When the Big Game is Gone: The Necessity of Small-Scale Hunting

There are days on the calendar when the prime quarry—the elk, the deer, the bighorn—are simply nowhere to be found. You know the drill. The big hunts are seasonal, and sometimes, the only thing 'in season' is the grit required to keep moving. When the grand chase stalls, the hunter has to adapt, and that means leaning into the small stuff.

The Art of the Adaptable Hunt

We spent time out in the field, initially focused on the high-end predator hunt, trying to capitalize on the coyote. Whether it's using a Fox Pro calling setup or just listening for the whisper of a distant movement, the focus is always on the fair chase. But when the big dog isn't answering the call, you pivot. You pivot to the hogs, the squirrels, or the other upland game that's been passing through.

The hunt, at its core, is about self-reliance and providing. It’s about the steady, consistent work that feeds the family and keeps the skills sharp. It’s a return to fundamental competence, and that’s where the lessons are.

Sometimes, the biggest lesson is just learning to use what you have. We transitioned from the coyote call to the shotgun, turning our attention to squirrels. It's a reminder that every piece of gear, every skill set—from the long-range optics used for glassing a distant mule deer to the close-quarters choke needed for a squirrel—is valid, and necessary. The ability to switch tactics, to go from the precision of a bow shot to the rapid, visceral action of a shotgun, that's what makes a truly competent hunter.

Gear and the Grind

The equipment discussion was fascinating. From discussing armor-piercing rounds (for show, mostly) to the practical necessity of reliable shotgun shells, it’s a constant dialogue about preparation. It’s about having the right tool for the specific job at hand. Whether you’re hauling out a full pack of jerky, dealing with taxidermy, or just clearing the field dress, the discipline never wavers.

This adaptability echoes the spirit of the hunt itself. When you are out in the open country—whether you’re following the lines set by the Founding Guide, Josh Austin, or tackling public land yourself—you quickly learn that you cannot plan for every scenario. You plan for the ideal, but you survive on the necessary. It's a foundational understanding of provision.

The Call to Duty

The hunt isn't just sport; it's a duty. It's the primal act of providing. And when the big game is scarce, you remember the bedrock truth: you are capable, and your family depends on your skill. It's a physical and spiritual preparation. It's preparation for the things life—or a rogue cougar—will throw at you when you get back home.

If you're looking to sharpen those adaptive skills, whether you’re out on your own public land draw or joining a guided experience, there's always a chapter to write. The skills learned out in the field—the patience, the tracking, the knowing when to shift from a rifle scope to a simple pair of eyes—those are the things that truly define the hunter.

If you're looking for a solid, experienced guide to help you master the techniques of the chase, check out the trips coming up with Josh at Bookcliffs. They specialize in turning a good hunter into a Certified Rogue Hunter, no matter what quarry the season throws at you.