I have never understood how recreational hunting became an acceptable pastime. I understand the premise of subsistence hunting and I have no issue with people hunting animals to feed their families. However, the majority of hunters, most of whom will dispute this, hunt for enjoyment. Sure, hunters will tell you that it is all about the meat. They will argue that wild game is healthier than domesticated stock and that it is much cheaper than buying meat from the grocery stores. Today’s blog is not about disputing those claims; that’s a topic for another day. This blog is about challenging the notion of whether or not it is morally and ethically right to kill, injure and terrorize wildlife, all in the name of having fun. I would argue that it is absolutely not.

The idea that stalking animals and killing wildlife is an enjoyable pursuit is mind boggling to me and to refer to it as a sport is even more baffling. A sport is supposed to be a recreational activity where there is no advantage to either side and all participants do so voluntarily fully understanding that they are competing in the sport. Wild animals have never been afforded any of those considerations. Instead, they become unwilling and unknowing participants in a “sport” that frequently ends in their deaths which can be a long, painful and drawn-out process.

Having spent countless hours observing numerous wildlife species, I have come to understand that they all share one thing in common; they all want to live. And yet all animals, even among their own species, differ greatly from one individual to the next. Hunters tend to look at their prey in terms of numbers rather than as individuals with their own unique personalities and characteristics. It always comes down to how many animals can be harvested to ensure that enough remain for subsequent hunting seasons so that they can also be killed. I often wonder if recreational hunters took the time to really observe their various prey, would they finally see that they are living beings, each with a soul. Knowing this, would they be so quick to squeeze the trigger? Would they still enjoy taking its life knowing that this living being experiences joy, pain and sadness just like we do? It is my belief that recreational hunters must block out this notion completely, because having to acknowledge it would mean recognizing the pain and suffering they are inflicting. And knowing that would take all of the enjoyment out of hunting.

I will never come to terms with the fact that as a society, we still subscribe to the idea that killing animals for fun is a worthwhile and acceptable practice. At least with angling, catch and release has gained momentum over the past decade or two. If only there was a way to apply that same idea to hunting land animals. Hmmm, I wonder what other recreational activity there is that involves pursuing wildlife up close but with the end result causing no harm to the animals? I’ll let you as the reader, mull that one over but I think you might find the answer on my Portfolio page.

Thanks for taking the time to read this blog. I know not all of you will agree with me and that is fine. It is my hope that this will stimulate further discussion and I just ask that the dialogue remain respectful.

Jeremy Leete