It’s estimated that only 4 to 6 percent of Americans are active hunters, and yet hunting dominates a whirlwind of debates — from gun control to wildlife preservation to divisions in class and more.
How did hunting become such a sacred yet fraught tradition? Is it in our DNA? Is it love of sport? Or perhaps a desire for independence and self-reliance?
Award-winning historian Philip Dray’s latest book, “The Fair Chase: The Epic Story of Hunting in America” provides a revelatory view into our country’s legendary hunters and evolving attitudes towards wildlife and conservation. The term “Fair Chase” itself refers to a code of hunting ethics inspired by advocates of conservation.
Dray joins host Larry Mantle to talk about the classic, rugged pastime and its indelible impact on American culture.
Guest:
Philip Dray, author of many books including his latest, “The Fair Chase: The Epic Story of Hunting in America” (Basic Books 2018); finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his 2002 book, “At the Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America” (Modern Library, 2002)