence and wife Kelly; Darwin Carey and George in Cessna 206; George, Jared, Craig and Gage; (above): Kelly enjoying some trail-time.

MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

grizzly that came right through our camp one night.

Opening day, we were up at 3 a.m. The only contents of my

bedding down. (I’ve done this before while bow hunting and have had similar results.) The ram just bedded down, chewed

stomach were coffee, instant oatmeal – and a large amount of his cud, and watched me. At no time did he look at my guide butterflies as we began the two hour climb up the mountain who was sitting still behind his spotting scope. We had made to find our ram. Half way up, with the wind in our faces and the plan that I would not shoot any ram without him giving the sun at our backs, we found the lone ram with nine ewes me the thumbs up, meaning the ram was 100 percent legal – feeding above us. Unfortunately, one of the ewes spotted us. She slowly fed away from us while the ram stayed and watched us. Why? As soon as we had been made, we hunkered down and I

which he had still not done at this point.

While the ram was bedded, I used another technique to get close. I got up, and slowly zig zagged closer to the ram. Once at 134 yards, I acted like I was bedding down again. That

got out a decoy I had brought along with me. My guide got maneuver took roughly 35 minutes. I couldn’t get any closer out his spotting scope to ensure the ram was legal. We both

because of a steep draw between us. I couldn’t shoot that far

hid behind the bighorn silhouette and the ram was initially – and had not received the thumbs up yet. Yikes! Now what? curious, then went back to feeding. Wow – it worked!

The ram finally got up and started feeding downhill away

I got my crossbow ready and walked directly away from from us. I waited until he was out of sight and then ran as the ram that was about 325 yards away. I then scratched the

fast as I could to get back beside my guide Jared. He told me

ground with my hand multiple times and acted like I was to slow down – he wanted to get a better look at him, but he MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

17

was 95 percent sure he was legal.

We snuck along the deep draw looking over multiple times to check the location of the ram. To our pleasure, he had crossed to our side and we were now 112 yards above him.

We snuck to 59 yards, Jared put the scope on him, and finally gave me the thumbs up I had been waiting for! I crawled to 50 yards and the ram gave me a perfect broadside shot. The arrow hit him exactly where it needed to bring him down.

Wow – it was done! The first ever Stone sheep to be taken by crossbow (according to Grand Slam Club Ovis). It was a

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MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020

very emotional accomplishment for me, especially doing it in one day instead of 21. I praise God for the opportunity to spend as much time in the mountains of British Columbia as I have. And for a wife who supports my passion.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Reach Terminus Mountain Outfitters at 250-442-8195 or visit their website at www.terminusmountain.com

DSC’s mission is to ensure the conservation of wildlife through public engagement, education and advocacy for well-regulated hunting and sustainable use.

JOIN US!

Mark your calendars for our 2021 Convention – February 11-14! info@biggame.org I www.biggame.org I

Dallas Safari Club I (972) 980-9800

Eureka Peak Lodge & Outfitters Hunts for Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Mt. Goat, Moose, Cougar, Lynx and Wolf in Beautiful British Columbia Canada

Family run For over 40 years near Golden, BC We have been on many great trips since 1973. However our trip to Beaverfoot Outfitting may have topped them all!”

From beginning to end everything was fantastic. What an incredible trip and adventure.

What an amazing place this is!”

- JK, Texas

- NZ, Wisconsin

www.beaverfootoutfitting.com 888.830.6060 YUKON HUNTS DALL SHEEP MOOSE CARIBOU GRIZZLY

Contact: CHRIS & SHARRON McKINNON

Proud Member

Proud Member

South Nahanni OUTFITTERS LTD.

PO BOX 89 Athabasca, AB T9S 2A2 (P) 780-331-2440 (C) 780-910-9778 www.huntbpo.com chris@huntbpo.com

ALBERTA HUNTS BLACK BEAR WHITETAIL DEER TRAPLINE TOURS

Contact: CHRIS & SHARRON McKINNON PO BOX 89 Athabasca, AB T9S 2A2 (P) 780-331-2440 (C) 780-910-9778 www.huntmco.com chris@huntmco.com

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Dall Sheep • Mt. Goat • Mt. Caribou • Alaska-Yukon Moose

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McGREGOR RIVER OUTFITTERS

Black Bear Moose Mountain Goat Wolf Family Owned & Operated Guide Eric Hanson Box 1885, Station A Prince George, B.C. V2L 5E3

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visit www.mcgregorriveroutfitters.com MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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The Mackenzie Mountains looked vast and untouched with fresh snow covering them from top to bottom.

by Dallas Kaiser

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first touched base with Stan Stevens, owner of Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters, in the summer of 2015. A mountain caribou hunt had been on my mind for some time but it seemed there was never extra money to undertake an adventure like that. While setting aside money where I could, I researched outfitters, areas, and of course the caliber of caribou that were available.

One outfit seemed to stand out to me, and I decided if I was going to make this hunt a reality, I had to make the call.

Stan was very friendly and upbeat and had no problem adding my name to his list but informed me he was booked for the next couple years. I expected that and it allowed me more time to save money. Much to my surprise, Stan knew where I was from, near a small town in Alberta because he had been raised about half an hour from there. If that didn’t bring to mind that it’s a small world, it also turned out that Stan’s first guiding job had been right where I had guided back in 2008 and 2009 – at Toad River, BC. We had a few stories to share with each other after learning this and it made the phone call with a stranger seem like talking with a friend, neighbor or fellow hunter. After several emails and phone conversations, I finally received the news I wanted to hear: my mountain caribou hunt would become a reality in late September of 2018.

The day finally came. The flight from Edmonton to Yellowknife and on to Norman Wells didn’t take long. Then it was onto a floatplane charter with North Wright Air along with five other hunters who would also be enjoying caribou hunts with Stan’s outfit. It was a tight squeeze and we were only a couple pounds under the allowed weight of total gear and bodies, but finally we were on the last leg of our journey.

The Mackenzie Mountains looked vast and untouched with fresh snow covering them from top to bottom. Every small lake we flew over was frozen so I was curious how we would be landing! Then a long narrow open water lake appeared, and we descended to land on it.

