Stacking the Hunt (canned hunting is more than crass — it's cruel)

New York Times ^ | December 9, 2003 | WAYNE PACELLE

[beezdotcom]

If you value hunting, don't fall for this nonsense and support a ban on so-called "canned" hunts. Like "assault" weapons, it's part of an incrementalist strategy.

I had to read this statement TWICE to realize that you WEREN'T advocating such a ban.

[d-back]

"Don't fall for this nonsense." STOP "Don't support a ban on so-called canned hunts." STOP

How's that?

[beezdotcom]

I don't either, in general, except that some (perhaps most) of these people are horrible shots, and end up mangling the animal before it finally dies.

But again, if this bothers you, don't eat ANY meat, since there are undoubtedly hundreds of less-than-clean kills daily amongst the many thousands in slaughterhouses around the country.

Again, if this bothers you (the abstract 'you', not the personal 'you'), don't support ANY hunting, because these same people aren't going to do any better when they go "real" hunting - in THAT case, the wounded animal might successfully drag itself out of range to suffer an even MORE prolonged agony.

All this to say that I think "canned" hunting is pretty sissified, but I don't support banning it.

[beezdotcom]

LOL...much better for simpletons like me!

[Papabear47]

The fact that you are in a high position in the Humane Society does not diminish what you have to say about canned hunts.I myself shot and had a rug made of an eleven hundred pound Grizzly and a two hundred and forty pound Black Bear while stationed in Alaska in 1970. I was alone both times although others were in my hunting-fishing parties,one would be a fool to hunt big game without at least one companion. Now as far as those who hunt under controlled conditions I can only say that they are either lazy,inept or cowardly.However a real hunter or fisherman does not desire a sure thing,I know this from personal experience and that of my friends, our enjoyment is in the hunt not the kill,I say this for myself and those I go afield with,how others think I cannot comment on although I have been with people that were cruel and wasteful and with whom I would no longer associate with as far as hunting and fishing were concerned.I might also add that there is a up side to these exotic hunts,such as the fact that a demand for such animals will ensure their survival.That may sound selfish or even cruel however it does more to perpetuate a species than all the wailing and hand wringing I see from PETA or the AHS....Would I do a canned hunt? Only if the target were Ben Laden or his ilk. Is that being blood thirsty or inhumane...Ask him,he is the expert.

[GladesGuru]

While I agree in principle, and I don't ever hire a guide, and insist on tying my own flies and loading my own ammo, still I must disagree with your conclusion.

Firstly, it runs counter to the truism that if it flies, floats or fornicates, then it is cheaper to rent it. And we are free market supporters, aren't we?

Secondly, the animals in the "hunts" are not going to be supported for the rest of their lives by sweet lil' grannies willing to foot the bills for their upkeep.

Lions, for example, breed like alley cats. Got kittens? How about lion kittens? Think any neighbor will give them a home?

As for the spear hunting, any hunter using a spear on a lion may so do without intereference from me. Such a hunter is either a vastly better hunter than I or is channelling an ancient Norse berserker.

In the latter case, can I watch when the PETA Person starts the usual badmouthing at the next spear hunt? Please?? Can I bring my camcorder???

[tiki]

You might as well play a computer game the way some of these hunts are rigged. The sport is called "HUNTING" not shooting.

[nothingnew]

Welcome to FR.

FMCDH

[Papabear47]

Thank you.

[r9etb]

Actually, this is nothing new. My dad stopped hunting back in the 50s after he was invited to go "hunting" with a group of guys who sat in a blind, in comfortable chairs, with beers close at hand, and waited for some beaters to herd tame deer through an open shooting area.

"Hunters" like this need to become targets. IMHO.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[farmfriend]

Rights, farms, environment ping.

Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
I don't get offended if you want to be removed.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!

[Blood of Tyrants]

Why even call it hunting? This is no more sporting than walking out to the pasture and shooting a cow. It I were to hunt exotic game, 90% of the fun would be going to exotic places. The other 10% would be trying to get your gun and trophies back into the U.S. through customs.

[Bluntpoint]

"Sure, we could outlaw all these 'canned' hunting operations. But if we do, where does a guy like me go to kill koalas and pandas?"

[Kenton]

Why even call it hunting? This is no more sporting than walking out to the pasture and shooting a cow

I didn't stand up for the practice. I just sneered at the article because it was written by Cleveland Amory's buttboy Wayne Pacelli. I will usually find some way to take issue with nearly everything one of these animal-rights zealots stand for.

[Bluntpoint]

Spear hunters are pussys. Real men and women strangle their kills.

[MEGoody]

"Many are obtained at exotic animal auctions. A sale at one auction last year included zebras, camels, ostriches, kangaroos and lion cubs"

And those who bought the animals and ran the shows were promptly busted.

I agree caging an animal up so you can 'hunt' it is a 'sport' for wussies. Real hunters don't do such things.

[spodefly]

But in this fight, animal advocates are not alone. A good many hunters also find the practice abhorrent.

Count me in that category. I have been a hunter for 20+ years. If I manage to get a shot at a deer, it is because I have prepared and am somewhat lucky. A deer 'harvested' by me or my friends is food on the table.

What these people are doing is not hunting. It is a twisted arcade game with live animals ... essentially, organized poaching.