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Stemming back to the land of the frontier and the early settlers that conquered the wilderness, making the nation what it is today, the United States has always had a notable fondness towards the great outdoors. With our friends from across the pond undergoing their highly anticipated election, we thought it best to look back upon some of the United States’ biggest advocates of the sporting life and in particular, hunting.
George Washington:
What better place to commence than with the United States’ first president, George Washington. As an avid waterfowler and fox hunter, it is believed he owned several hunting dogs to support his leisurely pursuits. His love for these animals was so great that it is rumoured that during the American Revolution, he called for a ceasefire when he spotted a dog wandering the battleground. Under the impression that the canine belonged to the British General William Howe, rather than do the dog any misfortune, he ordered for it to be cleaned and returned. Even as Washington’s army of revolutionaries took heavy casualties and suffered a subsequent loss, this tale truly documents the unprecedented bond he felt towards these animals.
Grover Cleveland:
Although our next choice does not feature on Mount Rushmore, Grover Cleveland served as the 22nd and 24th president of the US and was an obsessive when it came to the outdoors. With a passion for both shooting and fishing, he frequently documented his indulgence in what was “the most alluring and satisfying of all recreations”. He believed that true hunters and fishermen were born and not manufactured, owing to an inherent instinct to perform these tasks. Despite his non-discriminatory stance on what he hunted, Cleveland was a strong believer in sustainable methods, calling out those who were too greedy or cruel, methods that would damage both habitat and sport alike.
Dwight D Eisenhower:
In a similar fashion to Cleveland, Eisenhower was also a renowned hunter and angler in his own right. His love for open fields meant his hobbies were strictly limited to a combination hunting, fishing, and golf – highlighting their unique ability to focus one’s mind on a singular task for a prolonged period. From an early age, he would walk for miles to fish, later moving on to hunting birds. His dedication to the military is well documented, as he served as Supreme Commander during crucial moments, including the invasions of France and Germany. It is, however, lesser known that during a day off in the war, he reverted to his old ways and spent it hunting partridge in North Africa.
Theodore Roosevelt:
Next in our notable selections comes arguably the most famous president in terms of their sporting activity, Theodore Roosevelt. His deep-rooted appreciation for the great outdoors developed from an early age, as he travelled far and wide to ease his struggles with asthma. Years later, he would play a fundamental role in protecting the United States’ wildlife by helping to establish the United States Forestry Service, which protected more than 230 million acres of land. Roosevelt would openly speak about his love for hunting and its place in nature, falling in love with “the free, self-reliant, adventurous life”, a belief that still resonates with many American communities today and highlights the crucial relationship between sport and conservation.
Jimmy Carter:
As the most recent president among our selections, Jimmy Carter still managed to embody the free-wheeling, hunting lifestyle synonymous with the US. Initially making a living as a peanut farmer in Georgia, a fishing rod or rifle was never further than an arm’s reach during childhood. This trend would continue throughout his life, collecting multiple types of firearms. Despite taking the least amount of vacation during his tenure as president, most of his days off would be spent shooting with his family and friends, indicative of the importance of such activities to him.