lover of wildlife??

[panthrcat]

Hello folks... Sue here with a concern.

I am a hunter, but also a lover of wildlife... how do I do both?? (or is the question posed to me by family members)

I am an amateur photographer, but in the fall, I carry both a camera and a rifle... I have made a few people very angry with my doing so. How do I explain to them that I like to eat meat?? it's my sister in laws (yes both of them) that are very upset with me right now, and it bothers me.

The explain to me that their "hearts" are way too big to kill anything, and mention that there is too much "death" in the world,, how can I do such a thing??? yet they like their roast beef and such at the dinner table. does that make sense to any of you?? one sister in law says she gets her meat from an area farm,, so I say,, "ssoooooooo no animals were harmed when they packaged your steak??"

strange folks out there

Sue

[B. Amish]

ask them if they've ever swatted a fly...

[SledNeck]

Sounds like thats their problem not yours. I wouldnt worry about what they think.

[harvey lee]

I see no difference form eating beef and vension. God placed all these animals here for humans to enjoy.

[fishwater]

You should explain to the haters that your method is much more traditional and natural. Death happens, hammer to the head vs. bullet, end is pretty much the same. I'm not going to eat anything that dies "naturally", 100% sure of that..

[Musky Buck]

I'd tell them the reason you are here today is in part because our ancestors had to kill the family horse in the blizzard of 1886 just to keep our heritage going. It was horse steak or die. Tell them we need some form of population control or we'd be crying about the animals starving or spreading disease. The animals have had to adapt and adjust because of people.

[dockothebay]

Sue - That is an issue many both men and women hunters face & even though I'm not a hunter, I do not see a conflict between loving nature/photography and hunting. Unfortunately, you'll probably never really be able to explain this to your sister-in-laws. You've said they eat beef, Do their husbands hunt? Do they fish?

It seems to me that hunting is a sport where you get to spend time in the great outdoors and, if you are successful, put food on the table - seems like it makes more sense than ending up with a scorecard or plastic trophy of some sort!

At any rate - I wouldn't spend time worrying or arguing about it. You need to get out and take some pictures to post on the photo forum!!! You probably have plenty, but I can't remember seeing any of your beautiful work lately!!

Be well - Happy Hunting, Photographing and Holidays!

[jigging-matt]

Maybe you could also show them some pictures of areas where the deer population gets out of control and deer stare and suffer in the winter and explain about how you also are keeping the population healthy? Might work. If not you did say they are "IN-Laws" so just avoid them as much as possible if it doesn't work.

[panthrcat]

I'm thinking they shop here. LOL

[panthrcat]

ok, in response to the many quick replies here so far,, I knew I was missing something in my daily routine online,, and this is it.

my husband is the oldest brother of 4 siblings, 1 brother he's very close to, and his two sisters.. all of them were raised by a "bush man" who fed his family with wild meat,, now they "choose" to NOT kill?? yup, there's that strange concept again,, my husband says to them,, "it was good enough for us as kids, but now your like this??" we don't understand them,, but they both have moved on to find husbands who are not bush smart,, don't know one end of a gun from the other,, and live contentedly in the city,, where the gym and restaurants seem to fill their needs.

I guess we won't be asked to their place for Christmas turkey!! next year the holidays are happening at our place due to the renos being complete by then,, and I swear, I am going to have a DEER ROAST on the table!!! LOL I mean seriously,, you don't think that turkey that is stuffed and ready to eat,, really was alive at one time???

as for posting in the photo forum,, I think I'll hop to that right away!! I have some dandy images I've been wanting to share!!!

Sue

[so haaad]

My wife is a vegetarian. She has no problem with me hunting now that we discussed the following items:

- Explain that you are a hunter, not a shooter. Explain the difference between the two and that hunting isn't about killing.

- Explain why you get out in the woods. Talk about the little things that you see and do when you are out there. (Turkeys, fox hunting, squirrels trying to figure you out, etc)

- Tell them that all harvested wild game got the chance at a real life, especially compared to most livestock like beef and poultry, etc. Hunting is a natural process in the chain of life.

[panthrcat]

My wife is a vegetarian. She has no problem with me hunting now that we discussed the following items:

- Explain that you are a hunter, not a shooter. Explain the difference between the two and that hunting isn't about killing.

