Exposing the Animal Rights Agenda and Setting the Record Straight

© By Othmar Vohringer

On the Outdoor Bloggers Summit blog Kristine published a challenge in two parts for the members; part one of the challenge was what can we do to educate the average person about the truth of the animal rights agenda and at the same time explain to society what hunting is really all about. The second part of that challenge was to think of ways how we could get the hunting organizations to unite and promote hunting to the public rather than preaching to the choir and then hoping that they will pass the message on to the public.

With the rampant and unfounded attacks on hunters and hunting by animal rights organizations like the notorious PETA and the equally offensive HSUS, it is a timely challenge. As hunters we should not tolerate this situation and the way animal rights groups portray our image in the public. Sadly though, a rather large part of the population never hears our side of the story and thus has come to believe what the anti’s say about us.

Some time ago I talked to a lawyer about the animal rights activists and their campaign against hunters. At the end of this conversation the lawyer told me that the hunting community would have good legal grounds to file a class action law suit against the animal rights organizations that easily could be won by us.

You see, that beautiful and often terribly abused phrase “freedom of speech” means that people can say what they want only to a point. When freedom of speech turns into hate mongering, character assassination and the ridicule of individuals then it becomes a crime. Not so sure about that? Okay lets see!

If a person or group would portray, lets say an African American, a Native Indian, a member of a religious group or a gay person in such a derogatory and demeaning manner as the animal rights do with hunters, how long do you think it would it take for this person or group to have to answer to a judge in a court of law? Not long! Why? Because it is against the law to discriminate against a person or group by spreading purposely false and misleading information with the sole intent of ostracizing that person’s way of life- one that he or she carries out within the given framework of the law and the constitution.

What the animal rights groups do is in fact not that different from what the Hitler regime did to systematically bring down the Jewish people in German society. The propaganda was repeated almost daily until society viewed Jews as “undesirables”. It was that willful spread of hatred, ignorance, lies and blame for social problems that made the Holocaust possible. Don’t get me wrong. Far be it for me to compare the plight of the Jews in Nazi Germany to hunters- but the tactics used to discriminate against a group of people is very much the same.

The really bad news about these character assassinations is that they are all done for the money. There is no doubt about it: animal rights groups care as little for animals as they do for people. The sole purpose of their existence is to make money off of gullible people- and they make BILLIONS of dollars annually. Very little , around 2% is used in some form for animals. The bulk of the money is used for advertising and paying legal fees. The largest amount of the money disappears into the bank accounts of the organization’s leaders. Yes, well-meaning people thinking that their donations will help animals have made Ingrid Newkirk a multi-millionaire.

So what can we, the individual hunters and the organization that represent us, do to swing the tide of public opinion in our favor? Right now the times are good because animal rights organizations have lost a lot of sympathy in the public’s opinion. PETA recently complained that it’s member numbers are shrinking and that it is having some difficulty generating donations. The mighty HSUS is still very strong and has taken up some slack from PETA, but they too feel the anti animal rights mood in society growing. That might be one reason why these organizations have become louder, meaner and more aggressive in recent weeks and months with their attacks on us.

Rather than revisit point by point a subject that I have written about quite extensively in the past, and no doubt will do so in the future, I will simply link to articles on my blogs. The articles express my opinion on what should be done and how we might best achieve our goal of telling the public at large the truth about hunters, hunting and the good things that hunters and their organization’s do for all.

The most important fact we hunters MUST learn if we intend to make a difference in the fight against animal rights and educating society is to have UNITY among us. Without unity we will not have a glimmer of hope in getting anything done. Unity is the single most important aspect of everything we do as a group or family. Without unity we are weak and can’t focus on the task at hand. Where I Stand on Crossbows (link opens new window) I illustrate what the lack of unity means for our future.

Explaining to non-hunters what hunting does for wildlife and habitat conservation for the benefit of all, not only hunters, is illustrated in The Economics of Hunting (link opens new window). I also suggest reading Hunting and Wildlife Conservation (link opens new window)

If we explain hunting to others it can’t hurt to add a personal touch as to what motivates us personally to hunt our own food. While statistics will go a long way to support irrefutable facts people generally have a hard time relating to cold facts but can relate to personal convictions and motivations. A good example of such a hunting promotion idea can be read in my article, Why Do We Hunt
(link opens new window). How we can get the message to the people is explained in Get Active In The Protection of our Rights.

