What's Wrong with Hunting?

Hunting is an activity that has been highly questioned, specially in the last decades. In my opinion hunting is a complex venture and can be seen from different perspectives. I personally think that this enterprise can be supported if undertaken following the right regulations, respecting the natural laws and rights of animals and the environment. However, I think it should be banned and controlled when it is done illegally, without the adequate safety measurements and potentially harming wildlife and people. When I started this project last July my knowledge on hunting was limited. Even though I had a basic understanding of this issue, I had to research in more detail in order to understand the different points of view about this topic. Now, after researching and talking to different people, my knowlage on the topic has increased.

 

Since I have a neutral position for hunting this gives me an advantage to analyse the opposing sides on this matter. I have never myself hunted but I have shot several weapons before in shooting ranges. While I was in La Pampa, Argentina I was asked by my friend Eber, who is a professional hunter, if I wanted to hunt a fox. I declined the offer not because I was against killing the animal but because I was concerned that my lack of experience in shooting could injure the animal instead of actually killing the prey. I would have felt very uncomfortable if I have failed the objective. He understood what I meant and we continued the day. If I had more experience with a weapon and the location and land I would have accepted the offer. I understand why people would say no to hunting, this is because they are scared to hurt the animal who is living a normal free life, it can also it influence its family or hurt nature.

 

Hunting has both advantages and disadvantages and that is one reason why people have different opinions about this issue. Hunting can have a significant impact on the environment as it directly affects life and natural habitats. This activity has a close connection with the concept of globalization as the influence of man made systems in the world is huge. The activity of hunting, therefore, affects local communities as well as the ecosystems. 

 

I have the impression that most people tend to be generally against hunting because they tend to have an emotional connection with animals thus associating this with:

 

• cruelty and barbaric behaviours

• aggresivity and violence

• unfair and morally wrong reactions

• sole economical and individual profit

• destruction of wildlife communities

• reduction of animal species leading to potential extinction

 

However, it is important to understand that hunting also entails positive gains both for the environment, the comunities and the individuals as it can:

 

• help to control animal population and reduces pests

• maintain the natural balance of the ecosystems

• generate employment in local areas and empoverish communities

• create new infrastructures and market cnters

• discourage poaching and illegal activities 

• allocate taxes and fees from hunting to state and goverment lands to protect and enhance wildlife, habitats, reserves and parks

• allow people to establish meaningful relationships with nature

• provide excellent exercise,

• develop mental discipline and physical and emotional balance