Six happy hunters and trophies were there waiting at the dock, ready to head home. Stan and his guides quickly unloaded our gear and had it packed to our cabins. At this point the reality of my long-awaited hunt hit home and I was excited. I met Frank, the hunter I was paired up with, and our guide Phil Weitzel. We unpacked our gear and Phil told us what we’d actually need in our packs, as we would be spiking out on the mountain that night, leaving the warmth of the cabin behind. A quick trip to the shooting range confirmed my rifle was ready. At the main lodge we enjoyed a hearty supper of caribou roast and then waited our turn to be shuttled to our spike camp via Stan’s helicopter.

A new reality set in once we were dropped off. There we were, with our gear, on a plateau a few miles from base camp. It was cold out, the wind was blowing, and we needed to get our teepee set up, a fire prepped and our bedding set

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Walking up to my bull is an experience I will never forget.

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out. Survival mode was top priority. Only a few minutes into our set up of spike camp a lone bull caribou showed up out of nowhere about one hundred yards away and quickly reminded us of why we were there in the first place. It was the first mountain caribou I had seen that close in full winter coat.

The encounter didn’t last long but what a beautiful animal in such a beautiful but harsh environment.

Once camp was ready, we took a few minutes to set up our spotting scopes and glass the surrounding plateaus as the sun was setting. Two large groups of caribou were spotted a couple miles in the distance. Each herd had several bulls of various shapes and sizes. Some were feeding, others fighting and chasing cows. It was going to be a long night of excited anticipation, cold temperatures, and the uncertainty of whether the caribou would still be there in the morning.

None of us slept very well. I wouldn’t say I was cold but was cool enough that I never really fell into a deep sleep. Being a light sleeper, every time the guys would move around it woke me up as well. Shortly before first light, Phil started a fire in the little backpacking stove he had brought, which helped take the chill off.

Coffee and oatmeal warmed us from the inside and we were off to find the caribou. One large group was still visible from camp and they seemed to be headed down towards the creek below the plateau. Thinking that maybe the herd that had been above us the night before was doing the same thing, we eased up over the edge to take a look. Tracks were everywhere in the snow. Considering it had only snowed a few days prior, there had to be a lot of caribou around. We kept working our way up the plateau as more and more cracks and crevices revealed lots of potential hiding spots.

Maybe an hour after we left camp, we came onto a herd of about one hundred caribou. After glassing, Phil deemed there were two shooters and surprisingly Frank liked one and the other one appealed to me. Now we had to close the distance.

The herd was feeding up the far side of a draw and we could stay out of sight until we got to the pinch point in a saddle on the ridge where we hoped they would be in range. We had previously discussed our comfortable shooting distances with Phil and were hoping to pull off a double, so now we needed to see if the caribou would cooperate.

Once we crawled into the saddle above the draw, the first caribou were straight across from us and as close as they would get. Phil ranged them at 350 yards. Manageable ranges for both of us. The bull Frank wanted was at 370 yards but the bull I wanted was towards the back of the herd, still 500 yards away. This presented a problem for me because I was not comfortable taking that shot with my over-the-counter 30.06. I didn’t want to wreck Frank’s chance on his bull so I told Phil to let Frank shoot first and we would see how the herd responded and go from there. I then asked Frank if I could use his custom made Gunwerx 7mm mag once his bull MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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was down and if my bull didn’t get any further away. Much to my surprise, he was more than happy to let me use it if that scenario presented itself.

Frank settled in and shot his bull and once he was down, he quickly reloaded his gun and I got in behind it. The bull I wanted hadn’t moved very far and once he cleared some cows, Phil ranged him at 470 yards. Frank reached over and dialled in the turret and now it was up to me. I couldn’t believe how close the bull looked in the Night Force scope! The gun was rock solid, and I slowly squeezed the trigger. I didn’t even feel the gun go off. I saw the bull drop in his tracks and a few seconds later, heard the bullet make contact. Phil and Frank erupted in cheering. High fives followed along with a recap of how this double had happened almost exactly as we had planned.

Walking up to my bull is an experience I will never forget.

The time, effort, money, and emotions had all culminated at the harvest and recovery of a prized animal. It’s hard to put into words those feelings when standing over or putting your hands on such a magnificent animal but they’re ones that all hunters can relate to. Lots of pictures were taken and then Phil took over caping and butchering the animals as Frank and I soaked in the warm sunshine and marvelled at the breathtaking landscape we were surrounded by. Then it was a downhill hike back to spike camp to pack it up and call Stan to pick us up.

We were back at base camp before suppertime and I was happy to hear that two other hunters had also already tagged out on great bulls and were back at camp. Stories of the hunts were shared along with another great meal at the lodge and a couple celebratory drinks. The warmth of a cabin after the success on the mountain made sleep come really easy!

Even though my travel time to go on this hunt and back again was longer than my actual hunting time, it worked out great.

I met great people, saw new country, hunted a new species – and brought my taxidermist some more work! Stan runs a first-class operation with great people working for him and the numbers and quality of game are second to none. I would highly recommend a hunt with him and perhaps one day I can enjoy another one as well.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Reach Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters by phone at 250-719-8340 or visit their website at www.mmo-stanstevens.com

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HIGHLIGHT of the HUNT Rick Munaretto of Illinois with Dall sheep, guided by Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters.

TD Kelsey from Texas took this Dall sheep under the guidance of Bonnet Plume Outfitters.

John Urrutia from California with 7-foot black bear guided by Silent Mountain Outfitters.

Guides Jim and Josh Lancaster of Copper River with hunter Ron Gallman.

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Arturo Keim Schilling of Chile and friend Eduardo von Conta with Arturos caribou, guided by Cole Hines of South Nahanni Oufitters.

Ed Duda of Nebraska with goat, guided by Love Bros & Lee Ltd.

Garrett Vaughn of Oregon, took his first black bear with Chilanko Forks Oufitters, guided by Gillian Tew.

Brian Woods of Wisconsin with his moose, guided

by Northwest Big Game Outfitters.

Matt Moses of Washington, with goat. Guided by Dan Watson of Backcountry BC and Beyond Ltd.

