Customer Reviews

Beyond Fair Chase

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
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1 star:		(4)

 

 

Posewitz has set down a reasoned approach to ethics and points the way for us all, novice or veteran hunter. This is a very short book, and can be read by the novice in a short time. Rather than give us long lists of rules, Posewitz has chosen to let our conscience guide us by explaining the basics. Well written, with several stories that illustrate differing attitudes. If we are to preserve wildlife, it will be the hunter who pays - as it has been for 100 years. This book deals with issues of respect, reverence and use of game animals. More importantly, it does so in the right tone, not preachy, just informative.

This book, albeit a slim volume is to be valued by veteran hunters and those new to the sport. The real emphasis is on the ethics of hunting well. Additional topics covered are well addressed. This book has been used in many state-sponsored hunter education courses, after having read it you will understand why. The author, who has impecible credentials as a wildlife biologist and hunter himself makes a valid case for continuing our national right to hunt.

Jim Posewitz's pocket-sized book on the ethics of hunting measures about 6 inches by 4 inches, and 3/8 of an inch thick. In many states, hunting licenses are about 4x6. I wish this book was attached to every hunting license out there. The size and the price obviously were designed to make it easy to carry and afford. Alas, this only works once it is in your hands, and it needs to be in many more hands.

If you think a license to hunt means using whatever technique to get whatever animal, then this book really is for you. However, if you are interested in this book, I am not describing you. The folk that pick up this book are thinking ethics already! At our local indoor shooting range there is a sign in every room: "The future of hunting is dependent on hunter ethics."

Jim Posewitz would agree. Get lots of copies, and distribute them widely.

I read this book when first came out, and I've referred constantly to my copy ever since. I've given away several copies as gifts, and referred to my copy when I've been reaching for a phrase or concept. This is an excellent book for hunters and nonhunters, and for hunters who are trying to communicate to nonhunters. Posewitz does not confuse off-road access with the traditions and skills of hunting, which often happens when the lines for the hunter/nonhunter use of the outdoors is being drawn up. Posewitz is a must-read for all beginning hunters of any age, and for anyone who is trying to teach someone else to hunt.

As a certified Hunter Safety Instructor, I have found the BEYOND FAIR CHASE states what we are trying to teach in an easy to understand way.
We know that every new hunter has an emotional feeling the first time they kill a living animal and watch it die. Some can never hunt again. This book helps one to understand the part they are playing in wildlife management and how to do it in an ethical manner.

Extremely plain and dumbed-down writing. I was looking for something thought-provoking that would stoke the fires of my newfound interest in hunting and seriously address the deep questions about morality associated with it. No luck. I was bored by page 2. Yawning by page 5. Flipped through the rest just to make sure I didn't miss anything important. If you are like me, a negative review will not dissuade you from buying something that SOUNDS like what you are looking for. Lucky for us it only costs about $3 and 20 minutes to learn this lesson.

As someone new to hunting I found this text very appealing and it is my hope that all hunters will consider this books message. It is a quick read and I feel it contains the views of any responsible hunter. It is my opinion that this text should be required reading before anyone is eligible to receive a hunting license. If you are an experienced hunter these should already be your ethics, but it never hurts to have a reminder. It is for the sake of wildlife and the future of hunting that I recommend this book.

This essay may be worthwhile reading for someone getting started in the sport but it useless for the experienced sportsman. Little more than a superficial retred of what so many others have written. Save your money and buy something from the classic outdoor writers like Ruark, O'Conner, or Gene Hill. You could also try the nature writers like Teale, Carrighar, Thompson-Seton, Paul Brandreth, John Taintor Foote or many others.

i was first given a copy of this book when i took my hunters ed course,
i now purchased several copies and give them to new hunters i turn on to hunting,
great insight to principles of being an ethical hunter,
even non hunters will appreciate the love for the outdoors this book inspires

Jim Posewitz's book, "Beyond Fair Chase", is a great little book for both the novice & the experienced hunter. This book is mostly about hunting ethics. It reminds the hunter to respect game animals, follow the laws, respect property, and to realize that hunting is a privilege and not a right.