BOOK REVIEW: “Hunting as a Right of Passage” by Dr. Randall Eaton

By Larry S. Moore

I often look at books and studies relating to hunting, trapping or Second Amendment issues. Some are saved for possible reference; most are skimmed and discarded, while occasionally the author really grabs my attention. Perhaps this is because the author is breaking new ground, presenting the facts and conclusion in a fresh manner, or even just reaffirming values that were passed from my ancestors to me. Rarely does the author combine all these facets into one work. That is exactly what Dr. Randall Eaton has done with his ongoing study of animal and human behavior combined with hunting.

Dr. Eaton has addressed many groups presenting his work and findings. I heard him earlier this year during a work session about the future of hunting at the Outdoor Writers of Ohio convention. His work stated values that trace directly to those my parents and grandparents attempted to instill into my generation. While the conclusions are certainly logical to me, I think many in the mainstream modern culture will be shocked at the premise and supporting evidence surrounding Dr. Eaton’s work.

One statement Dr. Eaton made at the convention was, “Hunting is not a sport, hunting is life.” I certainly agree with that. His work goes much further by comparing the maturing of boys and girls into men and women. His studies indicate that women most closely identify with childbirth, the bringing of new life into the world. This connects women to babies of all types, human and animal. However, men are different. Hunting and outdoor pursuits are fundamental to the maturing process for the male. Historically, societies placed value on the hunter. Men had to earn manhood and that was done through hunting or being a great warrior. The men had to take a life of the animal in order to sustain their life. In doing so, men learned compassion.

The excerpts from his upcoming book, “From Boys to Men of Heart: Hunting as Rite of Passage” Dr. Eaton presents a strong case for why society is failing and becoming increasingly violent as boys no longer experience hunting as part of the maturing process from adolescence to adult. I have an advance copy of the “Overview, Why Hunters Save the World.” Dr. Randall writes, “I am convinced the world is a mess because for too long we have failed to raise boys properly. We have not tempered the masculine fire with feminine compassion, the radical function of male rites of passage among pre-pastoral societies. We have not given our young men those rites of passage that transform them into men of heart, men who are profoundly married to nature and who think with the heart and therefore are wise. Heart-intelligence, not ego-intellect, informs us what is appropriate to do. The development of wise men rests not on conceptual knowledge and abstraction but upon transcendent and transformative experiences. Education does not mean to put into, but to draw out of, the function of rites of passage.”

Dr. Eaton’s study notes that over 80% of the hunters surveyed responded that they give thanks to the animal or a Creator for their kill. Most all feel some sadness when they kill an animal. Dr. Eaton states, “Most men fell they have learned universal virtues from hunting, such as inner peace, humility and patience, and most older male hunters rank taking the life of an animal for food highest in those life events that have opened their hearts and engendered compassion in them.”

Certainly Dr. Eaton’s studies and writings parallel my experiences. I vividly recall the first time I killed an animal. As I, hopefully, have matured past some youthful indiscretions, I understand the reasons for seasons, a time to kill and a time to nurture, not just because game laws say so but because the universal law of nature is understood. Like those in Dr. Eaton’s studies, I too give thanks for every day in the outdoors and especially on those days when the hunt is successful. Taking an animal from the hunt, through the butchering process and onto the family table is something that I do each year. I do the butchering as part of the process of the hunt ensuring that as much of the animal is effectively used as possible. Final respects are paid when dining on the game taken during the season.

Dr. Eaton is an award-winning, best-selling author. Dr. Eaton has held faculty positions in zoology, psychology and humanities at the several major universities. He is internationally recognized for his work in animal behavior, wildlife conservation, human evolution and the ethics of hunting. He has received other recognition for his productions on “Orca – The Sacred Whale,” and “The Sacred Hunt”. Dr. Eaton’s latest book should be in print by early fall. Based on the overview and chapter excerpts that I’ve been privileged to read, it will be at the top of my must-read list.

More information on Dr. Eaton’s publications and studies can be found at www.randalleaton.com.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award and 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year.