Submit your “Highlight of the Hunt” photos to see your most compelling BC hunting memories featured.

Ray Pastway of Ontario with mountain caribou.

Guide Tyne McCaughey of Raven’s Throat Outfitters.

The criteria has been expanded to include a wider variety of photos. Send us your pics of the moments that made your hunt stand out from all the rest. Submit to info@goabc.org with the outfitter’s name, species and/or names of people in photo, and adventure date.

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Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters Stan Stevens Recent Trophies

Phone # 250-719-8340 www.mmo-stanstevens.com mmostanstevens@gmail.com Facebook Mackenzie Mountain Outfitters

Black bear Colour-phase bear Rocky Mountain elk

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Lynx Bobcat Wolf Turkey

Shiras moose

Cougar

Rocky Mountain Elk

Merriam Turkey

full facility lodge with all amenities Tel 250.498.4176 • Cell 250.498.9013 info@KettleRiverGuides.com KettleRiverGuides.com

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by Michael Cummings recently ended a twenty-nine-year odyssey to successfully arrow a second bull moose.

Although I have hunted British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska several times over the years, and back in ’85 killed a small bull with my bow in northern BC (and several others elsewhere with rifle since then) this time it was the Northwest Territories with Nahanni Butte Outfitters.

Right from the start the trip was plagued with unseasonably warm weather making seeing or hearing a rutting bull difficult and unlikely. Plus, we’d spotted a pack of a dozen or so wolves along the river while flying in. The hunt had the usual hills to climb covered with shin-tangling undergrowth, willows, blowdowns and boot-sucking tundra swamp.

Early on we traveled by jet boat up and down a river. I hunted with Clay who also piloted the boat. He was a master at avoiding the rocks in the river as the water level was unusually low. Then, for the last couple of days of my hunt, I was transported to a separate lake where some recent rutting activity had been recorded by another successful bowhunter in our group. In this area I was accompanied by Devon, a young but knowledgeable guide.

On the last evening we were finally able to work a bull in close but were ultimately foiled by shifting winds. He didn’t go far and we heard him calling and raking trees some distance from our two-man tent throughout the restless night. In the morning we made another attempt but never heard him again.

Knowing the aircraft was coming to pick me up at noon we both felt that the hunt was essentially over. For me, it was a familiar outcome that I have experienced many times over the years. And yes, I could easily have taken a moose earlier in the hunt with my rifle, which I am not above doing, but that doesn’t approach the exhilaration of getting one in close with the bow.

Surprisingly, upon returning to our camp we noted a bull about a kilometer away at the lake’s edge, slowly making his way toward us. It may have even been the same bull we’d encountered the evening before. A quick look with our binoculars told us that he was not a huge bull for the area.

However, he had a pretty nice spread and decent paddles and I MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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was in no mood to be picky. The wind was perfect as we quickly made a set up near the lake’s edge. He walked deliberately toward us, grunting and splashing water with his steps as he approached around the lake. With my heart pounding, I chose a tree near enough to the lake that if he did continue on and pass by, I could get a good broadside shot into his left chest. Or, if as planned, Devon was successful in challenging him with a call that drew him from the lake, I might use a narrow opening in the brush for a fleeting shot into his right chest.

The plan was perfect. Devon began calling and the bull stepped from the lake and began raking the brush in protest.

With his head swaying, I drew and waited for the perfect shot.

There! I heard the arrow strike home. The moose crashed away about 10 steps, coughed twice, and fell over dead. The single-blade arrow point had sliced through both lungs and exited the off side. The shaft was broken in two places and we later found the front portion along the trail. I was very happy with my success.

I learned a valuable point from Devon which I had never before considered but will surely remember when stalking moose in the future. I had felt that we should give a cow call to sweeten the bull’s amorous intentions, whereas Devon insisted on using only soft bull grunts. He later explained the strategy saying that if, by chance, there was a cow with the bull that MOUNTAIN HUNTER - FALL 2020 |

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As a bonus on this hunt, I had killed a black timber wolf three days earlier.

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we didn’t see, a cow call might make her lead the bull away, thereby blowing our ambush.

As a bonus on this hunt, I had killed a black timber wolf three days earlier. I had taken advantage of a fleeting opportunity while we were making our way down the river. In that case, I used my rifle for the shot.

There was plenty of other activity in the area as well. A guide in our outfit was surprised when he was approached by a large grizzly boar while getting creek water for the spike camp. He tripped and fell on a root while slowly backing away.

He later said that at that moment he felt that the jig was up.

Fortunately, the bear only came up to him, sniffed, and ran away. Unfortunately, a hunter in an adjacent hunt unit was not so lucky. As I was told from sketchy information, the hunter was fatally injured by a grizzly and dragged away.

Driving the 900 miles home, I had to hustle to keep the moose meat from spoiling. I gave one quarter to my neighbor and processed the rest. It all made it into my large freezer in good shape.

Also when I got home, a friend of mine who had been fishing on my property recounted a tale of being mock charged by a grizzly sow with two second-year cubs. I used caution in the area until it was cold enough for hibernation. Also, several weeks later, while I was out of town on another hunt, I received an unusual call from a friend who was feeding my dog and horse. He jokingly asked if I carried any hazard insurance. As it turned out, he’d found a black bear in my shed when he went in to get some dog food. The bear had pried the door open to gain entrance but the door, which is on a bungy cord, partly closed behind him. Evidently the bear couldn’t find its way out.

Duncan, my friend ran him out with a broom.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Reach Nahanni Butte Outfitters by phone at 250-846-5309 or visit their website at www.lancasterfamilyhunting.com

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CONSERVATION MATTERS

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with Shane Mahoney A LIFE UNCAGED Shane Mahoney is considered to be one of the leading international authorities on wildlife conservation.

A rare combination of historian, scientist, and philosopher, he brings a unique perspective to wildlife issues that has motivated and inspired audiences around the world. Named one of the 10 Most Influential Canadian Conservationists by Outdoor Canada Magazine and nominated for Person of the Year

by Outdoor Life Magazine, he has received numerous awards including the Public Service Award of Excellence from the government of Newfoundland and Labrador and International Conservationist of the Year from Safari Club International.

