Hunting 101: Surprising Facts about Hunting

Hunting is considered a way of life and necessary for survival. Hunters see hunting as natural, humane, and ethical. As years pass by, it has become a controversy over whether it is indeed beneficial or harmful as some people are hunting just for recreational activity. However, just like any controversy, the answer to this question depends upon who you ask. To get a clear idea and  a better sense of the arguments, let’s have a brief discussion about hunting.

Hunting can be categorized into three types: therapeutic, subsistence, and sport. Each type varies in terms of its purpose.

THERAPEUTIC HUNTING

This type of hunting involves the intentional killing of wild animals to conserve the ecosystem. Therapeutic hunting is deemed necessary to help maintain balance in nature. Back in 1997 and 2006, conservation groups hired a group of hunters to get rid of feral goats in Galapagos Island as their population has threatened the survival of Galapagos tortoises and other species.

SUBSISTENCE HUNTING

Subsistence hunting is done for human survival. Hunters hunt for animals to supply food, nourishment, and resources.

SPORT HUNTING

Hunters that find pleasure and entertainment with hunting are called sports hunters. Sports hunters usually do intense training to enhance their skills and abilities.

In the United States, each state requires a hunting license before you can hunt legally. So, why is hunting considered beneficial? Find out below.

HUNTING IS GOOD FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Hunting helps create a balance in nature that helps support wildlife species. In the United States, hunters are allowed to participate in regulated hunting to promote sustainability in wildlife populations and habitats. This also means that no wildlife should be killed for inconsiderate purposes.

HUNTING ADHERES TO STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Under the law, regulated hunting should be observed at all times. Hunters should take safety hunting education courses and follow the rules of ethical hunting.

HUNTING PROVIDES ACCESS TO NUTRITIONAL FOOD

Back in the old days, hunting was a means of survival and food security. Meat from wildlife is the most organic meat in the world and is found to provide the best nutrients for our bodies.

HUNTING PROMOTES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

The hunting industry generates taxes from hunters that aids in environmental conservation. The money generated from regulated hunting activities is used in enhancing, managing, and maintaining the wildlife habitat.

HUNTING CONTROLS THE POPULATION OF DIFFERENT ANIMAL SPECIES

If done in the right way, hunting helps maintain the balance in the population of different animal species. This is because the overpopulation of a particular animal species causes environmental challenges due to food shortages. Also, overpopulation causes environmental degradation which in turn affects humans.

Hunting is still regarded as beneficial for the environment as it helps maintain balance in nature and promotes conservation. Maintaining ethical traditions in hunting can help with wildlife management.