“For us hunting wasn’t a sport. It was a way to be intimate with nature” (Kerasote). Many would disagree with Kerasote’s quote merely because he or she doesn’t see how hunting can be more than just killing of an animal. However hunters don’t just go out, because they enjoy killing animals no there is much more to it than just blood lust. Four out of five hunters I asked said the main reason they go out hunting would be because it is therapeutic. “Nothing like going out on a frigid morning sitting in your deer stand waiting and watching nature, it’s so surreal” (Koch). Nathan, hunter of 30 years, said this after I asked why he chooses to hunt. It may not come as a surprise to some to hear that Missouri placed eighth in the top ten states for …show more content…
In contrast a well known animal rights organization known as Peta would argue against this claim. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote Sport Hunting is Cruel and Unnecessary where it makes the argument about population control. It writes that natural predators help maintain balance by killing off the weak or sickly. Furthermore Peta had this to say about the off chance of overpopulation “natural processes work to stabilize the group. Starvation and disease can be tragic, but that nature’s ways of ensuring that healthy, strong animals survive” (Peta). Meanwhile in Missouri white tail deer are starting to show up with a new disease known as chronic wasting disease or also known as CWD for short. This particular disease infects not only Missouri’s white tailed deer but elk as well. Missouri Department of Conservation wrote this about it “CWD is caused by an abnormal protein, called a prion. The disease causes degeneration of brain tissue, which slowly leads to death” (MDC). MDC explain that it can take months or even years for a deer to show any type of symptoms and if a deer isn’t showing symptoms it can possibly be spreading around the disease MDC explains that CWD is ”spread from deer-to-deer and through contact by deer with contaminated soil, food, and water” (MDC). Nonetheless if we do what Peta says and let nature takes …show more content…
As a result of these funding we are able to provide the community with free programs about nature with age groups starting from toddlers to retirees. Informing children at a young age helps them appreciate and have a deeper respect for nature. The free programs, these local conservation centers, provide not only cater to male hunters, but females as well. I asked a coworker, Ashley, why she enjoyed hunting and she replied with a smile on her face, “Nothing like the empowerment you feel when you are bringing home dinner to your family” (Lovell). Hunting is becoming very popular with women, because it gives them confidence and respect knowing they can care for their family in a less conventional way. Furthermore hunting benefits the community is WWIA Mo-Kan Ducks N’ Bucks is a local foundation that helps soldiers who received the purple heart to “encourage independence and connection with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and shared passion for the outdoors” (WWIA). This program is trying to help soldiers who were wounded in combat to find normality by sharing their love of the outdoors. Finally when we take the time and start to really think about hunting it’s not just about killing an animal, but really it’s about the appreciation and respect of nature
From the hunting experiences that I have had, I agree with this statement one hundred percent.
First, hunting can be a source of relaxation. Sitting in the woods with nobody else around, far from the routine life, can be very therapeutic. One’s life is hectic with all the demands of everyday living. Running away from them, and having a time for oneself can be very healthy.” Even If you don’t makea kill , you will benefit from the peace and quiet sounds of nature“(National Geographic News ,March,2007). Moreover, hunting is a good method to rid oneself of pent up anger. Emotions may build up, and anger might fill the mind; hun...
For many people, hunting is just a sport, but for some it is a way of life. In Rick Bass’s “Why I Hunt” he explains how he got to where he lives now and what he thinks of the sport of hunting. There are many things in the essay that I could not agree more with, and others that I strongly disagree. Overall this essay provides a clear depiction of what goes through the mind of a hunter in the battle of wits between them and the animal.
A point has to be made about hunting and outdoor life in Illinois, which is a common interest throughout Illinois. Though it may not interest everyone, the livelihood and a portion of income is g...
The deer population has increased so much that in many areas, they suffer from chronic starvation. “Bucks only” laws passed years ago to help in re-establishing the dwindling deer herds now work against the deer by resulting in an overabundance of does. Even with the overabundance of does many hunters refuse to shoot a doe. They believe in the old saying, “It takes a doe to yield a buck.” This is entirely true but it ignores the basic law of nature that any piece of land, and the food and cover in it, can support only so much game. If the excess game is not harvested by hunters or killed by predators, nature will take over and exterminate enough animals as needed or more through disease and starvation. That’s why hunting is a much more humane means for a deer ...
In 1989, there were 12,152 deer-vehicle accidents in the USA in which four people died and over 450 people were injured (7). What humans do not realize is the damage deer are causing to their environment, the human population, and themselves. Until a decision is reached regarding deer population control, the present state of overpopulation will continue to affect humans and the environment alike.
Hunters contribute more than any other group to help maintain and keep wildlife habitat. According to this trusted source on hunting, “In 1907, only forty-one thousand elk remained. There are now over one million” , hunters are the reason these elk populations have improved. This hunting source also says, “In 1900, only five-hundred thousand whitetails remained. Hunters have now raised that number to thirty-two million” , hunters protect deer so they can continue to hunt them and keep the population strong and healthy. Waterfowl hunters fight to keep habitat for the ducks and geese to live and thrive in their area. This fact proves the ...