Born and raised in Newfoundland, he brings to his writings and lectures a profound commitment to rural societies and the sustainable use of natural resources, including fish and wildlife.

Thank you to Sports Afield for permission to reprint this article.

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e are all hunters at some level, requiring and taking, as we do, renewable living resources from the earth. Yet, as hunters, we frequently encounter friends and acquaintances who express genuine discomfort with the prospect of harvesting wild animals.

They are not, necessarily, anti-hunting in their views but they are often critical of the photographs hunters share; and they can find it difficult to understand how someone can find any satisfaction in an activity that results in the taking of an animal’s life.

While I understand and do not criticize friends, or anyone else, for feeling this way, nor for choosing not to participate in hunting, I believe it is important to engage in debate when such reactions lead to broader accusations that condemn hunting as cruel and without conservation or social value.

While many hunters I know prefer to avoid such discussions, I don’t feel this way.

I believe we should and must debate hunting’s place in modern society and doing so requires challenging ourselves, certainly; but it also involves challenging erroneous assumptions the public may hold concerning conservation and about animal life and death...especially in the wild. The purpose of doing so is not to condemn the views of others but to ensure that our discussions of humanity’s place in nature are based on some level of common understanding.

One argument I frequently encounter is that wild animals, as distinct from domestic species, presumably, should be left alone to experience a natural death, meaning one not mediated directly by a human being. Leaving aside that modern humans have been hunting to sustain themselves for some 60,000 years, that as many as 2.7 trillion(!) wild fish and as many as 167 billion farmed fish die to feed us every year and that over 52 billion domestic hogs, chickens, goats, sheep and cattle are slaughtered annually, this modern impression often conveys that death in nature is somehow less traumatic or more peaceful because it is “natural”. So, compared to what, I ask? Domestic animal slaughter? International fisheries harvesting? It is all rather confusing.

This belief in the beauty of natural death can stem from a tenuous understanding of natural world realities, where one imagines an idyllic environment in which

animals live and die peacefully, undisturbed by the destructive and perverse forces of humanity. Such a view conveys the false impression that life and death in nature are peaceful undertakings. Having spent thirty years as a research biologist in a variety of natural settings to observe, track, and understand the dynamics of wildlife populations – and, yes, to hunt also - I can assure you that nature is anything but peaceful.

On the contrary, nature is wild and chaotic, dangerous and uncertain in every regard, a place where animals constantly hunt for food, safety and reproductive opportunities. They must continually be on guard for predators, competitors and adverse weather. A rich experience no doubt; an extraordinary pageant of beauty no question; but it is neither Edenic nor safe, and peacefulness is, at best, a passing, tenuous thing.

When the end arrives for an animal in the wild, it is almost always a violent and painful process, often drawn out, agonizing, and difficult to watch. Predators are relentless, ruthless, and designed to inflict trauma on their prey. Concern for the suffering of their prey was not part of the carnivore’s evolutionary menu and their feeding etiquette demonstrates this emphatically. Killing occurs in whatever fashion is possible. There are no criteria, no bad practices, no holds barred. For many others in the wild, death may come from wounds inflicted by a rival male or from a slow, drawn out ordeal due to accident or disease. Few in nature die of old age, in their sleep. There are no front porches and easy chairs in nature...ever.

When you compare this death to that experienced during most hunting expeditions, the difference is stark and

measurable. Just like many of our non-hunting neighbors, hunters, too, feel a fascination, empathy and respect for animals, and, unlike nature’s predators, no responsible hunter wants or allows their prey to suffer. On the contrary, hunters take every possible measure to ensure that the hunted animal, often unaware of even our presence, dies a quick, humane death. When this does not occur, it is within our ethics and laws to not let the injured animal escape but to direct our energies to ensuring that we quickly end any and all suffering.

Hunted animals, it may honestly be said, generally die very quickly, having lived a natural life, unconfined and free.

And, in the vast, vast majority of cases, hunted animals are consumed as food. They are not wasted or frivolously taken.

When we assess it from this perspective, arguments regarding the inhuman(e) nature of human hunting fall somewhat short.

Of all hunting species, surely, we are the most caring. So then, why do such arguments persist? At issue is a profound and far-reaching misconception; that humans somehow exist outside of nature. And it is this misunderstanding of human existence that perpetuates an idea of nature being something that requires unremitting protection from human influence.

It’s as though our species appeared only to shatter a perfectly balanced and harmonious natural world, of which we were never truly a part. Thus, it is not that animals die, nor that they may die horribly by other means, that is really in debate. It is the fact that humans are doing the harvesting. This is what hunting opponents really oppose.

Let us be frank and acknowledge that humans have seriously disrupted and disfigured this world and that we bear a unique

“Hunted animals, it may honestly be said, generally die very quickly, having lived a natural life, unconfined and free.”

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For pigs and chickens, especially, their lives are often terribly confined with little or no contact at all with the outside world.

responsibility to safeguard nature in responsible ways. This does not, however, I argue, require us to deny our own animal nature.

Humans are warm-blooded, omnivorous mammals. We and our hominid ancestors having been consuming meat for millions of years. True, modern humans differ from most other mammals in our use of symbolic thinking (as far as we know) but, otherwise, we have the same basic needs and urges as all animals. Our participation in the hunting odyssey is far from unnatural or an aberrant assault on the natural world.

It is, instead, a natural expression of our legitimate role in the circle of life. Such direct engagement is not for everyone. And, it is true, of course, that unlike other meat-eating mammals, most humans today do not need to engage in hunting directly in order to meet our food requirements. Therefore, it is not so difficult to understand why non-hunters may view hunting as unnecessary and the death that results as frivolous. But let us explore why hunting is no longer essential for most human beings, because this certainly has not resulted in an end to animal death, though it undoubtedly has led to a different life for the animals which now replace the wild others we once more directly depended upon.

More than 90% of people in the US and Canada consume meat. The vast majority of us acquire this food by perusing the aisles of our local grocery store, where we can easily select from a variety of fresh or frozen cuts of meat that have been conveniently packaged and labeled. The plastic-wrapped morsel we present at the check-out is so far removed from the sentient life it once represented that we can almost forget we are eating meat at all. The animal has become a mere commodity, objectified to the point of being unrecognizable.

