5 Questions to the Experts: #2 – Dr Charles Shawley – Science of The Hunt
Dr Charles Shawley owner of The Science of the Hunt and regular blogger here at Hunt & Shoot answers my 5 questions to the experts. Enjoy. Don’t forget to read Charle’s blog and visit his website.
1) Do you think hunters and shooters are in a better or worse position
politically and public perception-wise now than 5 years ago?
Politically, hunters and shooters are in a better position today than they were five years ago, but the future is uncertain. With the expected confirmation of Kagan, some of the decisions that previous Supreme Courts have made could face new “interpretation” and be overturned. However, if the previous Court decisions stand, then I would reverse my statement. The D.C. v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago decisions were monumental for Second Amendment advocates and were a significant step in the right direction. Hopefully, those decisions are not amended by a future Court.
On the other hand, I believe public perception of hunting and shooting has changed for the benefit of hunters and shooters over the last five years, which ultimately led to those Supreme Court decisions. As people realize that D.C. and Chicago won’t become the shoot ‘em up saloons of the old west, public opinion will further sway toward acceptance of gun rights and, by extension, hunting rights.
I also feel that gun rights and hunting rights stand on fairly firm ground. The 1994 election swung toward Conservative Republicans due in part to their grassroots campaign to repeal the assault weapons ban. The defeated Democratic Party learned a valuable lesson that election cycle regarding their stance on gun rights. While many Democrats still privately oppose gun ownership, they know better than to voice those opinions, especially during an election year, out of fear of the Republican Party re-sounding the political battle cry that the Democrats are “after your guns.”
In specific regard to hunters, the recent delisting of the gray wolf in the northern US has been a shining moment. Hopefully, the latest round of lawsuits to overturn the delisting will fail and hunting quotas will increase. Only time will tell.
2) What have you found to be the fastest growing segment of the hunting
& shooting sports?
By far, the fastest growing segment of the hunting and shooting industry has been predator hunting. While I have no hard numbers to support my assertion, the industry as a whole seems to be catching predator hunting fever. More and more products designed for predator hunters are emerging each year. Even products not specifically designed for predator hunters are being given predator names. Many firearms manufacturers have “coyote” or “varmint” models, and even the AR-style rifles are branded with these cognomens. The game call shelves in your local hunting stores are expanding to include more and more predator-specific models. It’s not just turkey calls anymore.
Predator hunting offers unlimited opportunity in most states with no bag limits or handcuffing restrictions. It’s fun, and it’s the best form of hunting and shooting practice for big game hunters – with an added benefit of helping the young deer, antelope, and elk that are so treasured by big game hunters.
3) Where do you see the hunting and shooting sports in 10 years time?
In ten years, I see the hunting and shooting industry embracing and adapting to emerging technologies like never before. Currently, the civilian hunting and shooting industry is lagging behind military development. However, that gap is closing. The industry is changing from hunters that try to learn engineering to engineers that love to hunt. This is leading to better products that are based on science and not on anecdotal supposition.
4) What has been your favorite hunting/shooting product you have used
lately?
My favorite hunting product is my Kanati Tek CX-1 digital game caller. My CX-1 has made me a more successful hunter by replicating unconventional sounds used to attract predators better than any other e-caller on the market. I have used products from every e-caller manufacturer in the industry, and Kanati Tek is the only e-caller brand you’ll find in my backpack. With new sounds coming out all the time, Kanati Tek is staying ahead of its competition. Best of all, they make and test their own products so quality control and assurance are tops for the industry.
5) What is your favorite hunting cartridge and favorite varminting
cartridge?
My favorite big game hunting cartridge is tough to pin down. I would say that I have a preference that is dependent on the species of big game I hunt. If I had to choose one cartridge for the rest of my life to cover all big game species I hunt, I would reach for my .338 Win. Mag. It has all the power I need to hunt any North American game animal, and with a 250-grain Nosler Partition, it has a greater sectional density than a typical .375 H&H load, which is important for penetrating deep inside the largest and toughest animals.
My favorite varminting cartridge is the .223 Rem. With the right combination of bullet and gun, the .223 is a very accurate cartridge that handles all varmints/predators. My particular load preference stops them instantly and doesn’t exit the body cavity. Best of all, ammunition for the .223 Rem. is prevalent and affordable, and there are plenty of component options for the reloader.
Related posts:
- 5 Questions to the Experts. #1 Marcus O’Dean – Editor Sporting Shooter
- Hunt and Shoot Welcomes Dr Charles Shawley To The Team.
- Hunt & Shoot Radio Episode #20 – Dr Charles Shawley – Fox Senses
Category: Hunting and Shooting News, Keith Drain's Column
