Way of the Hunt with Neill Bovaird hosted by Wild Earth

Spring 2026 – Winter 2026

Wild Earth Presents: Way of the Hunt with Neill Bovaird

For nearly a decade, Wild Earth has partnered with Neill Bovaird, founder of Wolf Tree Programs, to bring his deeply rooted wilderness and hunting teachings to the Hudson Valley community. Through courses such as Using the Whole Deer, Buckskin Sewing, and Hide Tanning, participants have learned to approach hunting as both a skill and a relationship — one rooted in respect for life, land, and community.

Building on this partnership, we’re honored to continue offering Way of the Hunt, an eight-weekend apprenticeship that invites participants to explore hunting as a process of reconnection — to food, nature, community, and self.

About the Program

Way of the Hunt is both a practical training and a philosophical journey. Under Neill’s guidance, participants learn the full cycle of the hunt — how to prepare, what to do in the field, and how to honor what follows a successful hunt. Each weekend explores a different aspect; tracking, scouting, butchering, cooking with fire, hide tanning, working with bone and more, creating a strong foundation in ethical and reverent hunting.

More than a class, this apprenticeship is a reorientation to life — a chance to shed what’s unnecessary, listen deeply, and rediscover the essentials of being human. It fosters a relationship of respect and compassion, helping participants see hunting not merely as taking life, but as engaging in the timeless act of giving and receiving.

Program Details:

• Eight weekend sessions across the seasons
• Expect physical activity, varied weather, and early mornings
• Includes approximately 5+ hours of monthly homework
• Open to adults 18+; dedicated teens (15+) may apply with guardian permission by emailing info@wildearth.org

Wild Earth’s Approach to Hunting

At Wild Earth, we strive to build a more compassionate and connected relationship between people and the natural world. We recognize that hunting, when approached with awareness and humility, can deepen intimacy with nature and renew understanding of our dependence on the land.

While Way of the Hunt focuses on building the skills, ethics, and mindset necessary for respectful hunting, there is no hunting or slaughter during this program. Instead, participants learn the full process through hands-on practice, mentorship, and observation.

With compassion and respect, Wild Earth instructors use already deceased animals to teach wilderness skills such as butchering or hide tanning. All processing activities are choice-based and conducted out of sight for those who prefer not to participate.

Killing or slaughter takes place only in clearly identified, specialized programs specifically designed around reverential hunting and harvesting for food, clothing, or tools. These programs are always labeled as such and devote significant time to cultivating a culture of reverence, compassion, and respect.

We understand that each person’s journey with hunting unfolds in its own time. Way of the Hunt honors that diversity by meeting people wherever they are — offering tools, awareness, and a respectful space to learn.

Through this apprenticeship, participants not only learn the way of the hunt, but the way of belonging — to the earth, to community, and to themselves.

About Neill Bovaird

Neill Bovaird has been practicing and teaching wilderness skills since 1998. He has a B.S. in Natural Resource Conservation from UMass Amherst and holds a Track and Sign Level III certification through the CyberTracker Conservation. Neill has been a facilitator at Art of Mentoring since 2001 and has studied with Jon Young, Mark Elbroch, Errett Callahan, and Steve Watts.

In addition to being the founder and director of Wolf Tree Programs LLC, Neill has taught wilderness skills at countless private and public schools, nature centers, museums, conferences, elder hostels and camps. He has been a passionate hunter and gatherer for over ten years and is dedicated to sharing how to approach hunting and gathering in a respectful way, helping people connect more deeply to themselves, nature and their communities.

Register now and reserve your space in Way of the Hunt with Neill Bovaird hosted by Wild Earth today. Space is limited.