It is early in the morning; the majestic Elk bugles in the distance. The sun is kissing the tops of the peaks with the most beautiful gold, and painting the clouds rose red. The men and women who enjoy the outdoors whether it is hunting or just hiking help make these types of moments possible. Hunting and the ecosystem is tied closely to conservation of land and animals. The articles of “Hunting and the ecosystem” written by the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department (SDGFP), and “Facts and statistics on wildlife conservation” written by Roger Holmes, director of the Fish and Wildlife, touch on how hunting is important in the environment to keep a good balance in the ecosystem. They also point out how hunters do more than any other organization for wildlife and environment. Our country was created by outdoors men who hunted and they passed their knowledge of the outdoors to their kids. Hunting has worked its way down from the generation and we should learn to “pass it on” Hunting is great for the environment and wildlife and should be preserved for the ages to come.
Deer overpopulation is a controversial topic. Some believe that deer overpopulation is not a real problem. Some may also believe the high numbers that studies show, is a scheme to give hunters an excuse to hunt without reason. The truth is that deer overpopulation is a true issue. Deer, especially the eastern whitetail deer population in these modern times, is out of control. “There are an estimated 30 million whitetail deer in the United States today. Under optimal conditions, whitetail deer populations will double every two years”(Rooney). As the numbers of whitetail deer rise, the land for them to live on decreases. This may lead to deer walking on roads and causing accidents.
Hunters often reveal that being in nature provides time to clear the mind. In the woods, there is no rush, no schedule, and no deadlines; nature moves at its own pace. This interaction provides a deep spiritual connection with the land, the wildlife, and our planet. Hunting has been around since the beginning of time and has been in many people 's lives for generations, these are some reasons why people all across America continue to hunt. Hunting has many benefits such as reducing deer related car accidents, controlling deer densities in heavily human populated areas, creates jobs, and feeding and supporting families. Thus, deer hunting is necessary for several reasons.
It’s a brisk November morning like any other day, but today isn’t any other day, today is the first day of firearm deer season. Shots are going off everywhere like world war three declared on deer. I’m wrapped in every hunting garment I own but winters cold embrace always finds its way in. My cheeks are rosy red and my breath was thick in the air. As I raise my shotgun and pull the trigger, my heart races and my hands shake. As I race after my prize, the sounds of leaves crunching beneath my feet are muffled by the ringing in my ears. I’m walking face to the ground like a hound on a trail and then my eyes caught it, my very first whitetail. I will never forget my first deer and the joy I felt sharing it with my family. Hunting is a passed down tradition for my family and friends. Throughout the world, millions of people participate in the spoils and adventure of the hunt. Hunting has been a pastime since the beginning of man. Hunting is one of those things either you like or you don’t like. It’s hard to explain the joys of hunting ,because it’s something one must experience for his self. Hunting does have laws and regulations you have to abide by. Are hunting regulations benefiting the hunter or the animal? This paper will discuss some of the regulations and laws, types of game, disadvantages of regulations, the pros of regulations, poachers, and ways to preserve wildlife and there habitat.
Years ago, killing animals for food was part of the average man’s everyday life. While, now a days, hunting is questioned by many across the world because it is commonly viewed as a recreational activity. Many residents have a problem with the dangers that come with hunting. Not to mention, as time goes on, society seems to feel differently about animals and how they should be treated. One of the biggest debates is the harvest of white tailed deer. All over the United States, white tailed deer thrive because of the few predators that feast upon them and the large forests and habitats that these deer can flourish in. However, as buildings and subdivisions pop up left and right decreasing the white tailed deer natural habitat, the debate grows stronger. The heart of the debate is centered around ethical issues, human and deer conflicts, safety, and the benefits hunting has on the economy.
Many people have misconceptions about hunting. One such misconception is that hunting is easy and any person can go sit in the woods and wait for an animal to cross the hunter’s path. However, people who believe this are sorely mistaken. Hunting is not just sitting in the woods with a rifle; there are many other aspects that must be considered. An individual must have all preparations complete, purchase or gather the equipment needed, and know what to listen for while in the woods.
In conclusion hunting is not for everyone, but those who do take pride in it. It takes a lot more than just to walk in the woods and pick a spot. Deer use thousands of runs throughout the woods. Spending weeks searching for the right spot in order to make a kill. It takes hours of sitting in a stand not saying a word or moving a muscle. You could spend days, months, or even years without getting a kill if you do not put in the time. When the time comes if you’ve done what I’ve said in the above paragraphs, you will be
This article goes into detail as why people who hunt think of it as more than a sport. This to me is the best article that goes into why hunting is such a big part of the word we live in today and why we need to preserve it. A “Sport hunter” far from just a sport. A “Sport Hunter” can go the Theodore Roosevelt These people who “Sport Hunt” are their to make sure animals are on the earth and continue to strive. “What I’m interested in is making my hunting comprehensible to others. And in a world like ours, where discussions of hunting are already full of pitfalls and confusions, “sport” and “recreation” only get in the way.”(Cerulli 2011) This quote to me explains to me why people are so frustrated and believe that people who hunt have the wrong intentions. Their whole life they have seen social media say hunting 's killing the earth and animals are going extent because of hunter. I believe many people are to close minded with hunting, and do not explore the reasons why people hunt and what it means to the people that