In fact, many – if not most – people scarcely take the time to

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consider what they are really purchasing and if they do, please notice, it is not cow, but beef; and not pig, but pork. These are commodity names that make it easier to forget that a living creature died to feed us. But, most importantly, if the grocery meat hunter peaked behind the curtain and traced how their cut of meat actually made its way into their basket, what would they see? Would it be the humane “alternative” to hunting reasonable critics would seek?

As in most countries, the majority of meat consumed in the US and Canada is produced through industrial farming practices, primarily focusing on chickens, pigs and cattle.

These farms are usually filled to capacity, leaving little, if any, space for animals to roam or explore. For pigs and chickens, especially, their lives are often terribly confined with little or no contact at all with the outside world. The animals are typically fed a dull, fixed diet that little resembles what their wild counterparts would consume. This fare often includes a cocktail of antibiotics and growth hormones, designed to ensure quick, effective growth so that animals can be harvested at the earliest possible point in order to maximize economic yields. And, let me be quick to add the following. The sheer scale of production required to meet consumer demand for animal protein, which is increasing worldwide, severely constrains the options available to domestic meat producers.

Nevertheless, if one wishes to speak of evidence of humans establishing and perpetuating dominance and control over other animal species and undertaking an unnatural role in animal death, our current domestic meat production systems would provide a much stronger example than our sustainable hunting practices.

We all understand that death is part of life, a reality each of us must face in our own lives, and in the lives of those individual

animals who have come to especially matter to us, such as the dogs, cats and others who share in our lives and homes.

However, hopefully like most people, however, I am much more concerned with how I live day-to-day than I am about my eventual demise. This is also the lens I apply in my attitudes and empathy towards other animals, wild and domesticated.

When I choose to consume meat, I want to know that the animal harvested benefited from a life that enabled them to roam free and enjoy the wild experiences to which they are adapted. Yes; that they have enjoyed their lives! We all revel in nature. Why would we think this different for other species?

That this cannot always be the case is something we have to accept for many domesticated animals; striving to attain this, however, for even these species has been a major influence in revising and improving modern animal husbandry practices.

But for wild animals...living wild is the case; and their death from hunting in no way impairs or imperils this reality. When

evolutionary history. It is little wonder that it entails and delivers a sense of satisfaction on many different levels. I, too, am adapted to nature. Furthermore, my investment in hunting, and my interest in seeing it preserved for future generations helps to ensure the protection of those lands that wildlife, of all kinds, require. Through this, and my reliance, as far as possible, on wild meat, I am taking at least one small but effective step towards ensuring that even more wilderness is not lost to provide the animal protein we seek, through industrial processes that inevitably reduce the wildness of animal lives, as well as our own. And seeking wildness is a very human thing to do; losing it is a large part of the modern malaise.

Ultimately, I feel much more comfortable choosing the exceptional gift of a harvested wild animal, and in taking responsibility for its death, than lifting a disguised chunk of packaged meat from a grocery store freezer. I prefer this, not

we speak of animal welfare, wildness should be listed as the because I do not like domestic meats, but because I know the perfection we seek. wild animal lived the kind of life I would have chosen: a life When I engage in hunting activities, I interact with nature uncaged. in a manner that is not in any way inconsistent with my

The Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia (GOABC) continues to foster a fundamental shift among hunters from caring about hunting to caring about all wildlife. Ranchers care about cattle and anglers care about fish, but hunters are concerned for all animals and their well-being. Hunters are committed to the responsible use of wildlife resources and passionate about preserving a diversity of wildlife species. GOABC is a strong supporter of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, which stipulates that law and science should manage wildlife. This model is the result of hunters and anglers who were dedicated to conservation. As anti-hunting pressure becomes louder, it becomes increasingly important to continue and enhance the legacy of the hunter-conservationist.

“Seeking wildness is a very human thing to do; losing it is a large part of the modern malaise.”

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10224-10th Street Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3T4

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by Michelle Flugel

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Three years earlier, at the DSC Convention, I had decided that it would be an awesome achievement to hunt mountain goats in British Columbia to celebrate my half-century milestone.

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ne could hardly begrudge steady rain in the province of British Columbia, where the 2018 wildfire season was one of the worst on record. Millions of acres charred and scorched.

Evacuations, devastation, and life-threatening wildfires had touched the lives of our friends, Jack, Crystal and Lloyd Hooper of Babine Guide Outfitters and their beautiful Tukii Lodge.

Our arrival into camp three days earlier was heralded by the first significant rain in Smithers Landing since early August.

Coincidentally, it was that last storm on August 4th which brought the lightning strikes that were to start a 10,000-acre inferno. The parking lot was full of a multitude of distinctive bright red firefighting equipment.

Instead of evacuating, the Hoopers had opened their lodge and cabins to the brave men and women who had been tirelessly on the front lines, battling the fire which threatened their livelihood not half a mile away. I tip my hat to these fine folks; what a backbreaking job they performed, with courage, dedication, and tenacity. The joyful smiles on all faces were due to Mother Nature’s bountiful rain, that was now ensconced over Babine Lake.

August 2018, the month I turned 50...Three years earlier, at the DSC Convention, I had decided that it would be an awesome achievement to hunt mountain goats in British Columbia to celebrate my half-century milestone. Having previously run winter traplines with the Babine boys and knowing that they had phenomenal goats in their concession, I chose to fulfill my birthday dream with them.

So, there we were...black bear hunting...waiting for a break in the weather. Me, my husband Stan, and our guide Lloyd Hooper, all three of us trapped inside the cabin of a 28-foot aluminum boat. The purr of the big Yamaha outboard was accompanied by the hypnotic dance of the window wipers, as they struggled to keep up with the twilight deluge. We scoured the rocky shoreline and beaches of Babine Lake, hoping to find a bruin that was brave enough to have ventured out in the elements.

As the rain relentlessly continued to pelt us from seemingly all directions, our eyes were committed to following the path

Tireless men and women battled the fire that threatened the Hooper’s livelihood not half a mile away.

