Getting Medieval: Serious Hunting With Gear From the Middle Ages

St. Hubert’s Rangers reenact medieval hunting as closely as is possible in the 21st century, adopting the personae of nobles, huntsmen and foresters of the middle ages.

Fascinated by the middle ages as a child, Rangers founder Paul Wilburn of South Lyon, Michigan discovered traditional archery in college and from there began hunting. After meeting a like-minded archer, Lance Paulson of Moore, Oklahoma on a traditional archery website, Wilburn was inspired to become the first St. Hubert’s Ranger in 2006. Paulson soon followed, and today there are 34 Rangers from across the United States, Canada, England and the Netherlands forming an online community dedicated to reenacting medieval hunting.

The Rangers wear authentic clothes and use period weapons, animals and methods to recreate hunting as it was in England and Europe from 500 to 1500 while adhering to modern seasons and regulations. Named for the patron saint of hunters, the Rangers hold an annual rendezvous the weekend after St. Hubert’s day (November 3).

Additional Info: St. Hubert’s Rangers reenact medieval hunting as closely as is possible in the 21st century, adopting the personae of nobles, huntsmen and foresters of the middle ages. They wear authentic clothes and use period weapons, animals and methods to recreate hunting as it was in England and Europe from 500 to 1500.

Paul Wilburn, of South Lyon, Michigan, poses with a wild boar he took in Crossville, Tennessee. Fascinated by the middle ages as a child, Wilburn discovered traditional archery in college and from there began hunting. He combined his two passions by founding the Rangers. He is dressed here as a 14th century forester.

Medieval hunting clothes are remarkably practical, says Wilburn. Linen underclothes wick away moisture while the outer wool garments retain warmth even when wet. The boots are “turnshoes,” essentially a leather sock sewn inside out then reversed for wear. Great for stalking, like a moccasin, but not too durable. A huntsman might wear a pair through in three months.

Here's Richard Swinney, of Nixa, Missouri, who portrays a 15th century minor noble, with a wild boar he took with a spear in Okeechobee, Florida. Nobles often wore brighter, more colorful clothes (dyeing fabric bright colors was costly) rather than the muted wools of huntsmen and foresters.

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