Medieval and Montana Hunting Access

During Friday’s class, we discussed the motives for hunting:  killing animals because of their potential threat; the role of hunting as a social experience; culling; and the thrill or prestige of the hunt.  Clearly, in the Middle Ages, hunting and falconry were activities to showcase one’s power and prestige. However, in our discussions, we never focused on the role land access plays into this equation involving hunting and its way to prove one’s nobility.  While accessibility may have been only one of many factors contributing to hunting being an ennobling activity, I believe it cannot be overlooked in the Middle Ages or today.

The N.J. Sykes article, “The Impact of Normans on Hunting Practices in England” helps me better understand the importance of hunting access. Wild animals belong to no one; but the property they live on often is private. Thus, the private and pubic domains are both in play when it comes to privately owned hunting land and wild animals. This is an increasingly contentious topic in my home state of Montana where wealthy non-residents are buying up prime hunting land and purchasing state licenses that are heavily restricted due to high costs.