- Explain why you get out in the woods. Talk about the little things that you see and do when you are out there. (Turkeys, fox hunting, squirrels trying to figure you out, etc)

- Tell them that all harvested wild game got the chance at a real life, especially compared to most livestock like beef and poultry, etc. Hunting is a natural process in the chain of life.

excellent points!!

we have a 12 year old whom is very outspoken, and has also gotten into this "debate" with her aunties,, and has had her new 308 on 2 seperate does,, but she wasn't able to "place the shot" so she chose not to shoot,, (I think we've trained her well) and we tell her that hunting isn't about "killing" the hunt for us is exactly what you speak of,, it's being out in the wilderness, seeing animals and birds (whom I photograph regularily) and about seeking out game,, placing the shot is vital to success, and she knows that,, if you can't drop it and feel confident in the shot placement, let it walk,, I'm glad she doesn't take any hail mary shots at game,, we are out for filling the freezer with a quick kill shot.

it's really really cold here today,, -20 degrees, and was supposed to head up north today with my son, (between us we have 2 tags to fill) but alas, he got called into work,, so I am grounded for today, tomorrow I am heading out with a girlfriend and my son,, so hopefully the cold snap here will make the critters move, and we'll be able to fill a few tags.

Sue

[Bear55]

Honestly I wouldn't even bother arguing with them anymore, they will probably never understand and its not worth your trouble to try and convince them of anything.

[fr0sty]

I hunt for several reason. First, I believe humans are natural hunters. When we do it, we are doing something we evolved to do. It our natural state to hunt for food. That is likely why the adrenaline and excitement are there. It's a positive feedback to a necessary activity. No hunting, less food to eat.

On to your love of wildlife. I don't believe there is any conflict between a love for wildlife and a desire to hunt. Some animals evolved as prey. For their populations to be healthy, they require predators. It's serious business to kill an animal for food. It should be done with respect to the animal and an understanding that it help you nourish your body while at the same time helping the overall heard be healthy and survive.

[Cheetah]

Honestly I wouldn't even bother arguing with them anymore, they will probably never understand and its not worth your trouble to try and convince them of anything.

Good advice, no sense ruining the family holiday gathering over some animal rights [PoorWordUsage].

Some people just don't get it that the meat they buy from the grocery store was in fact once a cute cuddly critter too. It won't matter how much you argue or explain the facts to them, they won't get it.

[SledNeck]

My wife is a vegetarian. She has no problem with me hunting now that we discussed the following items:

- Explain that you are a hunter, not a shooter. Explain the difference between the two and that hunting isn't about killing.

uh oh. Hunting is about killing for me.

[delmuts]

Unfortunately this is one argument you'll never win! These people have their minds made up, and no matter how we justify why we hunt, they will never get it!

My daughter had the same problem when she had to give a presentation in one of her college classes about being pro hunting. ( which she is, and that is why the proffessor did this!) Of course there are some people against hunting, and maybe p e t a members in the class.

We had discussed some pts. to cover, and to face the fact that you will never change some peoples' minds. How here in Iowa alot of the DNR's money comes from hunting. I also said,,,,, ! If she has one that really ticks her off, ask if that person eats meat. Then just call that person a hypercrit, since in their mind it is ok if someone else kills the animal, so they can eat it, instead of a hunter doing his own.( She said she didn't have to go there!

[vister]

yeah, i dont think you're going to win this one. but i think you already have! you get to go out in the woods, and harvest your bounty by outsmarting the elusive whitetail. while your buddies or whatever go to the supermarket and squeeze heads of lettuce!

[lawdog]

Reminds me of this saying:

You can't fix stupid!!!

[Red Miller]

Lawdog... that pretty much sums it up. There is an obvious disconnect from reality here. How do you reason with that? Its pretty much like: find a brick wall and just pound your head against it.

Theres only one argument for that. "If God didnt want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?"

[Steve Foss]

Sounds like thats their problem not yours. I wouldnt worry about what they think.

Perfectly said. Sue, how you live your life is none of their business, and it's the height of arrogance for them to be angry with you for being an independent woman who is true to your beliefs. Just try not to judge them as harshly as they are judging you. Nobody wins when the judgments start flying.

[vister]

Originally Posted By: panthrcat

Reminds me of this saying:

You can't fix stupid!!!

this reminds me of some distant relatives who came to visit years ago from New York for a family reunion. they lived in NYC their entire lives, and had never seen a dairy farm, let alone cows up close. we were showin em around, and they were completely blown away by the operation. they had no idea how much work was involved on a family dairy farm. then they asked the big question! "where are the brown cows at." you may know where this is going! "ya know, the cows that make chocolate milk!" some people just dont have a clue i guess

[panthrcat]

your all right,, it's not worth persuing any longer,, and no chance of them coming by over the holidays,, they are too far away,, (aawwwww)

Sue

[panthrcat]

oh I posted and didn't even realize it was 2 pages long, so I missed out on these last posts,,

funny stuff about the brown cows,,

but again, it's settled,, we hunt, they buy from the grocery store,, but if there was ever an event where the meat was no longer available at the store (heaven forbid) I know for a fact that me and mine will survive just fine.

good replies!! thanks!

[panthrcat]

yikes! I have been majorly under attack by an animal activist,, what to do?? this person has told me,, and I'll quote,, "not a photographer because I murder innocent animals for the sake of killing"

is there something morally wrong with being an amateur photographer AND a hunter?? I'm at my witts end!!

Sue