This leaves us with the second part of the challenge of what our organizations could do to promote hunting in society. The basic rule here is the same as with hunters. Unity! Unity is the vital instrument in putting up a strong front and speaking with one voice.

Here in Canada we are a step ahead of our American friends. For the past year or so it has become common for several organizations to get together and release press communiqués and broadcast television and radio infomercials that promote hunting and fishing to society. Such united efforts have already shown results in more than one way. For starters Canadians have become much more critical of animal rights groups. It is not unusual these days to read several letters on the opinion pages of newspapers that show a not-so-favorable response to animal rights oriented letters. Secondly, the public has largely changed its negative opinion on hunters to a positive one or at least, a neutral opinion. And lastly, hunter numbers are slowly climbing a bit.

The U.S. Sportsman Alliance sent me an email in which they advised me of a letter they sent to the USDA explaining that the Humane Society of the United States’ “primary purpose is to advocate for sensible public policies and not provide direct services to shelter, rescue or provide any direct services for animals in need. “ because the USDA website has inaccurately portrayed the Humane Society of the United States (not to be confused with the American Humane Association which deals with animal welfare – NOT rights ) as a “shelter, rescue and welfare organization”. You can read the letter sent to the USDA here (pdf. file).

The U.S. Sportsmen Alliance is the only organization in America primarily concerned with the protection of our rights. That, as you can imagine, costs a small fortune in publishing press releases, lobbying politicians and so on. Now how much better, financially speaking and for clout would it be if the USSA could collaborate with other organizations and with that show unity and a force to be reckoned with?

I have often said this and will keep on saying it: If we hunters and our organizations would stand up as a united force, the animal rights groups wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. In fact they would disappear practically over night. That’s how much power and strength we, as a unified community, could generate. We would be so influential that no politician could afford to ignore us. Animal rights activists are a dwindling minority. Compared to hunter numbers they are not even a speck of dust. Yet what makes them strong is unity, they speak as one and adhere to one agenda. Unlike hunters where it seems that each segment has its own agenda and at the drop of hat will be ready to bash another hunter segment if it suits their agenda.

As blogging becomes more popular I see an opportunity that we bloggers can- and should- take advantage of to play our part in spreading and promoting hunting. The way blogs are viewed by search engines gives us a likelier chance of been read by non-hunters than a hunting forum or hunting website. When I check my statistics I regularly see visitors that came to my blogs that didn’t specifically search for hunting. I wrote an article about one such visitor and how I was able to follow him back where he came from and what happened. It is interesting reading and shows perfectly how we can influence opinions. In that particular case it was an animal rights activist and I am happy that my blog made him think and abandon the animal rights cause.

It seems that hunting organizations have not yet discovered the merits of blogs. Enter the outdoor bloggers. Many of us are often hit with what we refer to as “writers block”. One solution: how about contacting hunting organizations and asking them to provide you with material, or simply subscribe to e-newsletters from different organizations and you will regularly be updated with information you can write about on your blog.

There are also other avenues a blogger can pursue that are much closer to home. You could contact your local hunting organizations and clubs and offer to write about them in your local newspaper. Of course you also can contact your local newspaper and inquire about an outdoor column that you could write for them. There are many ways we can reach out to society and set the record about hunting and hunters straight.


Tags: Promote Hunting, Outdoor Bloggers Summit, Exposing Animal Rights, Hunting Organizations

Blog Buzz

© By Othmar Vohringer

It has been a long time, to long, since I published a Blog Buzz. Usually I highlight some articles from fellow outdoor bloggers that I found very interesting in this series. But since it has been a really long time since the last Blog Buzz I am going to change a bit toady’s contribution.

Over the months I have added a few new blogs on my blogroll. The list keeps getting longer and longer and with that the chance that some might be missed in the heap. So here are the new blogs and I think each and every one of them is outstanding in its own way.

