SANTA YNEZ
Coastal Culture
When you hear of Santa Barbara County I doubt that hunting is the first thing that comes to mind. Many are drawn to this region for the great weather, tourist attractions and lifestyle of the celebrities. However, long before that narrative.. this land was recognized as the true west. Cattle ranchers and agriculture was the reason people called this land home.
Like most things in life.. there is a very different appreciation when you ask a third generation local like Joseph.
Joseph charges through the rain in hopes to find a new pack of hogs for his client.
Joseph who is now a hunting guide, spent his childhood chasing animals around these golden hills. I had met Joseph over social media but one afternoon hunt we swapped stories and quickly became friends. We are close in age and have quite a few mutual friends including his brother. I felt like we found a common ground when we both respected the region and have this goal of preserving the culture of the coast.
I will trade stop lights and 101 traffic for cattle guards and barbwire fences any day.
Boone pictured above is becoming familiar with scents and spotting on this hunt. Soon he will be a valuable asset to the guide service, helping clients locate and track their animals.
This location was sentimental to me.. the very road we were on had a core memory from my childhood. My grandpa took us out to cut oak wood for bbq season. This meant operating a wood splitter and long days requiring muscles you didn’t know existed. That afternoon my brother Chad had thrown a log with a little too much heat. My grandpas rear truck window stood no chance against that ancient oak. He had a mouthful of words for us. We both grew up a little bit that afternoon.
Rain is like life to these hills. Pretty soon yellow will be the only color in sight. This evening nobody complained but embraced the weather, making it that much more romantic. This moment was our final push up the hill to get close to some pigs. Light was fading but spirits were high. We make our final stalk…
If there is one thing I hope this piece communicates, it’s that culture and traditions carry weight. We live in a time where ideas and culture travels fast. However, the roots aren’t very deep. There is something refreshing about timeless traditions.
Central Coast Barbecue
Hunting
Surfing
After this hunt my wife picked me up and we headed south for about 25 minutes to Santa Barbara state street where my great friend Russell Holliday was hosting an art exhibit. He was displaying his work which inspired by the same region in a different element.
I will never forget this day.. it was the ultimate plate of Central Coast.. the greatest place on earth.
