Ep. 7 Chris Waters

Chris’ worst shooting. Ever.

The raw emotions of missed shots and podcasting up late with Chris Waters, The Huntsman

Dodge and Chris on Episode 1, Season 2 of the Huntsman

In the latest episode of the Huntsman podcast, the veil is lifted on the world of hunting, revealing a rich collection of experiences that define the sport and its community. Our guest, Chris from The Huntsman, shares his insights, drawing listeners into the true essence of hunting; a practice rooted in skill, emotion, and camaraderie.

Hunting is often seen through the lens of an outsider as a mere pursuit of game. However, Chris lays out how it's much more than that – it's about forming an intrinsic bond with nature and fellow hunters. The spirit of hunting is highlighted not just by the physical challenges of a demanding shoot, but also the mental and emotional preparation that goes into each venture into the wild.

The importance of mentorship and responsible hunter training comes to the fore with Chris raising concerns about the ability for new hunters to get into the bush with a rifle without ever having any shooting competency, drawing attention to the critical need for comprehensive hands-on training. Chris doesn't shy away from confronting the gritty realities behind each shot, the mentorship that fosters responsible hunters, and the community bonds that are strengthened through shared experiences in the field.

Moreover, the Dodge touches on the hunter's journey from shooter to seasoned practitioner, emphasising the critical role of foundational skills and the societal shift away from communal learning. The need for hunting clubs and personal mentorship in educating new hunters, can’t be stressed enough. A community's wisdom is irreplaceable in the transition from novice to adept.

Setting the right expectations for new hunters around professional guides is not always best communicated. There is a distinction between guides who are used to get onto trophies and guides who run education courses for hunting skills.

Through the intimate storytelling and discussions, the Huntsman podcast with Chris offers a comprehensive look into the heart of hunting. It's an episode that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the call of the wild or sought to understand the profound connections that hunting fosters.