History Behind Hunting

Since the beginning of time, about 3 million years ago, hunting was necessary for survival. Hunting provided us with food from the meat, clothing from the skins, and tools from the bones and horns. After agriculture stepped in, hunting was readily open to the public, leading to serious damages on the forest ecosystem. Governed by strict laws to protect wildlife and the environment, hunting has become a leisure activity for most.

Types of Hunting

The fine line between hunting for sport and hunting for food was drawn early. Depending on the regions and countries themselves, hunters would use firearms, bow and arrow, or even hounds to catch game. Camouflages and disguises were used to conceal the hunter while they used things like nooses, traps, snares, pits, decoys, baits, and poisons. Popular types of hunting include: bird hunting, big/small game hunting, camouflage hunting, Tracking, bow hunting, wild boar hunting, bait hunting, safari and recreational.

History Behind the Cowboy Hat

The cowboy hat has become a world-renowned symbol for a cowboy and the American West. The first Modern-day cowboy hat was created in 1865 by John B. Stetson, a manufacturer from Philadelphia. Due to his family’s practice, he used his skills out west to create the very first modern-day hat called “The Boss of the Plains.” The hat was made of fine fur from beaver, hare, and other small animals to help working westerners outlast the elements during their long 12 hour days. In gaining popularity, the cowboy hat underwent a series of changes in shape to better suit the needs of its activity and evolved into the form we are more familiar with today. For example: when the brim of a hat is curved up on the sides, it is shaped this way help stay out of the way of a rope, bow and arrow, or rifle.

Why a Cowboy Hat for Hunting?

Wearing a hat or cap is a good sign of an experienced outdoors man or bow hunter. A hat is the most personalized piece of clothing you can own, so why not make it awesome? If you want to pull off a cowboy hat while hunting, you’ve come to the right place. A cowboy hat can come in either felt or straw and both will protect the wearer against the sun. Each hat is great for a different purpose, and we’ll explain why.

Felt hats are made of very fine fur or wool, are best used when dealing with inclement weather, and for most intense outdoor use. Straw hats work the best for very hot days when ventilation is needed, like for fishing or for Rodeo. Straw hats are woven with different types of straw, but the most common is Shantung Straw, a high-performance paper yarn, and Jute, a silky yet golden fiber. If you are going to wear a cowboy hat to hunt, we recommend using a neutral-colored fur variety. Options include a camo-printed hat or an earthy color that has not been dyed, like our Beaver Natural or Buckskin, to prevent yourself from alarming the game. When it comes to shaping the hat, a curved brim will help keep your eyes clear, the rain/sun off, while a pinched crown will allow for better control. The hatband is a preference, but man does it make you look classy.

Our Hats Get the Job Done.

Just like the traditional cowboy hats of the American West, our hats are lighter weight, more durable, don’t rip or snag, and can outlast all elements. Anna V Outdoors has partnered with our store to create a very special custom line of high-quality hats that align perfectly with her Upland lifestyle tradition. The Gauge Collection is made for outdoors men and women of all sorts. Made for the field, and for the stream, these hats provide sun protection, long-lasting wear, and style. You can find the Gage Line here. Happy hunting!