Esplanade’s newest exhibit explores hunting over the past 10,000 years

By Mo Cranker on July 3, 2018.

A look at the buffalo on display at the ongoing Esplanade exhibition 'The Hunt'.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER

mcranker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker

From now through Nov. 3, the Esplanade is the place for local hunting enthusiasts.

The Esplanade’s latest museum exhibit, ‘The Hunt’, is currently on display and tells the story of all things hunting.

“It’s a look at hunting and wildlife conservation in southern Alberta,” said museum technician and researcher Tom Hulit, who was the driving force behind the exhibit. “The exhibit covers the last 10,000 years or so.

“It goes from the earliest known time of people living in the region all the way to present day — so there’s a lot of information and a lot to see here.”

The exhibit features a number of taxidermy pieces, including a buffalo, a deer and multiple types of birds. Hulit says the exhibition is a great window into seeing how things have changed.

“As time has gone by, humans have learned more and more about animals and we’ve continued to shape our relationships with them,” he said. “These things have changed a lot over the years, and continue to do so.

“For example, the landscape is no longer dominated by buffalo. Other species have risen to prominence.

“Agriculture has also changed everything, and the exhibit looks at all of these things.”

Hulit says the Esplanade is not trying to take a stance on hunting, but rather, it is trying to tell a story.

“We’re not here to pick a side or influence people one way or another,” he said. “This exhibit is about what hunting is, not whether it’s good or bad.

“This isn’t us making a judgment call, it’s just to show how things have changed over time. People can use this to form opinions on the subject, and if they have questions they’re more than welcome to come to with them and we’ll be happy to answer.”

The exhibit has been on display for a few weeks, and Hulit says there has been nothing but positive feedback.

“It’s been all good so far,” he said. “We’re just hoping to put this here and have people learn from it if they like.”