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Path of The Hunter Mentoring
Program
Photo Tour
• Program Specifics •
Topics Covered
A Unique Path...
Hunting of long ago was a sacred art passed down from generation to generation.
Along with the skills learned from early childhood came the essential understandings of respect for
all life, ethics to guide each step, and an honoring for the gifts received. These traits became the
heartbeat to guide the path of hunter.
At Earthwalk Northwest, we recognize that, more and more, people do not have
the opportunity to learn from their elders. Because of this we have felt a need to offer a program
emphasizing these traditions.
The Path of the Hunter Mentoring Program is a unique, in depth course emphasizing
hands-on learning in a guided environment. Safety, ethics, and respect are themes throughout the program. A
thorough understanding of hunting is taught beginning with ethical responsibility and Washington state hunting
regulations, followed with pre-hunt preparations, both physical and spiritual. Hunting techniques including
scouting, camouflage, animal tracking and trailing will be practiced on guided workshops. Hunting blinds will
be learned along with animal calling and how to best use decoys to lead game to an area.
Fishing, clam digging and oystering are a large part of northwest tradition.
In this program we will be traveling out to the beautiful coastal areas to explore these incredible Northwest gifts.
The care and processing of game is an essential part of the hunt, thus ensuring
no part of the animal will go to waste. A workshop of “Field to Freezer” highlights this segment with
students learning to clean, cut, and package game. The making of wild game sausage will conclude this
segment, and many of Frank’s special game recipes will also be shared.
Program Director
Frank grew up hunting and fishing in the Northwest and has taught of outdoor
skills for over 25 years. He holds a recreational leadership degree and specializes in teaching bow making,
traditional tanning, and wilderness survival courses to a diversity of students. To keep current with his own
level of expertise, Frank has pursued additional trainings and holds certificates with:
- Washington State Hunter’s Education
- Washington State Master Hunter
- Advanced Bow Hunter Education
- Eyes in the Woods
Frank’s depth of experience, professionalism, and his ability to help others master skills of their own, make him a unique and effective teacher.
| "The hunter must not
only know about the habits of his prey, he also must know
that there are powers on this earth that guide men and
animals in everything that is living." |
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-Carlos Castaneda |
Student Testimonials
I took the Path of
the Hunter class because I wanted to be an ethical hunter.
I wanted to feel the responsibility of taking the life
that sustains me. I wanted to honor the animals whose
lives are ended so I may continue to live. Through example
and many stories, Frank has taught me how to be an ethical
hunter. I have learned how to move through the forest in
tune with my surroundings, and to make sure I will have a
clean kill before shooting. The Path of The Hunter class
gave me the tools to slow down and become a participant in
the natural world, instead of a bystander. I would
recommend the class to anyone who is looking for a deeper
connection with themselves and the natural world.  |
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-Carleigh
Path of The Hunter '08-'09 |
In this age, where
many hunters have lost their reverence for animals and
wild places, Frank Sherwood shows us a Path that
reconnects us to ourselves and the community of life
around us. I began this course as a complete novice, and
in addition to learning all the things I had hoped to, I
also had many more profound experiences than I could have
ever anticipated. The Path of The Hunter is now something
that I will be walking for the rest of my days, and words
cannot express how thankful I am for that.  |
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-Tim
Path of The Hunter '09-'10 |
What began as
"Skills of the Hunter" has evolved into a full-fledged
hunting course. I am so happy to have had the opportunity
to experience this evolution in its early stages, and look
forward to further participation in the future. The Path
of The Hunter Program has picked up the ideas that began
in the one weekend class, and implemented them in praxis.
It has been a privilege to go from a basic intellectual
knowledge of hunting, to having basic practical
experience. I now have the tools, the confidence, and the
general understanding to take up hunting on my own.  |
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-Glen
Path of The Hunter '09-'10
Skills of The Hunter Class
'07 |
| It's difficult to
find words that suffice to express the depth and breadth
of learning and experience I've had with Frank. Hunting is
something that I've wanted to learn how to do the right
way, in a way that is reflective of a profound sense of
respect, reverence, and ethics. Frank has exceeded the
hopes and expectations I could have wanted in a teacher,
and in the process has opened the door to a profound and
sacred interaction with the wild. |
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-Chad
Path of The Hunter '09-'10 |
| As a hunter,
Frank's skill, enthusiasm and experience offer tremendous
branches of knowledge to those who seek guidance in the
art of hunting. As a mentor, Frank's commitment,
creativity and kindness are all rooted in developing a
safe container for learning. As a beginner on this path, I
marveled at all there was to learn about engaging in this
dynamic relationship between hunter and prey. I could not
imagine learning what I have learned through this program
from any other source. It has given me confidence,
knowledge and tools to continue to develop my practice.
Never before have I participated in a program that offers
such a wide range of hands on experiences. I am forever
grateful to both Frank and Karen for offering their
extraordinary knowledge. On the outside, my relationship
to the world has been changed by their wise teachings. On
the inside, my deep ache to find my place in the sacred
dance of life was eased by their guidance and commitment
to this path. |
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-Mandalynn
Path of The Hunter '09-'10 |
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