Human Nature Hunting

Human Nature Hunting teaches hunters how to actually hunt—not just how to own a rifle. Instructor Bruce McGlenn has been rifle hunting since the late 1980s, primarily for deer and elk across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He brings that real experience into every course, emphasizing fieldcraft over gear, ethical decision-making, and practical skill development.

Awaken the Hunter — The flagship four-day intensive course covering rifle selection, ballistics, shooting in various field conditions, cartridge choice, and optics setup. Hands-on work with different rifles and calibers at multiple ranges and distances.

Wild Turkey Hunt — Dedicated turkey hunting instruction including calling techniques, field positioning, and seasonal strategy.

Shellfishing — Coastal foraging and harvesting skills for clams, oysters, and other shellfish.

Tracking — Reading sign, understanding animal behavior, and stalking techniques for backcountry hunting.

Hide Tanning and Small Game Processing — Learn to preserve hides and properly field dress and butcher small game for the table.

Advanced Holistic Animal Processing — Comprehensive instruction on ethically and efficiently processing harvested game from field to freezer.

Online Courses — Flexibility to learn foundational concepts remotely before hands-on field work.

"I prefer to keep it simple and focus on the hunt more than the gear. I prefer to keep it light and cover the ground." — Bruce McGlenn, instructor

McGlenn's philosophy centers on lightweight backcountry hunting. Most of his shots come under 200 yards because he stalks closer rather than taking long-range shots. This practical approach—emphasizing foot hunting, terrain reading, and animal behavior—differs from high-tech, gear-heavy instruction.

The school provides deep technical knowledge on cartridge selection:

Courses cover ballistic coefficient, sectional density, bullet construction (all-copper vs. lead-core), recoil mitigation, and how to actually shoot in field conditions—not just at a bench.

Human Nature Hunting emphasizes ethical hunting grounded in respect for wildlife. The instruction covers:

• •Shot placement and clean kills — Understanding what constitutes an ethical harvest
• •Safety in the field — Knowing when to take a shot and when to pass
• •Field processing — Honoring harvested game through proper care
• •Backcountry skill — Navigation, gear selection, and self-sufficiency

• •Substack — Regular hunting journal entries and detailed field stories
• •Blog — Multi-part technical guides on rifle selection, ballistics, and hunting decision-making
• •Podcasts & Articles — Published content on hunting philosophy and practical technique
• •Consultation Services — One-on-one guidance for hunters choosing their first rifle or planning hunts
• •Scholarship — Support available for hunters who cannot afford full course fees

Bruce McGlenn has hunted deer, elk, black bear, wild boar, and antelope across multiple regions including the Pacific Northwest foothills and open country near the Continental Divide. He reloads ammunition using modern powders and all-copper bullets (Barnes and Nosler E-tip), achieving velocities and performance that exceed standard factory ammunition. His personal hunting rifle—a .308 Winchester with custom handloads—reflects his minimalist, efficient approach.

• •First-time rifle hunters needing foundational knowledge before their first season
• •Hunters switching calibers or rifles wanting to understand modern options
• •Backcountry hunters focused on foot hunting and lightweight approaches
• •Game processors wanting to master hide tanning and ethical field butchering
• •Coastal foragers interested in shellfishing and coastal food production

Human Nature Hunting combines technical rifle knowledge with hunting ethics, practical fieldcraft, and respect for wild animals and wild places.