To hunt or not to hunt . . .

[flamin lib]

Lots of talk about hunting and shooting after Cheney’s incident. Some flame from those who don’t hunt or shoot. Even some flame from those who hunt but are “purists”.

Is hunting a “sport”? Is NASCAR a sport? Some folks think that a sport must involve a ball. Hey, you say toe-may-toe I say too-mot-oh.

Some folks are upset that animals are killed. Others are incensed at “canned” hunts--hunts with domestically bred game.

All I can say is that without the outdoor “sports” of hunting and fishing there would be virtually no habitat left for the wildlife out there. Fees, licenses and organizations dedicated to maintaining a viable game population are all that stands between a McMansion and habitat. Besides, because of the loss of habitat and the loss of natural preditation populations can exceed the food supply available and that’s not a pretty picture. Yean, I know, go thin yer own dam herd.

For those who think it isn’t a sport and that it’s inherently cruel I say, cut the hunters some slack. They perform a valuable function.

For those who think “canned” hunts are immoral I say, hey if it keeps the species viable to farm raise them so be it.

For those who believe in only engaging the quarry on it’s own terms I say why not take it to the extreme and get nekkid in the woods with that deer. :)

Now I’m going for the pop corn . . .

[jedicord]

1. OK, I'll take the bait (pun intended)...

I do not hunt, just can't bring myself to shoot animals. It's not a philosophical thing, it's personal.

Last year I did attend a hunting weekend with my family. When the first killed deer was brought back I went to see it, trying to be the tough girl. I immediately started crying and had to go back into the house.

One other recurring theme in all this is alcohol consumption during a hunt. Well, I live in Texas, this hunting weekend was in Texas, and not a soul drank alcohol during the hunt. It was strictly verboten. And my family has been known to drink. We drank at night, but not during the day.

That's how I figured out I shouldn't be going to hunting weekends. I don't hunt, and apparently you don't stay up all night with other non-hunters drinking. The hunters get grouchy.

[flamin lib]

2. I don't hunt anymore.

Two years from 1969 to 1971 wearing a green suit sort of spoiled shooting at things for me. I can sympathize with you an certainly a hunting camp isn't the place for you.

On the other hand I grew up on a dirt farm in South Texas--Wharton--and know exactly where the neatly packaged meat in the mega mart comes from.

Just realize that those who take part in the "sport" perform a service to the wildlife of America just as those who support the Sierra Club do.

[jedicord]

3. Do you know the Hutchins family?

I used to be related.

Funny you brought up processed meat. That's how I try to explain to hunters the way I feel. I eat meat, but have completely no desire to go to see how they kill the cow.

I do understand how deer hunting helps to cull the herd and keep them from suffering from hunger. True hunting is a sport and the prey at least has a chance. Survival of the fittest, if you will.

Canned hunting is not a sport and, in my opinion, a farce. My brother-in-law has a ranch in Louisiana. He showed us a video of one of his hunts. They put deer corn and salt in a fenced-in area with one small entrance. When (quite a few) deer go into this area they are sitting ducks.

"Woo Hoo! I shot a deer!" No - you had target practice at the expense of a real living entity.

[flamin lib]

8. I'm aware of the Hutchins family--it's a name I'm familiar with.

Went to school with Hutchins. I think her first name was Patricia.

Canned hunts vary from putting game in a cage and releasing on demand to "farming" the birds/animals. Nourishing coveys of quail during the off season isn't exactly the same as capturing pigeons in Dallas and releasing them from cages in the countryside.

Just 'tween you and me, I'd just as soon not butcher another cow as long as I live. I just know where it comes from.

[RebelOne]

4. All I can say is I hate, despise and abhor hunting.

It's called a "sport"? How can that be? A sport is when both sides are equally equipped or armed. How can it be called a sport when the other side does not know there is a game going on?

[niyad]

5. one of my favourite scenes in the movie "crocodile dundee" was the

scene with the poachers, where dundee made it look like the kangas were shooting back. LOVED IT.

I have often asked the idiot hunters (as opposed to those who hunt for food, to which I have no really strong objection) if they would still hunt if the animals could shoot back.

[flamin lib]

9. Okay, good. Strong emotions aren't a bad thing. They just need

to be put in perspective. If you spend money on the environment maintaining habitat and ensuring the survival of species good on you. That is what hunters, fishers and other outdoor enthusiasts do to the benefit of our wildlife.

What's it to be? McMansion or woodland?

[debbierlus]

6. If you are going to eat it - go ahead

I have no problem with hunting for food. It is more honest then most people who complain about hunting, but chow down meat and wear leather.

However, if it is purely thrill seeking, play a video game and leave the animals alone.

[flamin lib]

7. All that's fine except that it ignores the other issues at stake,

Such as habitat maintanence, species survival and environmental balance.

If you spend a few hundred $$ with an environmental group or otherwise invest in maintaining the wildlife stock and a place for them to thrive good on you! Outdoor "sportsmen" do. There is more than one way to support the wildlife and their habitat. Pick one!

[Swamp Rat]

10. quail

:D