KUIU - Why We Hunt: Mike Hairston

Mike Hairston started hunting as a boy, teaching himself to shoot a traditional bow in the hills near his childhood home in Southern California. Now in his mid-70s, he shares some of the most important moments in his hunting career, how he passed along his passion to his sons along the way, and his motivation for getting into the wilderness even now.

[@Lhotse510]

Rarely have I ever heard anyone articulate the joy of hunting this well. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[@GHKB808]

Monster Dall's sheep ram... Longbow = RESPECT

[@mardypardy69]

This passion for being amongst nature and getting to experience the beauty and pristine of the mountains, is why I hunt! This is what hunting should be about, the experience and adventure.

[@donhinchey9148]

Inspirational for a 63 year old that struggles to go out , Thank You !!

[@richsheeper1963]

I'll be within two months of turning 65 while dall sheep hunting this August (I'm an alaskan) and was inspired by Mike's video who at nearly 75 is still getting after it. As the years pass and one by one our hunting companions submit to the rigors of aging, our own promise of another season becomes increasingly questionable. Only those with the genuine passion and dedication conveyed by Mike will endure. Nicely done

[@tomzelinsky688]

You hit the nail on the head when you said ... It feels like you are home when the plane leaves ... that feeling of belonging is what I love the most about the wild places I have been.That feeling is why I love the mountains. Great video !!! God Bless, and keep climbing

[@jeffro5032]

Mike just put into words , in which I've never been able to do. Although , most of my outdoor " hunting " is actually fishing , and some times in really miserable conditions. It's peace on earth for me. I actually love doing it by myself most the time.

[@sanction7627]

Your sons were richly blessed. I wish my father had been like you.

[@JM-rt8po]

Thanks for this video. All involved, awesome job. I feel called to the outdoors as well not just to hunt but to be in the wild, the mountains, the desolation of it all is invigorating. I once told my wife that there is nothing more exciting than hiking in somewhere in the dark that you’ve never been. That’s why we keep coming back. The thrill, the peace, the hunt for not just big game but the hunt for a mans soul is in the wild.

[@JustinWestervelt]

Mike, thank you for this. Beautiful!

[@andyL0648]

Thank you Mr. Hairston for this inspirational video! Keep up the good work! RIP Jason!!!

[@alarmclock.3634]

I love those people who keeping up the most ancient human tradition for generations, stay strong hunters!

[@MountainMan_NZ]

Great insight into why we hunt, I hope to still be hunting at 75 too!!!

[@MasterTheHunt23]

Wow what a great video. I hope to still have this type of passion and work ethic when I am 75. Thanks for sharing

[@chriscollier7306]

Don't know that it could be said much better than this, may God bless you sir.

[@Dcravillion1]

What a great story and life. I am just now at 45 having the opportunity to learn. Blessed

[@haroldanderson2781]

Thanks for sharing Mr. Hairston. The drive you have is inspiring. I see where your boy got it!! Closing my eyes I could hear Jasons voice through yours. I’m hoping KUIU will use you in future marketing.

[@MegaJ2e]

very inspiring an a great joy to watch . thank you for sharing this with us . an my condolences on the loss of your son .

[@lone_wolf_lifestyle]

Awesome video I love hunting I feel like it cures everything

[@andreajanney5160]

Exactly

[@javiermartinezonsalo6365]

I feel the same

[@wolverinekut]

Thank you Sir! Great job💯👍

[@wayneroberts7852]

I like the, until the wheels fall off mentality! Great stuff.

[@user-zk8tg8ko1u]

Nice video. Even Iam from Europe, I like that hunt is in all of us (hunters) the same. Hunt is not a sport, or hobby. Its a lifestyle... Hope You are doing great. Greetings from Czech Republic.

[@tjwagoner5694]

Not only is he a legend, but he raised a legend. There is something to be said for that. Thank you Mike Hairston.

[@markandes4143]

Very honest and real. Extremely inspirational...well done sir and much respect from a fellow Kalifornian.

[@tawaitai]

Pure passion not just for hunting but the outdoors= RESPECT

[@compgutt]

So inspiring Thanks heaps.............Damon from Australia

[@ImageThisPhoto]

Thanks for the motivation. I experienced a serious injury in 1997 while snowboarding. I broke/fractured 16 bones = 9 vertebrae, sacrum, 5 ribs and my nose. Its a miracle that I can walk today! Ive given up many sports since, skydiving, whitewater kayak, rock climbing, surfing, but I still snowboard :-). Hunting has been the thing these past 3 years as my back continues to degenerate. I love it! Im shopping for some ultralight gear to backpack hunt this spring as we drew 3 Spring Bear tags in Oregon. I havent stop hunting since last August. Still hunting elk with my youngest,,, season closes March 31 🤙

[@MrDavidWise]

Such a great film!

[@lone_wolf_lifestyle]

Hunting just clears my mind and makes me feel at ease

[@stevenlaubach7222]

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[@chrisjohnson38]

You are an inspiration, you have my respect sir.

[@kurtisw1206]

Wow cant wait till fall. Unreal folks

[@survivalist9818]

Incredible video great man. Thanks for the video.

[@PittedLikeThat21]

rip Jason Hairston

[@aarondehaan6279]

Your an inspiration thank you for sharing

[@noobnaab4647]

beautiful video!! Thanks for sharing

[@vbarreda1]

MIKE!!! I miss you...best boss ever! ❤

[@fadingmargins]

Touched a chord - thank you!

[@urperses2]

Do not go gentle into that good night! Good for you! An inspiration...

[@santosc4334]

With the Lord's blessings, I hope to as active as Mr. Hairston.

[@joshoedewaldt5208]

More videos of Hairston Senior please. Hope this wasn’t just a teaser!

[@kuiuultralight]

We love Mike, so we'll get him on film whenever possible!

[@fp5940]

LEGEND home made wooden bow no bullshit respect sir.

[@vn3outdoors606]

Well said Mr Hairston.

[@Bushmasterpilot]

Thank-you

[@parkerjones2147]

What a beauty of a guy

[@pheelmacababe2861]

well said !

[@nathanielbetteridge4978]

Truly inspriing

[@chowderpuffseven9742]

Mid-70s?! He looks to be in his late 50s! 👍

[@youngsmith5647]

hunting is a kind of lifestyle,

[@timberg7377]

Respect

[@kevinmartin9530]

Amen to that....

[@adinj2190]

What jacket was he wearing

[@kuiuultralight]

Adin - in this footage he wears both a solid-colored Guide jacket and our Yukon rain jacket.