[jeffgrant]

I'm an active hunter, and even as we speak I have a venison and bear shepherd's pie cooking in the oven.

I do not hunt for trophies, but if a trophy presents itself, I will gladly take it. I have a rack mounted to the wall, and a bear-skin rug in front of my fireplace.

I will also take the entire animal with me out of the bush, every time, regardless of the work involved. My motivations for hunting do not include the desire for trophies.

I hunt with a great deal of reverence for the tradition, and choose to hunt in as true a fashion as I can; no tree stands, no dogs, no herding of animals, no 400 yard shots. That is my choice. I have the same scoped, bolt-action .30-06 I bought new when I was 16. I train every year to ensure that my shooting is up to the task, and 99% of my kills have been with a single shot.

My ageing father, who can't hardly walk any more, is usually set up with a chair in a small blind, and we do what we can to direct any wildlife near him to help increase his chances, and I have no qualms about doing that. He has enjoyed hunting his entire life, and I will not take that away just because of the frailties brought on by age.

Those people that wish to hunt in a more (to me) unsportsmanlike manner, well, that's their prerogative. I don't do it, and neither do any of my friends or hunting partners, but it just means that those others just don't "get it", in my opinion.

Hunting is also a very bittersweet thing... there is a mixture of joy and sadness when an animal is killed, but I take comfort in knowing that it was killed quickly and cleanly, and will not be wasted. I also take great satisfaction knowing that I can support myself in the wild, and don't need my food handed to me wrapped in styrofoam and cling-wrap.

My time hunting (19 years and counting) has also taught me more about the environment, and has increased my appreciation for and involvement with conservation.


I've hunted with a conservation officer for many, many years, and the stories he has are truly entertaining and enlightening. There are a few known "poachers" who hunt illegally to feed their families rather than be on welfare and food stamps. They are known, and their transgressions are overlooked. Rightfully so, in my opinion.


In the end, hunting is a very personal thing. Some people do it, others don't. It's almost as bad (good?) as religion for getting people arguing. If you don't like it, then don't do it.

I just ask that you don't think any less of me for hunting, just as I won't think any less of you for NOT hunting.


$0.02