Skills of the Hunter

The core of this class was a study in hunting skills, both the physical as well as the spiritual. Richard Nelson’s understanding of our connectedness to the animals is portrayed clearly as he writes “It is not through our power that we take life in nature; it is through the power of nature that life is given to us". In this course we examined how the mood, philosophy, and skills of the hunter can determine the outcome of the hunt and how the mastery of these skills set us on the pathway to honor the spirit of the animals. This program was multifaceted, including preparation for the hunt, both physical and spiritual; an examination of a variety of hunting weapons; and the care and proper handling of the game after returning from the hunt. This course was designed with the beginner in mind and was applicable to a variety of hunting weapons. Our goal was to pass on an understanding of the ethics, mind set, and the relationship to the earth, a true hunter possesses to truly be able to honor the spirit of the animal.

This course description is written in the past tense, as its time has come and gone. The desire of our students and our obligation to the sacred game have forced us to expand this curriculum into a comprehensive mentorship. What we once offered as the weekend class, "Skills of The Hunter" has now become... The Path of The Hunter. 

The skills listed below were the foundation of the curriculum:

• Hunting ethics and medicine pouches
• Descenting, stalking and camouflage
• Sign tracking and trailing
• Wind studies
• Ground blinds
• Skinning, cleaning and proper game handling
• Hunting weapons
  

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