Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting

by Jim Posewitz

The definitive guide to the ethics and tradition of hunting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Outdoors, Nature, Philosophy, Conservation, Sports, History

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1994

Reviews

[julia! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book argued from a pro hunting perspective but it was done in a way that was understandable and actually aligned with many of the non-hunting community. Generally talks about how in order to be a good and ethical hunter, you must follow your ethics and it was pretty common sense. However, it helped hi-light the sections of the hunting community into good hunters (ie; regulations) and bad hunters (ie; only for prize, or for the joy of killing).

Despite never having hunted in my life, or ever having an intention to do so… I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about wildlife preservation, lawmaking, or in general wants to broaden their perspective on the subject related to hunting. I found many lessons could be applicable elsewhere, so overall 3.5 stars. I rounded down because I felt as though there were still topics that could’ve been touched on and it wasn’t as “ethically indulging” as I expected it to be.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife gives a copy of this to all students who take the Basic Hunter's Education class. This should be required reading for anyone who hunts or fishes, who has questions about hunting or fishing, or anyone who is not a vegan (maybe vegans should read it, too). Ostensibly it's about the ethics of hunting but it may as well also apply to fishing or the taking of any animal for food.

[Robert Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a functional foundation for hunting ethics and basic concepts of safety, especially for someone with no back ground in hunting. Posewitz does set the hunter up for moral high ground.

On the other hand the book had several short comings. It had too little emphasis placed on the meat harvesting aspect of hunting and the obligation that creates to use the animal, Posewitz also didn't address "meat hunting" as a response to the trophy hunting culture which he critiques. He is particularly harsh on several style of hunting more prevalent in the South, creating food plots to hunt over/high fence hunting/selective breeding programs, which I thought were unmerited and written from the perspective of the Western hunter.

Most importantly Posewitz seems to be cowed by the popular sentiment of nonhunters which I believe should be of minimal importance when making determinations about the ethical harvesting of animals.

[Blake Laberee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The masterwork on Hunting Ethics. My dad drilled these principles into us kids growing up.

Posewitz teaches a very high standard for conduct that will protect the hunter, the wildlife, and the image of our sport.

I appreciate his mention of adjusting to the culture around you (why baiting may be acceptable in one place and not another - for instance).

This book should be required reading for every hunter!

[Adriel J]

Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting; by Jim Posewits is a collection of stories and advice/insight on hunting and what it means to be a hunter. The book's stories are of people who have had interesting and close or spiritual encounters with wildlife.The story of a young girl on her first hunt with her father and the realisation that she didn't want to take the animal. The story of the bow hunter looking for months to find the elk he knew he fatally wounded and not to let it go to waste.There is also some guidelines to make you a better and more ethical hunter like these guidelines, make sure this is the animal you want to kill,make sure the shot is going to be fatal,and always know that is behind the animal in case you miss.

The author does a great job telling the details of the stories”The boy was a strong lad. P47 ''he knocked the weathered door. P.47” He also does a good job laying out all the bullet pointed guidelines/rules of hunting in an easy format.

“If hunting with a dog, keep it under control. p.46”
“Thank the landowner when you are leaving. P.46” and so on

I would recommend this book to all hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.It is a quick read and very informational. I would also recommend this book to people who challenge huntings ethics. (The book is mostly about the ethics of hunting) I would also tell people who are just getting into hunting/ fishing to read this book.It may not be the most exciting book out there but it is definitely the most interesting book i've read in a while. It's also a great book to read if you have minimal time to do so, it is a quick easy read.

[Naomi Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds hunters what hunting is all about. With advance technology we have steered away from it was like to be one with the animals. To be humble in what we harvest. And to have a healthy respect for the wildlife that spends its life trying to survive. It's a short but wonderful read for anyone who loves hunting and I'd even say for those who don't understand hunting. I think it serves us well to have a gentle reminder of what an ethical hunter is and with every hunt we should always strive for that and nothing less. At the root of it all, we all want one main thing, to keep wildlife thriving for generations to come.

