I suppose if I were a real man I would enjoy killing animals. I don't. I feel sorry for them instead. I guess it's due to the fact that I'm a city boy. I've noticed that the vast majority of hunters were exposed to it at an early age. In turn, they pass it on to their children.
I'm not one of those people who refuses to wear leather or eat steak. In fact, I enjoy both of them. I don't think animals and humans are of equal worth. I'm not sure I have any moral qualms about hunting and especially not when it means that me or my family will have enough to eat.
Happily we don't have to hunt in order to have enough food. Our food comes from the grocery store. We like it that way. It helps us to have a little sense of denial about where the food really comes from.
I'm also not one of those people who has something against guns. I grew up with guns in the house. I think guns are kind of cool. I have a foid card just like every other good red-blooded american.
My real problem with hunting is this; a deer out walking in the woods minding it's own business isn't doing me any harm. Why would I want to hurt it? Living things are beautiful to behold but once they're dead they're, well, dead. They become inanimate - literally. If I had to kill something in order to eat, I would do it without hesitation. Otherwise it's not something I can consider fun.
If you like to hunt, that's great, but don't expect me to admire the deer in the back of your pickup truck. I'm trying to picture the beauty and grace that you just ended and how you can possibly enjoy it.
Posted by jdmays at November 12, 2004 10:36 PM | TrackBackFor what it's worth, deer are dangerous animals. We have had two vehicles damaged/destroyed thanks to deer. And, many people are killed each year due to deer accidents. They aren't all beauty and innocence skipping through the woods.
But, that aside, my husband hunts, not because he is some redneck trying to establish his manhood, but because the meat is healthier. Look at store-bought meats - full of additives, preservatives (which he is allergic to), and it is fattier. But, the best reason of all to hunt, is the meat is FREE.
Michelle,
Some of my best friends are hunters...so I'm not trying to insult anyone. And you're right about the nuisance that Deer and other animals create. I live in a rural area and deer running out in front of cars is a real safety hazard. I don't know anything about the additives, etc argument. You may be right. As far as being free - well you have to consider the amount of time, the cost of ammo, the cost of a decent gun, etc so it isn't exactly free.
A lot of people enjoy hunting. There isn't anything wrong with it. It's just something I don't entirely understand.