Deer Hunting Big Bucks

As you can gather from the blog title Adam is, like me, passionate about whitetail deer hunting. In his profile he wrote: “I have great respect for the whitetail. I think the whitetail deer is the most beautiful animal on the face of the earth.”

Adam shares with us many hunting stories, hunting tips, product reviews, news and information about trophy whitetails. This blog is a must read for all whitetail deer enthusiasts.

Jr. Deer Camp Blog

We all know and love Rex from the Deer Camp Blog. Now meet Erin, Rex’s daughter is every bit as funny as here father. Besides making fun of her father she tells us about the family gatherings at the famous Christmas Plantations and how family and friends mean to her. Very nice blog, we need more teenagers writing about hunting.

Low Country Hunting

Jeff is a professional photographer and operates together with his wife the Low Country Hunting Service, based in South Carolina near the Savannah River in Hampton County. On his blog he writes about the success stories of Low Country Hunting Service plus lot of tips on hunting and quality deer management. Reading through Jeff’s “about page to gather information for this blog buzz I found out that we have something in common. Jeff is not a big fan of sport but he does like professional rodeo. That right there is my kind of guy.

The Liberty Pines Ranch Breaks

This blog is written by Wayne Schmeling from Minnesota lives for the outdoors. This quote from his profile will give you a good indicator what his blog is all about.

“I started by living the dream season of fall through numerous hunting and fishing trips, and then set out to settle a score with some unfinished business. In January, 2008, I began my latest expedition pursuing the completion of a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Creative and Professional Writing and a Bachelors of Science degree in History at Bemidji State University.”

NorCal Cazadora

Holly A. Heyser is a professional journalist and professor of journalism (if I got that right). Over the few weeks that I know of that blog it has become one of my favorite to read. With journalistic vigor Holly snoops out the full scoop on stories in the news about hunting. With charm and wit but always factual she takes on the animal rights and proves them the hypocrites they are.

A novice hunter that only a few years ago joined our great heritage she reports about her hunting adventures in the duck marshes and turkey fields with an enthusiasm that is truly contagious.


Fish Geek

Why Fish Geek? Why not! A person so involved in fishing and love for it that he now studies hard to get a Masters degree in Fisheries Biology at Utah State University is a Fish Geek and I do mean this in the most respective manner.
What ever you want to know about fishing you’re sure to find it on this blog.


Flyfishing Fool

From the Geek to the Flyfishing Fool. Zach tells us in his intro to his very well written blog:
I am a trout bum, mountain bum, river rat, live out of my truck, typical college student trying to afford a tank of gas and a six pack of beer. I have more time than money so I figured why not start blogging. Enjoy life, recreate, get out there and do something.

Don’t be fooled by this modest introduction. Zach’s blog is full of knowledge, tips and info for the avid and beginning flyfisher. Throughout the blog you also can see some stunning photography.

Tags: Blog Buzz, Blogging, Outddor Blogger Community

Children are our future

© By Othmar Vohringer


As hunter numbers shrink it has become more important than ever to invest in our future by passing our hunting heritage and outdoor traditions on to a new generation.

It is no longer sufficient to pass our way of life on to our own children alone. We have to engage the friends of our children and those of our friends and relatives too. Only if we all make an effort in recruiting more young hunters can we ensure that our future is in good hands and that the fruits of our labor can be harvested by future generations.

There are specialized organizations who’s sole mission is to introduce young people to hunting, even those that have no hunting background. One such admirable organization is Hunters Helping Kids Inc. This organization, which is dedicated to the future of hunting through educating young people, has local chapters in New York, Virginia, Michigan and two chapters in North Carolina.

Hunters Helping Kids Inc. annually organizes hunting and fishing opportunities and educational workshops for all children from all walks of life. Each event can accommodate as many as 45 children at no cost to them and their families. Organizing several hunting and fishing events each year, involves a lot of commitment, hard work and dedication carried out by the volunteer members of Hunters Helping Kids.Inc.

The money needed for the events comes from donations and fund raising banquets. How much money can be raised annually influences how many children can take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity - and also how many have to be turned down.

