THE PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE OF HUNTING: WHY WE HUNT
As the seasons’ change, so does the perception of hunting. Many folks argue whether hunting is a “Right” or a “Privilege”. Whether you see it one way or the other, the pleasure and privilege of hunting is a time-honored tradition, and the reason why we hunt is very important.
In a YouTube video released by Boone and Crockett, a right is defined as “an inherent, irrevocable entitlement held by all citizens from birth”. A privilege is defined as “an entitlement granted by an authority”. If you were to have had this discussion in the late 1700’s I am confident folks would have staunchly seen hunting as a “Right”. Every American, at that time, by one degree or another, lived off the land and depended upon wildlife as a food source.
A DECLINE
Fast forward through the years and you will witness a decline, a detaching if you will, of the average citizen from farming and hunting. Industrialization further removed folks from direct contact with land and wildlife, becoming more dependent on mass production of food sources. This “losing touch” with independence and living in the ebb and flow of nature began to foster a “dependence” mindset.
What was once thought of as a “Right”, is now viewed as a “Privilege”. With that in mind, how do we continue to promote hunting and its traditions? How can we maintain our hunting privileges throughout societal changes and opinions on hunting, aspects of hunting, or categories of hunting?
WHY DO WE HUNT?
Sometimes traditions can become embedded into the fabric of our lives and we forget the “reason” why we do what we do. Why do you hunt? Why do I hunt? I hunt for three specific reasons. The first reason is that I feel it is a “God-given Right”. A God-given right to hunt, fish, and trap on the beautiful planet earth.
Most enjoy getting out in the quiet of nature and learning the ways of nature. We have a deep respect for the beauty they offer, as well as the food they provide for us during the year.
Another reason some hunt is the valuable life lessons it teaches. Taking time with my children to learn how to shoot a gun, through the Hunter Education Course, has been very rewarding. Not to mention the additional time spent working with them to produce a confident gun owner and a hunter has been priceless.
CONSERVATION
Outside of the quality time with family and the peace and tranquility that nature offers, practicing conservation through hunting is a top priority. We advocate for Quality Deer Management.
COMMUNITY
If we want to keep our hunting privileges we must continue good practices within our community and governmental spheres. These groups need your time as well as your money through active membership and donations.
Taking an active role in these groups helps promote a positive attitude toward conservation within the community. Additionally, our participation leads to robust conversations with folks who misunderstand hunting, its purpose, and its tradition. We are an ambassador for hunting, therefore our words and actions speak volumes.
Being active with state and congressional representatives are two other avenues to keep at the forefront. Be sure to keep up with legislation that is currently before them. Give their office a call and leave a positive message. Send them an email, or, if possible set up an appointment to meet with them.
Hunting is not only a sport, but it is a way of life. UC MLP considers it a privilege to hunt and be a part of conservation in our local community and beyond. We are blessed to have a front-row seat to the beauty and majesty of this great land and the nature it supports.
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