Marks Hunting Tenets

I’m often asked, what are the rules for successful hunting. I understand the question, but I struggle to answer it because the word rules do not sit comfortably with me. Rules are imposed. Hunting, at least the way I think about it, is built on lessons that prove themselves true over time. The game sets the rules, I just try to keep up. That line of thinking led me through a few alternatives. 

Truisms, statements so obviously true or widely accepted that repeating them adds little insight, were close, but a truism is so self-evident that there is little value in discussing it, so espousing a bunch of hunting truisms seems like talking for the sake of hearing your own voice. Axioms, did not feel quite right either. 

Axioms are accepted as true without needing proof, and I want proof. Eventually I settled on tenets: core principles accepted as true because experience continually demonstrates their value. 

So here we go. But before we begin, know none of what follows is revolutionary. What makes them tenets is that they continue to hold true year after year, regardless of location, species or hunting style. 

Always be aware of the wind

 The wind influences how game moves across the landscape and remains the single most important factor in avoiding detection. Understanding wind direction and adjusting your approach will create more opportunities than any new piece of gear ever will. 

Time in the field is always worth it.

Every hour spent outdoors builds knowledge that cannot be gained from maps, videos or conversations. Success is often measured by kills, but competence is built through repetition, observation and time spent hunting. The more time you spend in the field, the better hunter you become. 

All game is worth your effort. No animal is insignificant. Every hunt presents an opportunity to improve, develop hunting skills and better understand wildlife behaviour. Different species will challenge you in different ways, requiring you to adapt, be patience and pay attention to detail. 

Every animal deserves respect

The connection between hunter and game extends beyond the moment of impact. Respecting an animal means recognising that both you and the animal are participants in the same process, governed by the same landscape and conditions. Acknowledging that connection helps shape ethical decision-making long before the shot is taken. 

The longer I hunt, the more I realise that hunting's greatest lessons are rarely new discoveries. They are enduring truths that have always existed, waiting for me to catch up. Mark