On June 21st. this year the Hunters Helping Kids Inc. New York Chapter will hold a fund raising banquet at:

Sandy Pond Sportsman Clubhouse, Co Rt. 15
Sandy Pond NY

There will be a great meal: Prime Rib/BBQ Pork and all the trimmings (Presale only meal tickets $20.00 ea.)

The evening will be filled with:
A Live Auction
Raffles
Door Prizes
Games
Cocktail hour 5-6 pm with Dinner at 6pm

Tickets are available by calling 315-387-3497

Half of the proceeds from the banquet stay in the NY chapter area to be used for local kids events such as hunts, fishing trips, a pheasant hunt, goose hunt, etc.
The remaining half will be used for National events such as deer hunts, duck hunts etc.
Your support will help them fulfill their mission and to continue offering events for young people free of charge.

The main prize is the ‘gun of the year’, a Marlin MXLR Lever Action Rifle Stainless with Laminated Stock, 30-30,
Bidders can purchase one or more of the 120 squares on a raffle board at $ 10.00 per square. The drawing for the lucky winner of the Marlin MXLR will be held on June 21st at the banquet.

This is a very good cause and I urge you all, if you’re from New York please try to attend this event. Your money and support will enable the Hunters Helping Kids Inc. NY Chapter to continue their important mission of introducing more children to the great outdoors.

For more information about the NY Chapter banquet or how you personally can get involved as a volunteer member or sponsor visit the NNY Chapter Website.

If you’re not from New York and would like to become a part of Hunters Helping Kids Inc. visit the National Hunters Helping Kids Inc. website for more information on chapters in your area and volunteer memberships or sponsorships.

I am both proud and humbled that Richard Worden, National Board of Directors Sponsorships Chairman and the Northern NY Chapter President has chosen my blog to be one of his official publication venues to promote the honorable cause of Hunters Helping Kids Inc.

Get involved now and you will never regret it. Just look at these smiling children’s faces from the recent spring turkey hunting event and then come back here and tell me that these volunteers do not deserve your highest respect for their efforts to ensure a brighter future for hunting. Best of all, if you get personally involved, one or more of these smiles are directed at you.

Tags: Hunters Helping Kids, The Future Of Hunting, Fund Raising Banquet, Marlin MXLR Lever Action Rifle

2008 Spring Turkey Hunting Contest

© By Othmar Vohringer

On the Wild Turkey Fever blog we hold a contest of the best 2008 spring turkey hunt. Readers can send me a picture and a short story of a turkey hunt from this years spring turkey hunting season.

At the end of the contest I will, or rather my computer, will choose one entry as winner. The winner will receive a Heirloom Double Barrel call from my own stock.

Anybody wanting to enter the fun contest has to do so until May 31st.

To view the first entries visit Wild Turkey Fever.

To submit your contribution and learn more about the contest rules click on the image below.
Hurry up Contes ends May 31st.

Tags: 2008 Turkey Hunting Contest, Turkey Hunting, Wild Turkey Fever

Washington lists polar bear as threatened

© By Othmar Vohringer

Yesterday’s announcement by U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne declaring the polar bear as a threatened species came as a bit of a surprise. Only a month ago the government announced that it had no inclination to make a decision on the polar bear. This must be the quickest turn about in political history.

Kempthorne said that the melting ice cap makes this step necessary. It is predicted that by the year 2050 the habitat of the polar bear will be lost due to melting of the ice and this in turn could cause the extinction of the polar bear.

I wonder what made the U.S. government take this drastic step simply based on guesswork of what might be happening by the year 2050. Was it a cosmetic decision? I am inclined to think so especially considering that Dirk Kempthorne announced in the same breath that the listing of the polar bear on the endangered species list would not affect further oil exploration in the Artic and Alaska. Neither will America enforce any other laws and regulations to lower greenhouse gases, the very cause that melts the ice in the Arctic. Kempthorne said that considering such regulations and laws “would be a wholly inappropriate.”

