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.
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.
