Mountain Pursuit Introduces the Hunting Industry “Protect the Hunt Pledge”

By Mountain Pursuit

The opportunity to hunt may be codified in several state constitutions, including Wyoming’s, but that doesn’t mean it is guaranteed forever. As American approval of hunting changes, electoral choices can jeopardize the opportunity for future generations to enjoy the outdoors as hunters. 

A 2019 study revealed that only 80% of Americans approve of legal hunting. The majority of those approve of hunting for practical purposes—for food, conservation, and defense. Only 50% of those surveyed approved of hunting for sport; 41% for a challenge; and 29% for a trophy. 

“If the Hunting Industry isn’t intentional about how we portray hunting to the non-hunting public, we may inadvertently contribute to shifting approval and lead the public to make electoral choices that threaten the opportunity to hunt,” says Rob Shaul, President of Mountain Pursuit, and 5th generation Wyomingite. “Our content and who we associate ourselves with matters.” 

To help the Hunting Industry be more intentional, Mountain Pursuit is encouraging the Hunting Industry to adopt the “Protect the Hunt Pledge.”

“Protect the Hunt Pledge”

1. Identify with Fair Chase. Commit to promoting Fair Chase in mission statements, "about" pages, position statements, et. al.  

2. Label "Fair Chase." Ensure hunting stories, gear ads, news clips are clearly labeled as consistent (or not) with the Fair Chase principle. 

3. Require the 400/50 Pledge. Deny or end sponsorships or product placement when content features rifle shots exceeding 400 yards or bow shots exceeding 50 yards.

4. Follow Mountain Pursuit's Social Media Guidelines. No blood, gore, or "trophy shots" on free, public sites. Instead, promote the hunting experience beyond harvest. 

5. Protect Spaces for Hunters. Use private or members-only spaces for content that non-hunters might misunderstand. These can be free and still effective.  

Shaul thinks that the elements of the pledge can help ensure that hunters and the Hunting Industry maintain the support of non-hunting Americans. “If we live by the Pledge,” he says, “we reduce the risk of turning non-hunters into anti-hunters.”