Founder and Head Guide
Chase Costello
Ancestor Life started from a simple reality: most people have no direct relationship with their food — and that dependence ties them to a system that prioritizes profit over people and animals.
Hunting is one of the most direct ways to change that, but it's also one of the hardest to get into without the right guidance. Ancestor Life was built to bridge that gap.
Chase Costello has developed a specialization in Southern California public land hunting, particularly within the D16 unit — one of the most challenging environments in the state.
Ancestor Life operates under a USDA Forest Service guiding permit in Cleveland National Forest, with guided hunts on Palomar Mountain.
The Hunting Immersion is a structured two-day experience designed as a modern rite of passage.
Participants take part in the full process — from locating game to harvest to breaking the animal down for food — while building confidence under experienced guidance.
For most people, getting into hunting means years of trial and error. This shortens that path substantially, especially in Southern California where opportunities to learn like this are especially limited.
It doesn't end after the weekend — it opens the door to a community aligned with this way of life.
Every animal is treated with respect. Every participant is expected to show up with intention.
Credentials & Licenses
Every experience is led by a fully licensed, state-certified guide. Your safety and the integrity of the hunt are never compromised.
Certified California Hunter Education Instructor
Certified to teach safe, ethical, and legal hunting practices with a focus on real-world application. Learn about California hunter education.
CDFW Guide License #1002246
Licensed to lead guided hunts in California, meeting all state requirements for safety, legality, and accountability.
NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
Trained in rifle safety and marksmanship, with instruction focused on practical field use.
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
Certified in handgun safety and fundamentals, emphasizing control, responsibility, and proper handling.
USDA Guiding & Outfitting Permit — Cleveland National Forest
Authorized to operate guided hunts within Cleveland National Forest, including Palomar Mountain.
Escondido Fish and Game Instructor
Instructor with Escondido Fish and Game, supporting hands-on education and local training.
Our Core Values
These principles guide how we hunt, how we teach, and how we show up in the field.
Rite of Passage
Learning to provide the way our ancestors did — and taking responsibility for your food and what it takes to be self-sufficient.
Respect for the Animal
Every experience is approached with respect. Whether in the field or during a controlled harvest, the animal is taken with intention and treated with care throughout the process.
Connection to Food
Knowing where your food comes from changes how you live. This is about building a direct relationship with what sustains you.
Self-Reliance
Building the ability to provide for yourself and the people around you, with less dependence on the system.