One has to ask what is the point of listing the polar bear if the destruction of its habitat is still permitted by drilling oil in the Artic and polluting the air with the very gases that melt the ice? Is it possible that the American government has bowed to animal rights and environmentalist and their junk science? It’s absolutely possible and wouldn’t be the first time either.

Canada has opposed the listing of the polar bear and made it known that there are no such plans in the near future. Canada is home to two thirds of the world’s polar bear population estimated to be in the neighborhood of 30,000. According to Canadian scientists the polar bear population is still steadily growing and should to be controlled through hunting. The U.S. government’s move to list the polar bear will be hardest felt by the people of Nunavut. The Arctic Inuit people complain the U.S. listing will deter hunters who spend millions of dollars a year for the right to shoot the animals. Paul Okalik, premier of the Nunavut territory where most polar bears live, said populations were at a record level.

Under the listing policy the American hunters are not permitted to take polar bear fur or any other parts back to the United States. The listing of the polar bear as a threatened species is far from settled. Legal battles surrounding the polar bear listing soon will begin. There is hope that during these legal battles common sense will prevail over political cosmetics and feel good decisions.

Tags: Polar Bear, Politics, Endangered Species Act, U.S. Government

Animal Rights Group Fools Donors

© By Othmar Vohringer

The following press release has been forwarded to me by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

The following article proves what I have been saying about animal rights organizations for many years. Animal rights organizations pretend that they are caring for animals to cash in on unsuspecting and gullible people donating money to these hoax charities.

When regional retailer, Meijer, received pressure from sportsmen to sever ties with the animal rights extremists in the Humane Society of the Unites States (HSUS), some questioned why the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) acted to oppose the partnership.

“Most people simply don’t know that the HSUS is actually an animal rights organization that is opposed to any use of animals for the benefit of humans,” said USSA president and CEO Bud Pidgeon. “The public deserves to know the hidden agenda behind this is to deceive them.”

On April 24, 2008, HSUS, the world’s largest animal rights organization, announced a partnership with Meijer, a regional discount retail chain to raise $5,000 for the organization’s fund to address the purported problem of abandoned pets as a result of the national home foreclosure crisis.

The USSA, a national organization founded to protect the rights of sportsmen, responded with an alert asking hunters to contact the retailer to protest the partnership. Meijer quickly responded by canceling the arrangement. Since that time, some animal welfare activists have questioned why USSA would oppose a partnership alleged to benefit pets.

The Washington DC-based HSUS, raised $100 million dollars according to its 2006 IRS filing. Despite a name that seems tailor made to animal shelters, HSUS is in fact an animal rights organization. Its main function is to change laws that permit Americans to gain any benefit from animals. It advocates for restrictions on livestock farmers, bans on life-saving medical research performed on animals and opposes zoos, circuses and rodeos. Of course HSUS also opposes hunting. The HSUS does not operate or represent the local dog and cat shelters that exist across the United States.

“With a name like the Humane Society of the United States, it’s easy to see why some people believe that there is a connection between it and local animal shelters, which struggle every year to make ends meet,” explained Pidgeon. “HSUS spends the bulk of its money on making contributions to politicians, lobbying, lawyers and expensive 30-second advertisements to promote voter issues aimed at banning various uses of animals.”

The Humane Society uses campaigns, such as the Meijer campaign, as a public relations tool to help it raise its $100 million dollar war chest for its animal rights crusade. Evidence of this is contained within its leadership. Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the organization, is the former executive director of the Fund for Animals, which was the nation’s leading anti-hunting group. Upon accepting the executive job at HSUS, Pacelle announced a merger with the Fund for Animals and quickly hired its most ardent hunting opponents as his top management staff.

The HSUS then swallowed several anti-livestock organizations, hiring their leadership as well. Its takeover of the Doris Day Animal League has given it access to Hollywood dollars, previously the home turf of the radical People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Unlike PETA, however, Pacelle and HSUS are not interested in making a large public relations spectacle using naked models or making outrageous statements comparing the Holocaust to the slaughter of chickens. Instead, HSUS has launched a series of campaigns that put it in a positive light with animal lovers in general.

Such was the case in 2005, when HSUS created a fund to aid animals stranded as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Later, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office launched an investigation of HSUS when allegations surfaced that the money never made it to the pets in need.

