Different cultures

[Spentastic]

I've been asked a couple of times what hunting is like in the U.K.

Here's an example of why it's not quite as prevalent as in the U.S.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/3393749.stm

Ironically, if there had been people shooting the royals on the estate I'm sure there would have been few complaints and a jolly good turn out.

[Oggy]

1. Apart from everything else

IMO Hunting is seen as a class issue over here (UK), ( although having been brought up in the country I would say it is far less class orientated than it is seen in the towns/cities.). So it has a negative image. Then there is the issue of animal welfare, which has a very high profile. I seem to remember reading that Animal Welfare charities are among the the most donated to charities in this country, but don't quote me on this as I have no reference for this.

[Spentastic]

2. Good point

There is definitely a perception that hunting is predominantly dominated by the upper classes. This story hardly helps.

There is some hunting that puts a little extra on the plate that occurs in rural areas. Normally rabbits / pigeons etc. However since most land is private you'd be poaching if you did it without permission.

I think you're right in the great majority of cases the British would rather just view their wildlife than shoot it.

[Damndifino]

3. But if only they knew...

"the British would rather just view their wildlife than shoot it"

Damn right!

However... This British love for our furry friends masks the less-than-pleasant fact that thousands upon thousands of animals (mostly deer) are culled each year to prevent them becoming a "nuisance". This is sort of related to the "How do you become an executioner" thread I just posted over at General Discussion. At least we can console ourselves that not many of us enjoy killing animals. But that's another story...