Why hunting matters: The benefits and ethical case for sustainable hunting

Before the modern-day factory farms and other options for meat, one of, if not the only, way people put meat on the table was from hunting.

It was the norm — unlike today when hunters are further restricted by more laws and regulations regarding game hunting.

However, one question that should be asked is why hunting is vital in today's day and age.

Today, hunters are criticized by government agencies and animal rights groups like PETA. These groups feel that hunting is cruel and unfair to the animals.

It may be hard to see from a nonhunter’s perspective, but there are a lot of benefits of hunting.

Bryson Klunk looks out of the deer stand that he built for the season for the season.Photo by Bryson Klunk

Great Responsibility

When it comes to the game, hunters want to do the most to ensure it is harvested with as little pain as possible. We want to make sure that everything is humane before ending the animal's life — we owe them that.

Does every animal in the wild have a peaceful death? Sadly, no. Most of the time, they get a disease, are injured, or are attacked by predators, causing their last moments to be painful. Nature is not gentle. It doesn’t have hospitals or care facilities. If an animal gets sick or injured, it must live with it, suffering from it or even dying.

When a hunter does his job successfully, the animal passes within seconds compared to hours or weeks of a natural death.

Bryson Klunk shoots his bow, getting ready for deer season.Photo by Bryson Klunk

Managing Overpopulation

Hunters have built conservation agencies and put laws to keep game numbers in check, but also at a healthy population.

Without hunting, areas would get overrun and cause lots of issues.

For example, once a white-tailed deer reaches maturity, around one-year-old, it hardly has any natural predators. They can outrun almost every predator in North America. So, without hunting, their population would grow out of control.

This can cause a number of issues including an increase in car accidents, crop damage, spread of diseases, and starvation amongst animals competing in the wild for food.

This is why cities such as Cape Girardeau, may allow hunting in city limits. By hunting and keeping numbers under control it keeps both them and us safe and healthy.

If there is an endangered species or a protection list, hunters probably helped wildlife experts determine how to protect those animals.

A group of mallard drake ducks fly off in seek of food and mates.Photo by Bryson Klunk

Deeper Understanding

Lastly, this part might not resonate with everyone like it does me. I understand that everyone has their own views about hunting and I respect that. Hunting is not for everyone, however researching the subject is critical.

There is something so natural about hunting. I come from a family that does not hunt. They have nothing against it, they just despise waking up early and sitting for hours in the cold.

Once I started hunting, everything seemed so fulfilling. Yes, harvesting an animal is not easy, but life comes from life. The animal’s life has come to an end but it gives me food, memories, and a feeling of accomplishment.

If you talk to most hunters, they will tell you that they get more out of the experience, good times spent with friends and family, and the places they get to explore.

Some of a hunter's fondest memories are when they just get to explore and talk with buddies; it is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Trust me, it's not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay! However, once you've experienced it, you might come back with a different outlook on hunting and see that it's still beneficial to society.