Hunting has been a part of man’s evolutionary process for ninety-nine percent of his existence. The evolution, history, and philosophy have been reviewed for centuries. There is abundant, descriptive, contemporary data available about hunters. Methods of hunting and laws governing are varied and result from historical, political, and economic decisions. Information and research studies are lacking concerning the basic motivation for hunting and the possible influence of hunters and hunting on modern society. Although there is some truth that hunting may be atavistic, this no longer seems an adequate justification for its continuance. The proportion of hunters in the total population will continue to decline. As with some wild species that have become extinct, the availability of the wildlife/hunter habitat will be a critical factor in the continuance of hunting. Social, religious, economic, and political decisions will play a lesser role. Hunters in nations with long-established traditions, rites, and regulations related to hunting may have the best opportunity to continue hunting as a sport.
If someone is uncomfortable with the idea of hunting, they should not hunt and they should not be pressured to hunt. But to condemn hunting and hunters as being immoral or unethical and to insist it be stopped is highly problematic. This really is a social issue about hatred, intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination. Hunting is no more or less moral and ethical than buying meat from a supermarket or raising one’s own livestock for food.
The question to be discussed this time will be concerning the concept of hunting and if this tradition or sport is an acceptable practice in today’s society. In today’s world of political correctness does hunting provide a viable scientific foundation on which to exist? Many states have attempted to pass laws making the act of hunting a right rather than a privilege but as of yet none of these statutes have been tested at the federal level. Courts have ruled however those fines may be levied and hunting privileges may be revoked providing an inclination as to how the courts would rule in this matter
Simply put, is there a need to hunt and kill, for sport, in today’s society?