[Chloebach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read was definitely not something I would usually reach for. As someone who feels conflicted concerning the ethics and necessity of hunting, I never quite understood why people choose to kill animals to mount on their walls. After reading Posewitz’s “manual”, if you will, I now understand the “right way” to hunt. Although I am still not fond of the practice, I’ve gained respect for those who prepare to hunt correctly before going afield.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book and should be required reading for all of those even thinking about hunting - even those for whom it is a family legacy as it's good to have conversations and remind people of the ethical obligations hunters have to the animals and to the lands.

The only think I think the author should have covered was that of baiting animals in as that seems to happen a lot here in the South and people seem to be okay with it, it's really bizarre.

[Emily Lima · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a hunter nor do I ever plan on being one. However, my boyfriend is and enjoys doing it respectfully. While I don’t plan on partaking and have been very anti hunting in the past, this book did lay out the ethics of hunting in a very understandable and respectful way that I appreciated. It showed that there are people who hunt ethically, for sustenance and population/wildlife control. I’m glad I got a little peek into a world my boyfriend cares for.

[Chris Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Boyond Fair Chase because of how often I have heard Steve Rinella quote Jim Posewitz. The book presents a rock hard foundation for being an ethical hunter. I consider myself one and I still came away from this with a different perspective. I would recommend this to new and old hunters as well as anyone who wonders why people enjoy hunting.

[Steven Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for beginner hunters or those interested in hunting. The book introduces a variety of basic ethical concerns that hunters should consider when in the field with the intent of killing an animal. For seasoned hunters, this book may even introduce a different way of looking at some of the common ethical dilemmas that many hunters have.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential read (and re-read) for hunters of all ages and experience levels, from beginners to seasoned sportsmen and women. Those outside the hunting community may also find it worthwhile in better understanding the general philosophy of ethical hunters and conservationists.

[Cody Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for a few years and finally sat down and read it and learned a lot about the ethic of hunting

[Devon Smolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Hunter perspective.

[Alex Der · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every hunter should read

[James Grovo]

it was an amazing book and i recommend this book to anyone who likes hunting

[Jacqueline Bussjaeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple, short breakdown of hunting ethics with a few stories of hunting in the West that show how hunting ethics play out in the field.

[Bobby Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every hunter needs to read this more than once!

[Daniel Donohue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked most of sentiment within the book, but defining a core ethic as "following the law" feels too loose. What if the law is wrong? I get where it is coming from, just food for thought.

[michael pendergrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for any new hunter

This books was informative and simply written. A great place to start before taking your first hunt. Would definitely recommend.

[Jason Scarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for hunters and non-hunters I think could get a lot out of it as well

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth reading for anyone interested in hunting. Short enough to read in one sitting.

[Ashlyn Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's interesting and a fast easy read. But a lot of the info presented is just common sense, even for some one who at the moment has not started hunting

[Chandler Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Good stories of outdoor ethics mixed with beautiful imagery.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Author is the most considerate and liberal hunter I’ve ever heard of and he wrote this in 1993????

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read that is worth picking the book up for. I imagine I’ll read it more than once. Great words that a lot of hunters, new and seasoned, young and old should read.

[Joe Galietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for would be hunters.

[GomojuSmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot of this book is like an emotional roller coaster. It takes you through the ups and downs of emotions, keeping you in an eye at all times. An intensely rewarding reading.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good for someone who likes hunting and also some one that wants to get more background on the reasoning behind hunting.. This book told about the ethics and also the tradition of hunting. It was a book that i was interested in because i like to hunt and this book told me alot of things that i did not know. it is mostly informational but it has three short stories that are really interesting. There was one that really stuck out to me a young man shoot a deer and he could not find it but he never gave up looking for it and when he found the empty carcass a week or two latter and he still tags it even though there was nothing left to selvage from it other than his state of mind and his ethics.

[P. Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found this again while sorting books in storage for donation. For so few pages, it is really thick with fruitful writing. He so emphasized the preparation, the exploration of environment of the prey, the larger ecosystemic concerns he speaks on behalf of, it's clearer even more in rereading how little hunting is about the killing of the prey as it is about its death - as fast and efficient as possible (as if ethical hunting entails minimizing killing - actually abbreviating the outsider-perceived "goal" and evidence of a "successful" hunt), and the place of ethical predation that only humans can do, culturally.