Did Aldo Leopold Hunt? A Complex Legacy

Aldo Leopold did indeed hunt. He took his gun on its first hunt in September of 1921. His hunting journal documents the event: “Foothills west of Barelas Bridge, Sept 15, 1921. 7 doves.”

This entry is a snapshot of Leopold’s early hunting experiences. He wasn’t just a hunter; he was a keen observer of nature, recording details about his hunts that went beyond simply bagging game. His journal entries tell us more than just what he hunted, but where he hunted, the date, and even the number of birds he shot. This provides us with valuable insight into his early hunting practices and his evolving relationship with the natural world.

Leopold’s passion for hunting wasn’t just about the thrill of the hunt. It was a way to connect with the land, to understand the delicate balance of nature. He wasn’t just a hunter; he was a naturalist, a scientist, and a conservationist. His hunting experiences, documented in his journals, eventually became the foundation for his groundbreaking work in conservation and his famous book “A Sand County Almanac.”