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Kurt Russell Defends Traditional Hunting Lifestyle
The veteran actor says there's "great pleasure and honor" in hunting animals for food.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:51am
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In a recent appearance on the "Table Manners" podcast, 74-year-old actor Kurt Russell opened up about his family's wilderness roots and his appreciation for hunting, particularly elk meat. Russell defended his traditional hunting lifestyle, saying there's "great pleasure and honor" in taking an animal that will feed his family, and that he makes "no apologies" for this practice. Russell's son Wyatt also chimed in, explaining how growing up connected to the land and food sources is very different from the disconnected urban experience of most people today.
Why it matters
Russell's comments highlight the divide between those who embrace a traditional, self-sufficient lifestyle connected to nature and food sources, versus the majority of the population that is increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from. This debate over the ethics of hunting and the value of traditional wilderness lifestyles continues to be a point of contention in modern society.
The details
During the podcast appearance, Russell responded to a question about being sentimental towards animals by saying "Well, I thank them for their service." He clarified that "there's no pleasure in the taking of life," but that there is "great pleasure and honor in taking an animal that feeds you." Russell's son Wyatt also spoke about how growing up in the wilderness gave his family a deep connection to food and animals that most people today lack, with Wyatt noting that "90% of the people are just in a pack" at the grocery store, "they don't know" the origins of their food.
- Russell, now 74 years old, has had a long career in Hollywood spanning over 60 years.
The players
Kurt Russell
A 74-year-old veteran actor known for portraying rugged, outdoorsy characters in films. He is an avid hunter who defends the traditional lifestyle of hunting animals for food.
Wyatt Russell
Kurt Russell's son, who lives in Colorado and spoke about the importance of being connected to food sources and the land, in contrast to most urban dwellers today.
What they’re saying
“Well, I thank them for their service.”
— Kurt Russell
“There's great pleasure and honor in taking an animal that feeds you. And I respect that and honor that. And it means a big deal to me. And you know, I make no apologies.”
— Kurt Russell
“One of the things that we've really forgot, especially my children growing up – you see those things run through your backyard, and you see all kinds of animals, and they're majestic.”
— Wyatt Russell
The takeaway
Russell's defense of his traditional hunting lifestyle highlights the ongoing cultural divide between those who embrace a self-sufficient, nature-connected way of life versus the majority of the population that is increasingly disconnected from the origins of their food. This debate over the ethics of hunting and the value of traditional wilderness living continues to be a point of contention in modern society.
