Article #11: Hunting is a Discipline, by Mark Seacat
Glassing on the mountainside a few years back, Mark Seacat had a conversation with a friend that still resonates with him. “Hunting is more than a sport,” his friend observed, “hunting is a discipline.” For Mark, this statement validated the merits of a life-time spent following his passions, dedicated to improving his craft, and ever seeking new challenges.
“It’s always been about following my passions,” Mark says, “Wanting to take pictures and be outside. That has always been a big thing.” The story of Mark’s introduction to hunting is the same as most hunters. His love of the hunting experience is rooted in family tradition.
“My mom went hunting with me in the womb,” he states, with appreciation “I’ve been actively hunting with family since I was a kid, following my parent’s footsteps in the snow.” He’s thankful for parents who made the effort to get out there and take him with them.
Love of the family hunt grew into a push to hunt harder, expanded into a broader interest in mountaineering and other outdoor adventure, and blossomed into a career dedicated to capturing and sharing the authentic outdoor experience. “I’ve got a story much like any other dedicated hunter,” Mark insists, “I’m just packing a bunch of extra camera gear in order to be able to document the experience.”
On a lot of levels, GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment has given Mark the chance to tell his story better. Prior to GORE™ OPTIFADE™, Mark didn’t wear camouflage, opting instead for the functionality, comfort and quality of high-end mountaineering gear. A growing interest in archery, led him to Sitka gear, which brought him to OPTIFADE™.
“I bought into OPTIFADE™, not only because of the science but also because of those involved in the conception of the idea,” Mark states. “Then, it turned out that this stuff is phenomenal in the field and I’ve had great experiences wearing it.”
Seeded with GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment products, Mark, his brother-in-law and other hunters spent a few hunts field testing the gear. “I took pictures of my brother-in-law and other hunters and was amazed at how well it blended in,” Mark recalls. Since then, he’s had several amazing experiences with the effectiveness of this science. See Outdoor Life: Live Hunt with Mark Seacat, for a snapshot of Mark’s hunting success in OPTIFADE™.
“Now whenever I go hunting, I’m absolutely bathed in the stuff right down to my bow,” admits Mark.
As with any discipline, the more you do it, the better you get. Mark gets better every year. As a result, the challenge of the hunt has become a bigger part of the overall experience. This year will bring a new challenge to Mark’s hunting story, he and wife Katie are expecting a baby in the fall.
Like his parent’s, Mark plans on taking it all in stride. “ I’m planning of hunting with my little one, who will be less than a month old, at least one day this season, ” he declares. He wants to be able to tell him or her that, “I didn’t waste any time to get you out there and experience it.”
The more hunting becomes your discipline, the more you consider every piece of gear in terms of how it will benefit the end goal. Being able to stay and stay longer is a critical factor in reaching that goal. For Mark, the quality of the gear he chooses is paramount. “OPTIFADE™ is only partnering with the best,” states Mark. He recognizes that most hunters are everyday people, with everyday budgets. “The beauty of these products is that they are long-lasting. OPTIFADE™ partners produce products that are made to last and guaranteed to work for a long time.”
As Baby Seacat follows his or her parent’s footsteps in the snow, let’s hope the shoe, backpack and jacket fit, because he or she may stand to inherit more than just a parent’s love of hunting.
