Warning to hunters: Do not read this!

It’s always dangerous to stir the anger of large men who carry weapons…but I will break that particular code and, “What the hey,” throw a little caution to the wind.

Here is my take on the sport of hunting as we enter what I believe to be prime hunting season.

I have heard all the arguments that hunters use to defend their sport. Much of it sounds quite convincing: It promotes conservation; helps control the population of different animal species; helps prevent the spread of disease; it is part of our natural habitat; it is good for sport; and it helps to boost the economy, amongst many others.

Technically, that may all be correct. Technically.

But to me, at its very base level, it is still as simple as a human being with a gun aiming their weapon at a bird, a deer, turkey, squirrel or whatever the game may be, and shooting it point blank, killing the animal.

I can’t get over that part.

Check out this description, from a hunting website listing the top ten reasons for benefits of hunting. This was number seven:

“Hunting fosters an appreciation of nature. Hunters develop an enhanced knowledge and respect for wildlife as they spend time in the mountains, lakes, rivers, or forest in search of their quarry. They witness wildlife movement and behavior, and develop a profound appreciation for the wild world around them.”

Wow, what a sell job.

So according to this maestro of the con, “appreciation for nature” and “respect for wildlife” is achieved by killing animals? Really? Not in my book … and hey! This is my book (OK, column contribution).

I hear the argument that in ancient times hunters hunted for food and had to do so by killing animals to survive. OK. But this isn’t ancient times. I am guessing maybe 90 percent of the pseudo-brave hunters out there are hunting for sport and pleasure, not food to keep them alive.

And anytime you gain “pleasure” from killing defenseless animals, it goes against my very inner core. Sorry, it just does.

That is my take.

I will now sit down and wait for all the angry responses and reply messages… and if anyone were to track down my actual living address, please make a note. I have moved!

Source : https://www.chicagostarmedia.com/opinion/warning-to-hunters-do-not-read-this/article_471657e0-7f3b-11ef-b015-43e7d096d205.html