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of the incessant wipers. Lloyd, ever the optimist, was certain that the next day the weather would cooperate and thus would begin my epic mountain adventure.

As I peered out the cabin window the next morning, I gasped in delight. In the pre-dawn darkness the mountains were illuminated by a dizzying array of stars, sparkling like jewels in the inky sky. The lake, shimmering, lay calm and still with not a ripple to mar its surface. “Yes,” I thought, “no more delays!!”

The mountains where I was to hunt are located in northern British Columbia, not too far from the town of Smithers, a 16-hour drive from my home in Spokane, Washington. With a strictly-controlled quota system (hence the three-year wait for my permit) Jack and Lloyd had told me that the goat population was thriving and they had an almost 100% success rate. Odds were good that I would have a shot opportunity at a quality animal. With this in mind, I had opted to use Stan’s custom sheep rifle, chambered in 300 win mag, with a 3 x 18 ballistic turret scope. This mountain gun had not let Stan down in his quest for the North American Sheep Slam. With plenty of practice under my belt, I knew it would perform just as flawlessly for me.

Setting out from the lodge we were bathed in glorious sunshine, the rain now a distant memory. We had only an

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hour’s drive to the mountain trailhead. Once parked, we offloaded a side-by-side which carried us another seven and a half miles, winding our way back to a tributary of the Babine River. Once there, as I shouldered my pack weighed down with a week’s worth of provisions, I remember thinking, “Michelle, you have trained all summer long. You’ve got this.

Go get your goat.”

We began our ascent, following the tributary and meandering our way up the steep canyon. The mountain range was crisscrossed with the trails that had been laid down some 100 years previously by miners as they extracted large amounts of ore. Lloyd informed us that our initial push would be about five and a half miles to a dilapidated miners shack.

Arriving at the shack, we found ourselves above the tree line and in goat country. After a quick refuel, we continued to climb, finally traversing our way along a ridge to gain a vantage point. I sat truly lost for words as I took in the most incredible, awe-inspiring vista I had ever laid my eyes upon.

The snowcapped peaks, the small pristine alpine lakes...it was a visual symphony. This having been my first true mountain hunt, I found myself unprepared for the stunning scenery.

“There’s a goat.” Stan’s voice broke through my trance. All business, my husband was methodically glassing the large basin in front of us. Directing my gaze, I was able to pick

out the goat, lying on an outcrop some 1,800 yards away. His bright white coat sported a distinctive brown tinge as the result of frequent summer dust baths.

“Got a second,” murmured Lloyd.

“And a third,” I chimed in, not to be outdone by the guys.

WOW...three goats, all billies!!! The billy I had spotted appeared to be the largest. At that distance, it was body size rather than horn size we were evaluating through the spotting scope. It was 3:00 p.m., six and a half hours since we’d forded the tributary some eight miles away.

“Let’s go,” said Lloyd, “we can make a play for him!”

We decided to take all our gear in case we had to set up camp on the other side of the basin.

“Michelle, it’s your hunt – which way do you want to go? Up or down?” my guide queried.

UP OR DOWN?? How about we stay right here, I thought to myself. I’m not going to portray myself as Super Woman...I was bloody exhausted!! Those had been a hard eight miles and my 50-year-old body was screaming for a respite.

As I weighed my options, my eyes lifted skywards. Yikes... looking at the frozen ice-covered ridge and peak I knew it would be a struggle for me to navigate the snow and ice, although it appeared to be the shorter route.

“Down.” I had made my decision. The longer route seemed

to be the better choice, as we had to stay out of sight of the three billies that were continually scanning the drainage for danger.

Down, down, down across a small creek, hands grappling for purchase in the rock crevices, sliding on my bum. This was the epitome of mountain hunting.

“We are heading for that rock pinnacle,” announced Lloyd as we began to hike up once more.

Some 250 yards from said pinnacle, we dropped our packs and made the last agonizing push, unencumbered by the extra weight. Lloyd and I peeked around the rocky outcrop. Stan had stayed 20 yards back to lessen our exposure to the goats.

“Magician” is the word I use to describe Lloyd. Somehow, he had conjured up my billy a paltry 157 yards away.

Quickly glassing the three billies, we were able to ascertain that the largest goat had all the qualities we were looking for, most significantly, size, age and mass. He was magnificent!!!

Rising majestically from his bed, the billy stared intently at his companions, who were calmly feeding not 20 yards in front of him.

The quartering away shot hit the billy perfectly. He humped up, staggered, and began to stumble. I put two more quick follow up shots into the goat, to ensure that I had anchored him where he stood. The bottom of the drainage was a long

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The snowcapped peaks, the small pristine alpine lakes... it was a visual symphony.

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way down and we had no desire to follow a bouncing billy to the bottom!!!

Stan was on me in a minute, with hugs, kisses, and a “You did it babe!!” I was in a daze. It was only 6:00 p.m. It had taken THREE hours to get to the pinnacle, and then it had ended in the space of a few seconds. Unbelievable!!! I sat for a moment, shaking and quivering from adrenaline and exhaustion, while I collected my jumbled thoughts.

Approaching my billy I was astounded by his size. He was huge, a true monarch of the mountain. I gave a quick word of thanks that my goat had fallen against the only large rock on the slide, which had stopped him from what would have been a rather nasty decent.

As darkness was approaching, we decided that we would field dress the goat leaving him overnight where he lay. We would commence caping and boning out in the morning. As this area is known for wolves, Lloyd encouraged us relieve ourselves (pee) around the immediate vicinity. Combining this with a jacket draped across my trophy, he assured me this would keep the predators away.

We made camp on the banks of a small, emerald green alpine lake, 660 yards below the goat, which was acting as sentinel that remarkable evening.

Reflecting on the day, sharing a congratulatory dram with the guys, I was blissfully unaware – and quite frankly, ignorant – of the brutal 11-mile pack out we would endure the following day. I would feel my love and appreciation for Stan overflow that day, as his share was to include my horns and life size cape, which would push his pack well over 120 lbs. But no, that evening my thoughts lay elsewhere. The air was cool, and my head was clear. We were in the mountains and it was a great day to be alive.

