I have been debating with myself whether this is a topic I want to comment on as it is like a mine field , whatever direction one goes one may be in trouble . Hunting ethics and what is considered as hunting is at least as varied as all the different cultures on the earth . It differs from country to country , from culture to culture and from person to person - every level playing a role .
I can understand that Flint who initiated this thread feels the way he does and I appreciate his sentiment relating to fair , walk and stalk hunting , but aspects of what he said may not have been communicated in the best way .
My preferred way of hunting is fair chase walk and stalk , but this is done on fenced farms . Although the game is not tame and have been allowed to breed and live without undue interference from people some hunters who only hunt open unfenced public land may regard this as unethical due to it being a fenced area , this is their perception and belief based on their culture and beliefs .
As I am South African I hunt within the boundaries of SA law , culture , geography , weather , etc - but I also have my own opinions and biases based on my own life's learnings and experiences , all of which contribute to what I consider to be my preferred way of hunting , of what I consider to be fair and ethical .
Hunting ethics is something I enjoy discussing with like minded persons as long as they are able to be mature , realistic and honest about their opinions but unfortunately it is such a contentious and emotive topic that some people are just not able to participate in such discussions without getting over emotional .
Just within my group of friends and hunting buddies there are many opinions as to what ethical hunting is or should be , and this is within a group of people that is same or similar culture , education , ethnicity , social level , etc - so how varied will it be between countries and cultures ?
It is my belief that ones introduction to hunting plays a huge role in how one hunts , if one is taught from the start that shooting from a hide , stand or vehicle is acceptable then that is what becomes your frame of reference especially if it is the norm in that country / culture .
Unfortunately I have not experienced hunting in other countries and with other cultures and it would not be fair for me to judge their way of doing things unless I have experienced it first hand , but that being said I cannot and will not support any practice that causes any undue suffering and pain for any animal purely to satisfy financial greed or the egos of men . ( But this is also argumentative from some peoples perspective as in our modern world there is no real need for most people to hunt , if we want meat we can just buy it at the local store , so is it not for our own selfish reasons that we hunt ? )
There are so many ways to argue issues of hunting based on peoples own cultures and beliefs that to try and argue for a "one size fits all " approach will be impossible .
Can shooting an animal at 800 m plus be considered hunting or is it just shooting ? Is shooting from a hide over bait or water hunting or is it just shooting ? Is shooting from a vehicle hunting or just culling ? Is fair chase walk and stalk to be considered as the only true form of hunting ? - do all of these methods automatically qualify as forms of hunting or does it depend on where it is , who is involved , the reason , tradition , etc ?
Is it the simple act of killing an animal no matter how it is done that qualifies a method as hunting and the person as a hunter ?
I am not going to answer these questions as there are just so many arguments in favour and against them that to try and attempt this on social media would be a nightmare . ( I would
much rather be sitting around a fire in the bush with some of you discussing these issues were it possible . )
As an individual I am biased towards certain forms of "hunting" but I am realistic enough to understand that had I been brought up in other countries , with other cultures or even with different parents I would more than likely have a different perspective of hunting and life in general .
As hunters we need to try and understand the differences in hunting practices due to culture , environment , law , social economic circumstances , etc , but at the same time we should not support or condone hunting practices that tarnish the image of hunters and can be regarded as unethical . ( So here is the big problem again , who decides what is ethical and what is not ? Is it ethical just because it is legal - very often legality is not in line with being fair or correct it is purely a legal requirement ? The age old debate with no clear answer , and everyone thinking their perspective is correct . )
Is it fair to judge the character , integrity and ethics of another hunter based on the assumption he/she has hunted less than you or in less destinations than you ? Does having more opportunity to hunt make one a better hunter ?
I know people that have been "hunting" for decades and have killed many animals but I would not consider their version of hunting to be fair and ethical .
Within reason we need to be tolerant of each others cultures and methods of hunting for the future of the "sport" . I do not have all the answers but I do know that being over emotional , disrespectful , intolerant and rude to each other as "hunters " is not the solution .
Maybe the principle of "not judging a man ( hunter ) until your have walked a mile in his shoes " should apply ?
Now just to wait and see how many times I get called a fcktard or a troll . ( I wanted to put a laughing emoji here but havent a clue how to do it )