In 2007 it launched a campaign to address the issue of so-called “puppy mills,” abusive large-scale commercial dog breeding operations. Using sentimental images of suffering puppies, the organization is backing legislation in Pennsylvania that would devastate small hobby breeders, dog show kennels and sporting dog enthusiasts. The legislation is so radical that it has been opposed by the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club and even dog rescue shelters in the state.

“Taking advantage of the American people’s love for their pets, HSUS is able to deceive donors and the public into believing that the organization is in the mainstream of American values,” said Pidgeon. “It is this mainstream image that allows HSUS to raise its 100 million dollar budget to take our hunting and fishing rights away. At the same time, by deceiving animal lovers, HSUS robs financially strapped dog and cat shelters of critical funds needed to actually look after abandoned and abused pets.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance recommends that people who want to help real animal shelters give to their local shelter organizations.

“Some animal rights groups masquerade as pet shelters, so donating to a local organization gives the contributor the opportunity to determine how their funds will actually be spent,” said Pidgeon.

This and other evidence of the fraudulent shenanigans of the HSUS and PETA I wonder when the government and the IRS will finally step in and at least revoke the tax exempt status these crooks enjoy, so they too have to pay taxes like any other for-profit-company.

Tags: Meijer, Animal Rights Fraud, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Hunters Helping Kids, Inc Youth Turkey Hunt.

© By Othmar Vohringer

As many of you know I am a proud supporter of Hunters Helping Kids, Inc and had the privilege to make an interview with Richard Worden, the New York Chapter President of Hunters Helping Kids. Today I received a long awaited update on the activities of this outstanding organization that does so much to pass the hunting heritage on to our young generation.

Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend Summary

The Northern New York chapter of Hunters Helping Kids, Inc. held their 3rd annual Youth Turkey Hunt weekend event on April 26 & 27th, 2008.
Fifty youngsters between the ages of twelve thru fifteen registered for the event with fourteen hunters harvesting a turkey.

On Saturday the 26th, after the turkeys were weighed in and pictures taken, hot dogs and hamburgers were served at the Sandy Pond Sportsmen Association’s Clubhouse to the youth hunters, their family and the callers. The Oswego County 4-H had their laser hunting game for the youth, which all enjoyed trying their luck. Also Katie Eastman gave a seminar, "The Life Cycle of a Turkey" which gave the young hunters some knowledge of the turkey.

On Sunday, back to the SPSA clubhouse again, there was weigh-in of the birds with pictures. Mr. Don Miller of Lakeside Taxidermy gave a demonstration of a full turkey mount, prior to a delicious roast beef dinner. Prizes were handed out to all the youth turkey hunters, even the younger kids were given something to take home. Dallas won the essay contest and won a Primo hunting blind. There were numerous door prizes given to the youth. Also the lucky successful hunter's name drawn was Ora and he won a full turkey mount from Lakeside Taxidermy in Fulton.

We were honored to have in attendance: NY State Senator Darrel Aubertine, Assemblyman Will Barclay, Oswego County Legislator of District I, Margret Kastler, NYS DEC officer Matt Harger, the new Pennsylvania HHK chapter, headed by Mr. & Mrs. Troy Miller and Mike Strickhouser with his daughter, Danielle, which was one of the successful youth turkey hunters plus Mr. Dale Dodson, National Director of Operations of Hunters Helping Kids who flew in from North Carolina to take part in the event.

A big THANK YOU goes out to the Sandy Pond Sportsmen’s Assn, the many sponsors and all the volunteers that made this a big success.

Richard Worden
Chapter President

If you would like to donate to the Hunters Helping Kids, Inc. to continue their important work or would like to become a volunteer visit the Hunters Helping Kids, Inc. website.

Here are a few pictures from the event.


These are just some of the prizes donated for the event.


The participants of the youth turkey hunt


Oran is the winner of the full turkey mount from Lakeside Taxidermy.


Essay winner Dallas admires his prize, a ground blind from Primos.


New York State Senator Darrel Aubertine posed proudly with a young turkey hunter.

