Repost: The Importance of Ethical Hunting

THE POST FURTHER BELOW IS THE MOST POPULAR ONE ON MY SITE:

I am not one to brag, but I am happy that there is so much interest in the topic of ethical hunting.

It isn't a long post, or particularly well written, but it is very popular, and that makes me happy that so many people are interested in the topic of ethical hunting.

If you want to be a hunter I think it is especially important that you learn the difference between trophy hunting, poaching, illegal hunting, unethical hunting and ethical hunting.

#1. Trophy Hunting - Hunting so you can take a photo bragging about your kill. Trophy hunters typically go after big game like moose, wolves, bears, lions, elephants, tigers, etc. They have no interest in eating their kills and just want to pose with them - and possibly have the animal stuffed.

#2. Poaching - Hunting without a hunting license - or hunting in a region where hunting is expressly forbidden - or hunting animals on the endangered species list. eg. Hunting elephants is illegal in most countries.

#3. Illegal Hunting - Hunting without a hunting license, hunting with a bow or crossbow that doesn't have the minimum power for that animal, hunting in an area where hunting is forbidden, and hunting with fieldpoints instead of broadheads.

#4. Unethical Hunting - Shooting to injure an animal only (with no intention to kill), shooting with less than legal power requirements, shooting animals in non vital areas.

#5. Ethical Hunting - Following all of the local hunting laws and killing the animal quickly with a shot to the vitals.

Below are some photos showing the results of unethical shots by hunters - the one with the duck doesn't even have a broadhead on it, so that is very unethical.