The Most Important Piece of Equipment is You - Hunt Fair Chase

Of all the things we take into the field, the most important is our own attitude. That’s because fair chase is defined by values we believe in and are committed to uphold.

The great conservationist Aldo Leopold reminds us that, “Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching—even when doing the wrong thing is legal.” Leopold also made the point that, in the field, you are your own referee. There is no one else to “call the shot.” At the end of the day, the measure of the hunt is a measure of oneself.

It’s human nature to do what we personally feel good about, and to not repeat doing those things we do not feel good about. It is never a good feeling to have to end an animal’s suffering because of a poor choice we made in forcing a risky shot.

We hunt for many reasons, including the enjoyment and the memories. A fair chase approach ensures that we never feel the need to leave out parts of the story of a hunt, either in reliving the experience ourselves or telling others. The alternative is rarely enjoyable or memorable.