Is it the thinner air that does it? Is that what gives you the euphoric feeling you get when you venture into higher altitudes, with a mindset that enables you to put one foot in front of the other despite the burn? I was fifty years old, a mountain hunter. Such questions can only be answered one way...another excursion into the mountains! Yes, I am addicted. North American Sheep Slam, I’m coming for you!!!!

EDITOR’S NOTE: You can reach Babine Guide Outfitters at 250-697-6249 or visit their website at www.babineguides.com

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Tammy Wood

Sossy Outdoors

Tammy Wood is a wild game and seafood chef, author, and international huntress. When her husband of 18 years was killed in a workplace accident, she was left with their five children and a sixth on the way. It was then that she began to hunt to feed her family – and her love of wild game cooking blossomed. She competed in Master Chef Canada, finishing in the top ten before publishing her first recipe collection, The Venison Cookbook. She’s a contributor to the food editorial in BC Outdoors Magazine, is a Pro Staffer for Cabela’s Canada, and is an ambassador for Browning Firearms. Her TV show, Sossy Outdoors, began airing on the Canadian Sportsmen Channel in January 2020. She loves welcoming newcomers, youth and women to the outdoor lifestyle and participates on the board of SCI West Coast, and presents on sportsman show stages across BC and beyond.

It is a nice change to step out from the ordinary way meals are prepared and add a bit of smoke into your life!

The first time I ever used a smoker was about 25 years ago.

My dad used a Little Chief brand smoker back in the day and the smell of smoked fish used to fill the air during sockeye fishing. He wound up giving it to me and I started smoking different varieties of fish, experimenting with different brines.

I used it so much that it literally fell apart! At that point I decided it was time to see what was out there for smokers.

I came across the Bradley Smoker and invested in a 4-rack model to start my smoking journey. I loved it because I didn’t have to worry about filling wood chips and watching for when they turned to cinder and when I would need to remove them and start fresh again. The wood pucks or “bisquettes,” were fed into a tube and automatically pushed into the smoker, burning for twenty minutes, and then pushed into a water bowl. This technology allowed fresh smoke to be used continuously throughout the process. I loved my first smoker so much that I later purchased a 6-rack digital model that allowed me to manage the smoke time and temperature electronically which created more even results.

I started experimenting with all types of wild meat, cheeses, spices, nuts, vegetables, pasta dishes and an array of other of the store, feeding customers and showing them how easy proteins. When I became a Pro Staff for Cabela’s Canada, these smokers are to use.

I started doing Bradley Smoker demonstrations outside I had an opportunity to go to Kall, Sweden on a moose hunt

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Pecan Smoked Butt Steaks

...with a Sossy Rub!

In this recipe I used pork butt steaks, but you can use any type of steaks you wish. Substitutions of bear, moose, elk, deer, cougar, or sheep will all work very well.

with Arctic Nature and take part in the Vastgard Game Fair. The fair is quite similar to our Sportsmen Shows.

Bradley Smokers arranged to have a smoker delivered to my Swedish location. I set up in front of our booth located outside with our backdrop of Laplander teepees, reindeer hide covered seats, and a roaring fire with cowboy coffee ready for the patrons. During the five days I smoked reindeer, moose, salmon, wild boar, and beef. Everyone kept coming back for more, and some wanted to buy my smoker on the spot!

Fast forward to 2020, and 24 years later, I am still a Bradley fan and want to share a recipe with you!

During this uncertain time, the kids have been home since March, and have gotten involved with me, learning different ways to smoke our bear meat.

They have created smoked corned bear, smoked bear skewers, smoked bear roasts, and smoked bear sausage and pepperoni. The recipes are endless, and the varieties of wood flavours are amazing.

Bradley has multiple models available, some that connect to your phone so you can keep track of the temperature while you are away from home, and a new Professional P10 (1000w) series.

If you are interested in checking them out, visit their online store at www.bradleysmoker.com. Use the special promo code MHUNTER10 to receive 10% off until October 31, 2020.

Now – let’s get smoking!

List of Ingredients • • • • •

4 pork butt steaks 1 tbsp garlic 1 tbsp cumin 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp kosher salt

• • • •

1 tsp cracked pepper 1 tbsp coriander 1 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tsp clove powder

Method of Preparation Mix all dry rub ingredients together in a bowl. Generously rub steaks and leave in the fridge overnight. A rub needs time to work its flavour magic, but a two-hour rest should be ok.

Pre heat your smoker to 225˚, using pecan wood. Once up to temperature, simply lay your steaks directly on the racks and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 185˚.

I love using pecan wood for pork. It creates a wonderful nutty, sweet undertone, lighter smoke than hickory or mesquite, creating a smoky profile you will use again and again!

Once your steaks are finished, you can either lather them with your favourite barbeque sauce or finish them off in a frying pan with melted butter to create a crispy, buttery shell.

#sossyoutdoors

@sossyoutdoors

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A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE Michael Sabbeth is a lawyer, author & consultant in Denver, Colorado. See his book The Good, The Bad & The Difference: How to Talk with Children About Values.

Available at Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/c5flmmu Now available as a Kindle EBook.

Saving Private Hunting The Big Picture Can Enhance the 3 Rs I begin with an anecdote. On the first day of class for most of the twenty or so years I taught my ethics program to young children, I handed out a questionnaire. The first question was, “Who are your heroes?” The second was, “Why are those persons your heroes?” To question one, almost all children named their parents. For question two, they described the traits that created their heroes: they made them stronger; they made them a better person; and, they taught them right from wrong. Turns out, their greatest heroes inspired them to reach beyond themselves.

I see this as an analogy to ensuring hunting’s future.

Demography is destiny. Today, hunting’s demographic future is troublesome. We all know hunters are decreasing, as are Pittman-Robertson hunting dollars. If it is accurate that hunting

Every hunter education instructor and student surely know about the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the foundational principles of public hunting in the United States.

I suggest understanding the model is merely a jumping off point for understanding our modern hunting culture. That the model’s principles exist in the first place — wildlife being a public resource, science should guide wildlife management, etc. — is not divinely ordained but is the consequence of specific laws, institutions, policies, and cultural norms. What we had yesterday and today are not guaranteed for tomorrow. Hunting as we know it exists because of specific facts.

