~ In-Person Class, August 19th & 20th (Mon/Tues), 2024 ~
Intro to Deer Hunting
with Chris Gilmour
This beginner-friendly class is designed for anyone who dreams of respectfully and sustainably hunting white-tailed deer for food (with a bow or firearm). No previous hunting experience or license is required. Novice deer hunters may also find the class valuable.
This will be a very hands-on class. We will not be actively hunting in the class, but we will cover the skills to find, get close to and set-up to hunt deer, including:
- ~ Exploring different hunting techniques & strategies and the advantages and challenges of each
- ~ Tracking, trailing & how to find deer in woodland habitat
- ~ Camoflage, awareness and stealth movement while hunting
- ~ Adapting your strategy based on the weather and seasonal patterns in deer behavior
- ~ Finding good spots for blinds and tree stands and how to set them up
- ~ Butchering basics. We will butcher a rabbit during the class and talk about how the skills would transfer to larger game.
- ~ And more...
Dates: August 19 & 20 (Mon/Tues), 2024
Time: 10am to 5pm both days
Where: Dwight, Ontario
Cost: $300 + HST *Only 10 spots!**
There is an application process to join this class. Please see application link below.
Meet Your Guide:
Chris Gilmour:
Chris has been hunting for over a decade and harvested his first deer with a bow and arrow he made himself. He strives to harvest a significant amount of his families food from the land in a sustainable manner.
Today he hunts a mix of big and small game as well as waterfowl. He hunts with traditional bows, crossbows and firearms.
"Hunting to me is about so many things, it is part of my identity as a human. To me, hunting is about a deep connection to the land, being part of the food chain, providing for my family while being a steward of the earth, and achieving some degree of self-reliance and independence from the modern industrial food system."
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE REGISTERING
Fitness & Physical Requirements: As a participant, you will be on your feet most of the day, hiking off-trail across uneven terrain and up some steep hills. If you cannot confidently walk on uneven ground and uphill, this class may not be for you.
Ethics, Values & Code of Conduct:
I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all experience levels, genders, nationalities and spiritual/religious backgrounds. To me, hunting for food is a sacred relationship with the land and the kin we hunt. I also believe strongly in Indigenous sovereignty around their hunting rights on Turtle Island.
I ask that all participants be open-minded and non-judgemental towards other participants and agree to the following values:
~ Respect for ALL people regardless of religion, gender identity, nationality or political beliefs.
~ Reverence for the kin and animals we hunt.
~ Being good stewards and caretakers of the earth and forest.
~ The right for Indigenous people's self-governance around their hunting ways
If you have any questions about these values, please email me before registering to discuss them.
If you disagree with these values, this class is probably NOT the right class for you.
Join Me for "Intro to Deer Hunting Skills"
Aug 19th & 20th, 2024