On Dangerous Ground

I thought long and hard about putting my thoughts to words and then into text on this topic. I knew that there might be a lot of heat, possibly anger from some readers, and maybe even the proverbial guilt by association. Some might be more interested in discrediting the messenger so to speak as opposed to considering the intent of the message. After I wrote this material I shared it with some friends that I respect as professional writers. We agreed that it was not a subject that everyone would be happy with but it was one that is worthy of discussion.

When I first wrote these thoughts down I was planning on sharing them at that time on our blog and elsewhere. I decided to delay posting the material after learning about the recent death of Ian Gibson, Professional Hunter. I did not want this to appear to be written specifically about Ian. First and foremost, this is not about questioning the character of great individuals that have lost their lives. It is not meant to be an underhanded cheap shot, second guessing of actions, or armchair quarterbacking after the fact. Most assuredly it is not a way to besmirch someone because of what occurred or might have been caused by their actions, lack of actions, ingrained philosophies, or of beliefs rooted in their perspective. It is also not meant to serve as a veiled endorsement of a particular hunting style.

With the above said, I recognize that this topic could unintentionally act as a catalyst that shifts the discussion toward the often circular argument of hunting styles. It is probably inevitable for some since this topic will dance around areas contained within that discussion. It might be beneficial to avoid the same old areas of discussion and argument if possible. I hope it will not simply become this type of an interaction but will instead be more about identifying things that might set us up unintentionally and then charting a personal course for corrective actions.

Over the last several years we have lost many skilled professionals to dangerous game hunting deaths. Many of these people were friends of friends or perhaps those we knew and loved personally. Some might suggest or dismiss these losses by saying accidents happened and dangerous game hunting is dangerous. Those of us who choose to participate know this and do so willingly. If you are not willing to take the risk then you should not be a participant. While this is certainly true, perhaps there could be benefit in scratching the surface of the topic just a little deeper.

We are all well aware that unfortunately bad things can and do sometimes just happen to good people. People that are experienced. This is true and unfortunately will continue to occur regardless of our efforts. My focus is not upon that aspect of something that can and will sometimes occur from time to time. Most would agree that we are all the sum of our experiences and also our environment. This is my area of interest and the nexus from where this topic originates.

Often times the ones that we have lost through hunting tragedies with dangerous game has involved individuals well acquainted with their surroundings and who knew an area intimately. They may also have had vast knowledge and experience with dangerous game hunting. This is most often the case.

What if anything happens when the majority of experiences, or a lack of certain types, suddenly culminates in a moment where you have prepared yourself primarily through a non-supportive reinforcement, an unhelpful repetitive action, or through indoctrination? Especially when those things reinforced have always worked in the past. In what ways might or can these factors affect the possibility of an unfavorable outcome occurring or even repeating itself again?

Could subconsciously reinforcing through actions a mindset to avoid certain hunting & tracking situations, and actionable processes, or repetitively ingraining negative habits result in unexpected or negative consequences? If that avoided situation or activity then occurs is the experience unnecessarily uncomfortable, more intense, or possibly more dangerous than it need be? Obviously not everyone can or wants to experience dangerous game hunting where the possibility of charge encounters are not willfully avoided. There are still other areas where those that do not want such an experience can focus and possibly identify areas to improve. As an example, in addition to those areas mentioned in the paragraphs that follow, many clients try to better prepare by attending dangerous game hunting school courses or reviewing hunting DVDs where dangerous game charges are captured.  

Consider if being influenced by any of the following might effect the overall preparedness and/or actions of PHs skilled in dangerous game hunting. Things such as a philosophy handed down from owners/operators of the way hunting is done or perhaps more specifically not to be done. Something as simple as hyper-concern over PHs not holding backup shots to what they deem to be long enough. Until the very last possible moment in their opinion so as not to potentially cause clients to be unhappy. The philosophy then becoming a mindset, perhaps to a fault, of the PH not shooting with or even before a client when appropriate but rather holding off far too long when every split second counts.

Does the continued use of equipment that has malfunctioned in the past or the use of a caliber that is perhaps marginal in situations that are typically avoided create a potential pitfall? Even aspects of things that seem rather benign like the simplest act of handling and viewing unloaded firearms. Do we always strike off the safety when we raise the rifle to our shoulder and then reengage the safety when we come off the shoulder? If we don’t, what might happen when we are thrown into an unexpected situation that takes us by surprise? Are we also practicing with reduced loads on the range instead of full power ammunition because it is less expensive and more comfortable to do so thereby creating a potential for problems?

The spirit and intent of my message is intended to be a positive one and hopefully a means to stimulate further conversation and ideas. A process through which to identify things that we might want to consider but have previously overlooked or disregarded. A moment to review, reinforce, and assure we are properly prepared, carrying the correct mindset, and not unintentionally handicapping ourselves in some way. The message is meant for owner/operators, PHs, and clients alike to consider. We all play a role in the process and activity.

In the field of Emergency Medical Services we utilize a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process conducted through a regional review committee. The process takes place in a confidential environment where specialists come together in an effort to improve system quality. It is a methodology through which a committee of experts, bound by confidentiality, reviews the treatment and outcome of trauma patients. The purpose, to gauge performance and identify what could change to possibly improve patient outcome and survival. It is a simple mechanism to review specific performance areas, identify issues, and address them openly in a confidential setting. The outcome of the process is to identify and chart a path for changes and improvement.

There are many in the professional hunting, firearms manufacturing, and shooting sports community who know me personally. I do not expect that they will all agree with my thoughts and perspective but I do know they will not question my motivation. If this topic stimulates thought within one owner/operator, PH, or dangerous game client to institute change in an area that contributes positively in some way the endeavor is worthwhile. Perhaps subtle changes could have a profound effect when things go in a direction that is unwanted or unexpected while we are on dangerous ground.