Ethics, Aesthetics, and the American Field

Field Traditions reclaims the heritage of ethical hunting and reimagines what it means to live well 

In a world that seems to be moving too fast for its own good, Field Traditions invites us to slow down. To step into the morning mist before the first light crests the horizon, to pour a bourbon by the fire after a long day in the field, to feel the weight and warmth of things made well.

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Michael and Gina Paz, Field Traditions is a heritage-inspired lifestyle brand that elevates the ethical hunting and country living experience through timeless design, purposeful gear, and conservation-led storytelling. At its core, the brand stands for something rare in today’s marketplace: uncompromising values and deliberate creation.

“We saw a gap in the market for gear and apparel that respected the ritual of hunting—not just the functionality,” Michael explains. “So much of what’s available today is either overly tactical or lacks soul. Field Traditions was born from a desire to preserve the values and lifestyle that come with ethical hunting: gathering, hosting, respecting the land, and dressing the part with quiet pride.” 

That phrase—quiet pride—neatly captures the essence of what the company founders are building. Every detail, from a hand-stitched leather wine carrier to pheasant-etched glassware, carries the same DNA of restraint, respect, and reverence for the land.

Born of the Field, Refined for the Table

For Michael, Field Traditions began as both memory and moment. “When I was a kid, we had a family friend who owned a beautiful working Labrador and traveled the world on remarkable hunts,” he recalls. “Watching them, I knew two things: one day I wanted a yellow Lab, and I wanted to live a life that embraced those same traditions.”

Years later, with their own Labrador (Caddy) by their side, the couple began attending field trials and training sessions. After the hunts, people would gather for cocktails around the fire or by the trucks. “I couldn’t help but think how much better those moments could be with the right pieces—field bars, furniture, and accessories designed for both utility and hospitality,” Michael says. That vision became a cornerstone of the brand: gear built not just for the field, but for the gathering that follows.

Gina, whose natural instinct is to bring people together around food and fellowship, adds, “This is a lifestyle we live, not just market. Our connection to the outdoors influences every decision we make. From the warmth of a lined waxed vest to the hand-stitched detail on a leather wine carrier, we design with both utility and story in mind.”

Where most outdoor gear companies choose between function or form, Field Traditions refuses the compromise. “To us, luxury doesn’t mean delicate—it means considered,” Gina says. “A waxed canvas field bag can be both handsome and hard-wearing. A pheasant glass can be elegant but dishwasher-safe. If something can’t serve the outdoorsman or woman without compromising style, it doesn’t make the cut.”

This marriage of purpose and polish gives the brand its unmistakable signature of elevated tradition. “We start with a heritage piece—whether it’s a field coat or a bar tool—then figure out how to make it feel timeless but fresh,” Michael explains. “Maybe that’s updating the silhouette, refining the materials, or adding a thoughtful detail like an embossed crest. Innovation, to us, means finding new ways to preserve the old ways.”

That philosophy extends into every corner of their sourcing and craftsmanship. From responsibly managed hardwood forests in Zimbabwe, where the Forestry Commission has overseen sustainable timber harvests since 1908, to local artisans who hand-craft each piece, every product carries an ethical through-line. “By sourcing directly from these forests,” Michael says, “we help fund ongoing preservation. Our approach allows us to combine durability with ethical responsibility in every piece we make.”

The Ethics of the Field

For Michael and Gina, ethical hunting isn’t just a marketing phrase, it’s a guiding compass. “Ethical hunting is about respect—for the animal, the land, and the tradition,” Gina explains. “Practically, it means responsible harvests, fair chase, and honoring every part of the process, from preparation to the plate. Philosophically, it’s about slowing down and seeing hunting not as merely a sport, but as a way to connect more deeply with nature and heritage.”

In an era where perception often clouds reality, the couple sees education as essential. “The biggest misconception,” Michael says, “is that hunting and wildlife preservation are at odds." The truth: some of the most passionate conservationists are hunters. Ethical hunting fuels conservation through funding, habitat improvement, and cultural awareness.

The best part? Ten percent of Field Traditions’ profits go directly to conservation initiatives—protecting habitats, restoring balance, and ensuring future generations can experience the same connection to the land. “Through our products and storytelling, we want to reframe the narrative,” Michael adds. “Hunters can be caretakers, educators, and conservationists. Stewardship is the ultimate expression of love for the wild.”

Naturally Shed Stag Horn Carving Set, $365

Beyond just the conservation aspect of the brand, everything about Field Traditions is deliberate: the slower production cycles, the smaller runs, the longer conversations with artisans and suppliers. “The biggest challenge has been resisting the pressure to scale quickly,” Gina admits. “In a world that rewards speed and volume, we’ve stayed rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. That means longer lead times, smaller batches, and higher costs—but it also means integrity.”

The brand educates its customers not through slogans, but through transparency. “We try to tell the whole story through our product pages, our social media, and our field journal,” Michael explains. “Education doesn’t have to be preachy. It just needs to be real.”

That authenticity has cultivated a devoted following, and customers who value timeless design, field-to-fork culture, and the enduring rituals of the sporting life. “Our loyal followers live seasonally and think intentionally,” Gina says. “They want fewer, better things—pieces that last a lifetime and carry meaning.”

A New Frontier for Country Living

As the world rediscovers the value of simplicity and sustainability, the Pazzes see opportunity—not for expansion, but for refinement. “People are craving authenticity and purpose,” Michael says. “They want gear that does more than just look good. It has to mean something.”

Gina agrees. “The future of country lifestyle and ethical hunting apparel is shifting toward slower, more intentional living. It’s less about trends and more about heirloom quality, ethical sourcing, and storytelling. We want to help lead that movement by making products that aren’t just worn, but remembered.”

That intentionality also extends to how Field Traditions defines luxury. For them, true luxury isn’t excess, it’s the freedom to choose what lasts.

For Michael and Gina, Field Traditions is more than a brand; it’s a legacy project—one grounded in care, continuity, and conservation. “We hope Field Traditions stands as proof that you can build something beautiful without compromising your values,” Michael says. “For our customers, we want to be part of their stories—around the fire, in the field, and at the table. For the industry, we hope to raise the bar for what ethical, field-ready gear can look like. And for the outdoors, we want to leave more than we take.”

Their words echo the brand’s larger purpose: a return to craftsmanship, community, and conscience. In every waxed-canvas bag and hand-tooled leather flask, Field Traditions captures a way of life that honors where we came from and protects where we’re going.

Because some traditions aren’t meant to fade—they’re meant to be carried forward, carefully, and by hand.

***