Field Ethos & Leica
Field Ethos, Donald Trump Jr., and Their Support for Conservation and the Mission of Eco Defense Group
In the ongoing battle to protect Africa’s wildlife from increasingly organized and violent poaching syndicates, support from private organizations and individuals has become essential. One of the rising voices in the conservation and outdoor culture space is Field Ethos, a lifestyle publication and brand that celebrates adventure, heritage hunting, and personal responsibility in the wild.
Founded by a group of avid outdoorsmen including Jason Vincent and Donald Trump Jr., Field Ethos has become a platform for stories, gear, and values tied to the frontier spirit—one that also includes a strong interest in global conservation efforts.
Field Ethos: Where Hunting and Conservation Meet
Launched as a response to the shifting tone of mainstream outdoor culture, Field Ethos focuses on the idea that sustainable hunting and conservation are deeply intertwined. The magazine and its media platform aim to restore pride in the legacy of ethical hunting, wilderness skills, and traditional stewardship of the land.
With contributions from veterans, guides, and sportsmen around the world, the publication has helped elevate conversations around conservation efforts—particularly those that extend beyond North America.
A Shared Mission with Eco Defense Group
Among the conservation initiatives Field Ethos has highlighted is the work of Eco Defense Group, a U.S.-based nonprofit operating in some of the most threatened ecosystems in Africa. EDG specializes in training and equipping ranger units in coordination with local authorities to stop poaching before it starts, often using tactics adapted from elite military operations.
Field Ethos has provided visibility to Eco Defense Group’s work through its media channels, drawing attention to the innovative ways EDG is addressing wildlife crime—such as their support for South Africa’s SEAM Team in Table Mountain National Park and the creation of Marine Protection Units in vulnerable coastal zones.
Donald Trump Jr. and Support for Global Conservation
As a lifelong outdoorsman, Donald Trump Jr. has expressed consistent interest in conservation topics, particularly those that connect ethical hunting to wildlife preservation. His work with Field Ethos includes elevating stories and causes aligned with those values.
While not formally affiliated with Eco Defense Group, Trump Jr. has been involved in events and discussions that raise awareness around the types of conservation work EDG undertakes. His broader support for sustainable hunting and anti-poaching efforts overlaps with the mission of EDG in meaningful ways, particularly through shared networks in the outdoor and conservation communities.
Leica and the Power of a Shared Lens
One of the most dynamic new partnerships in this network is between Eco Defense Group and Leica, the iconic German optics and camera company known for its precision, craftsmanship, and deep respect for the natural world. This partnership opens up powerful opportunities for mutual support: Leica provides not only world-class gear that helps rangers and storytellers capture the reality of the conservation front lines—but also a platform and ethos that aligns deeply with EDG’s mission.
Through its sponsorship and product support, Leica joins a small but potent circle of likeminded conservationists—including Field Ethos, specialized outdoor brands, and private sponsors—who believe in a proactive, field-driven model of wildlife protection. Together, this group is building a culture of responsibility and excellence that goes beyond advocacy to actual impact.
“Leica’s support reflects the same commitment we see in all of our partners—a willingness to engage with the mission in real, tangible ways,” says Nathan Edmondson, president of Eco Defense Group. “They don’t just talk about conservation—they’re in it with us.”
Looking Ahead
As Africa’s wildlife faces growing threats from well-funded international poaching rings—often protected by networks of corruption—organizations like Eco Defense Group are stepping in where traditional responses have faltered. And voices in the outdoor community, like Field Ethos and Leica, are helping bring these issues to light for new audiences.
Together, this evolving alliance of nonprofits, optics makers, sportsmen, and storytellers is helping ensure that the fight to protect what’s wild remains resourced, respected, and relentless.
Learn More & Get Involved
🔗 Eco Defense Group – https://ecodefensegroup.org
🔗 Field Ethos Journal – https://fieldethos.com
🔗 Leica Sport Optics – https://leica-camera.com