Hunting the Country

Hunting the Country is a captivating half-hour television show that captures the essence of the great outdoors and brings it right to your living room. Aired on the Outdoor Channel in 2006, the show is more than a hunting program; it's a remarkably visual and profoundly touching exploration of America's hunting tradition and wildlife conservation. The show has successfully combined powerful storytelling, thrilling hunting adventures, and spectacular outdoor cinematography to add up to a wholesome viewing experience.

The series is not just about the catch. It delves into the passion for hunting. The hunters demonstrate the exhilaration and gratification they derive from this intimate connection with nature. The series focuses on the ethical aspects of hunting and the respect for the game, wildlife, and their habitats.

Hunting the Country takes you on a nationwide journey from the backwoods of the south, through the great plains of the mid-west to the rocky mountains of the west. Each location presents a different set of animals to hunt, and challenges unique to their environment. The show does not limit itself to showcasing whitetail deer but also includes turkey, elk, moose, hogs, bears and a host of other game species.

The show has an array of inspiring and dynamic guests appearing across the various seasons. These include the most seasoned and acclaimed professional hunters, outfitters, and guides. These folks are not just exceptional hunters, but they are also conservationists who love the land and wildlife. Each guest ties the viewers into the essence of hunting, the challenges, and the joys of the pursuit.

The host, Mark Newell, a dedicated conservationist and experienced outdoorsman, brings the right mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and expert commentary. He guides his audience through each hunt, explaining details of the locality, the specifics of the game being hunted, and the strategies followed by hunters. Mark narrates each episode with a blend of excitement, patience, humor, and reverence for the nature around him.

Hunting the Country is also deeply rooted in the conservation ethic. The program firmly believes in the fair chase hunting tradition and promotes wildlife conservation. It helps viewers understand that hunters are the most significant contributors to wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. The show educates its audience about the importance of sustainable hunting, maintaining the population of different species in balance, and promoting healthy ecosystems.

The program also shows an undeniable respect for the wildlife hunted, often exploring and sharing the life-cycle, habits, and habitats of the game species in focus. It emphasizes respect for the game and the spiritual connection between man, wildlife, and nature. For many hunters, this spiritual connection and the opportunity to participate firsthand in the natural cycle of life and death are perhaps the most significant aspects of their hunting experience.

With majestic scenery serving as the backdrop, it further reinforces the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations. The breathtaking landscapes and vivid photography give vital attention to the details of life in the wild. The varied terrain, changing seasons, and striking wildlife movements contribute to the stunning visual experience of the show.

In Hunting the Country, hunting is presented as a family tradition, a way of life passed down through generations. It promotes the significance of family bonds strengthened by a shared love of outdoor pursuits. Many episodes feature multi-generational hunts, where hunting knowledge and lore are passed down from parent to child, showing the critical role hunting plays in maintaining familial ties and traditions.

The show shines a light on the nuances of various hunting techniques like the use of hounds, archery, muzzle-loading, and modern firearms. It also teaches the strategies they employ, like spot and stalk hunting, hunting from blinds or stands, or executing a well-coordinated drive.

Notably, the exhilaration of a successful hunt is always followed by the appropriate appreciation of the game, showcasing responsible field dressing and processing techniques. With the precision of a master chef, it goes on to explore how hunters savor the fruits of their labor, often showing how to prepare wild game recipes that are both nutritious and delicious.

In conclusion, Hunting the Country is more than a show about hunting—it is a symbol of a lifestyle. It celebrates our connection to the land and our role in the preservation of wildlife. It immerses viewers in various hunting traditions, encourages a deeper respect for the natural world, and shares the timeless human story of our dependence on and reverence for the wild game species that share our world. It's a show that captures the true spirit of hunting - the patient stalking, the endurance of inclement weather, the adrenaline rush of the hunt, and the deep respect for the animal hunted.