Hunting will survive only if specific actions occur. In his valuable volume, Inherit the Hunt, Jim Posewitz writes:

is approaching a metaphoric iceberg (and I think it is) then

“Having the abundance and diversity of wildlife we live

it must rapidly change course and develop agile and effective

with today is neither luck nor accident. It is the result of

strategies as the best hope of avoiding disaster.

hard, purposeful work. It was done by people of ordinary

Causation and the Big Picture

means and by people blessed with special talents and

I assert that a successful future for hunting can best be

chose to be hunters and there was room in our culture for

achieved by instilling in young hunters (frankly, all hunters)

opportunity. What they had in common was that they anyone who made that choice.”

the same characteristics my young students identified in

Interactions with young hunters should include teaching that

their heroes. The magnificent “3-R” programs—recruitment,

the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and our

retention, and reactivation of hunters—should be enhanced

hunting culture exist because of our unique political economy

by teaching what I call “The Big Picture.” The Big Picture

where, among other fundamental traits, our legal system allows

incorporates demography, the foundation of our hunting

individuals to possess and use firearms (at the moment), that

culture; an awareness of causation and recognizing the hunter’s

our tax system leaves sufficient discretionary income for

ethical duty of stewardship of wildlife; and, their duty to defend

hunters to buy hunting equipment and licenses (at the moment),

and advance hunting.

and which has a transportation system that enables hunters

I argue preserving hunting requires a paradigm shift from focusing on the fun, the physical challenges, and tasty meals

to freely travel this nation and beyond. The United States is unique among nations.

inherent in hunting to enriching the wisdom cultivated in,

Students should be taught that these systems, rights, and

and the strengthening of character of, young hunters. Young

privileges are fragile. They can be lost quickly, perhaps forever.

hunters should become aware that hunting imposes demands

They can only survive if every hunter commits to exercising

on them.

his and her opportunity to be informed, engaged, and to act

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politically to defend and advance our rare and vulnerable system. These are the duties of the hunters. Abdicating them will cause hunting to dissipate like smoke at a campfire. Indeed, hunters may themselves become an endangered species.

This is the Big Picture in its most skeletal iteration. Thus, I hope the reader sees that hunting’s Big Picture is symbolic of a larger aggregation of rights, liberties and freedoms. The hunter that is taught the relationships among hunting, conservation, economic liberty, and political freedom will tenaciously commit to being a life-long hunter, whether he or she ever steps into the field.

The 3 Rs The 3-Rs programs represent the unified effort of the hunting community to attract and retain hunters. As a subset of these programs, Steve Hall, Hunter Education Coordinator of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, adds four additional Rs, which contour the practical application of the 3 Rs: responsibility, respect, restraint, and resource.

The programs are diverse and remarkably creative. “Fieldto-Fork” 3-R events are popular and successfully draw new hunters. Everyone has fun, which is not surprising when great food that the individuals have harvested is served. The challenging question is whether these excellent programs are sufficient to cause people to commit to hunting? A commitment to hunting within this context is more likely if the Big Picture principles are shared.

Two years ago, I attended an inspiring conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, sponsored by the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS), arguably the leading authority and promoter of the 3 Rs, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). I routinely read the superb articles and data Samantha Pedder disseminates from The R3 Community, a network dedicated to advancing the 3 Rs, part of CAHSS. Most exhilarating for me was the workshop on mentoring, where I met dozens of mentors of unsurpassed dedication, wisdom, and experience. Each mentor I conversed with agreed that integrating these Big Picture principles into their work had value. When mentors engage with youngsters, where the rubber meets the road is how these Big Picture principles can profoundly influence a young hunter’s commitment to hunting.

Give the “Why” In addition to teaching causation, a commitment to hunting can be nurtured by giving the “why” of hunting. Every hunter education course contains material illustrating the success of wildlife conservation through hunting. Hunters hunt for many reasons, of course, such as experiencing nature’s majesty, solitude, physical challenges, and high-quality meat. Almost all are motivated, in part, by hunting’s conservation ethic.

Conveying the “why” of hunting may be the most powerful and persuasive component of the Big Picture. As stated by Viktor Frankl, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau, in his acclaimed book, Man’s Search for Meaning, “The primary human drive

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is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.”

A skill for explaining the “why” of hunting is to show the young hunter how hunting advances his or her own values.

Every hunter will say they want wildlife to survive; to be healthy and minimize diseases and poaching. They will acknowledge the value of science-based game management. Those values can only be realized from hunting. Explained that way, hunting is a moral duty.

Another method to explain the “why” persuasively is to link hunting with excellence, honor, and self-discipline. The hunter hunts to become a better person. Aristotle insightfully observed that “excellence is not an act but a habit.” Hunting teaches excellence through the habit of the development of moral character. These concepts draw people to hunting like a magnet draws iron particles.

My colleague John Linquist of the Midway USA Foundation shared his concern that much of the hunting community was looking “at the microcosm for solutions and not the macrocosm.”

He lamented the demographic threat and acknowledged the need to increase hunting’s appeal beyond a predominantly

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white-male activity. John recognized that hunting’s survival is largely a function of linking hunting to a purpose higher than harvesting wildlife. John advocated the Big Picture.

I recently interviewed young hunters for an article. With pride they expressed why contributing to animal conservation and the preservation of hunting gave meaning to their activity.

I was surprised (perhaps I should not have been) when several told me that being part of a larger community of shared values and experiences was one of the greatest values and sources of meaning in hunting.

I wrote earlier that demography is destiny. There is more to the equation. I look to the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who stated “Character is destiny.” Like a violin string resonating across all generations and demographics, advancing the Big Picture and enhancing character and wisdom can unify all constituencies. As my young students observed, everyone wants to become stronger and a better person.

If hunting is to survive—indeed, if the right to possess firearms is to survive—it will only be because people saw the Big Picture and developed the will and power to cause them to survive.

JOIN US ON THE TRAIL LESS TRAVELED.

Photo Rob Gerstner, High Mountain Archery ©KENETREK, LLC 2020

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