Happy faces of some lucky young tukey hunters.






All images are courtesy of Richard Worden

ASAT Camouflage links to this blog

© By Othmar Vohringer

Over the past few days I noticed in my blog statistics that ASAT Camouflage has visited my blog up to two times each day. When I clicked on the link it lead nowhere. Then finally on the third day the link worked and I saw why it didn’t work before. ASAT has completely revamped their website and they also added my blog banner as link to my “Close Encounters”.I wrote this article in February of 2006. In that article I tell the true story of a time when I went turkey hunting and had a very close personal encounter with a whitetail buck.

To read the story and find out why ASAT linked to it read the article here. You will read about a once in lifetime wildlife encounter and the reason why ASAT is the camouflage of choice for me for over 15 years now.

Tags: ASAT, Camouflage, Blog Links, Blog Update

Why do we hunt?

© By Othmar Vohringer

Arthur from the Simply Outdoors blog posted an interesting article about promoting hunting. The idea came from an article written by Shane Mahoney, Head of Research for the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In his article Mahoney outlines the agendas of hunters and anti hunters and how they represent them to the public. He summarizes that while the animal rights put a human perspective on the issue, the hunters seem to miss this part of their argument completely. While it is important to state that hunting does have many benefits to wildlife conservation, society and the economy, it is also, if not more so, important to explain why we engage in hunting. What do we get personally out of hunting?

This is an important point with which I have to fully agree with Mahoney and Arthur. In fact I have often written about the human aspect of hunting. It is my belief that by just stating the obvious and cold facts of hunting doesn’t do us a great service. I even would go as far as to say that doing only this lets us appear as emotionless, perhaps even cold blooded to a point.

On the other hand if we explain to people why it is that we hunt and what our feelings are we appear as humans and thus sound believable because people can relate to us personally. It is very likely that the lack of the human factor, feelings and motivations, in our explanations makes it so difficult to explain to a non-hunter what hunting is all about and why we hunt. “I hunt because it contributes to the community and is a proven method to wildlife control” does sound rather impersonal and removed to a non-hunter. It’s also an explanation that leaves more questions than answers.

On the other hand, if I let a non-hunter know my personal motivations and benefits then he might understand and realize that I am a caring person and not the uneducated trigger-happy imbecile that the animal rights and anti hunters portray to be a hunter.

On that note I will leave you with the personal reasons of why I hunt.

• For me hunting is a way of life. I have grown up in a family of hunters and anglers and do not know any different. To me hunting is not a sport, it is part of who I am as a person and denying that would be to deny part of me and to live a lie.
• Hunting is an important part of our human nature. People are hunters; even the ones that do not hunt animals still have that instinct in them. Recognizing and endorsing this part of our natural make up has made me a more balanced and happier person.
• Although in the modern world there is no requirement to provide food by means of hunting and gathering it still gives me great satisfaction to do so and it brings me closer to my natural roots. Providing food and nourishment through hunting is a skill that needs disciple, patience, endurance and knowledge. Such characteristics also serve a person well in everyday life.
• As a hunter I have learned the skills that once were common to all humans and it gave me a greater understanding of what my place in nature is. I have realized that we are not a separate entity but rather just one small part of nature. This in turn has made me more aware of just how small our earth is and how short our time here is. The realization of this resulted in more respect for what some call God’s creation and others Evolution.
• While shooting an animal is the intended goal of every hunt it is not necessarily the driving force that makes me to go hunting. Being able to forget the chores of everyday life and becoming one with nature, absorbing every intricate detail around me, if only for a few hours, has an overall relaxing and healing effect on me.
• Above all hunting has taught me respect for nature, animals and other humans. And finally hunting has given me enjoyable experiences, camaraderie and memories that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Now that you know my reasons for why I hunt perhaps you’re inclined to share yours with me and more importantly with a non-hunter the next time you get asked; “Why do you hunt?” Don’t be afraid to put a human perspective to your reasoning, it will only make your argument more believable and human. That might be all that is needed to make your point and be respected.

Tags: Why Do We Hunt, Simply Outdoors, Promoting The Hunting Heritage