By Glen Wunderlich Outdoor Columnist Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
In recent years anti-hunting groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) have gotten a lot of press with their extreme antics matched only by their extreme causes. Fifty years ago, or even less, they were dismissed as lunatics; now they have found their way into mainstream conversations, political movements, and even legislative maneuvers that are aimed at ending all hunting under the premise that any hunting is inhumane. Although their monikers mask their intentions, conventional wisdom and the hunting fraternity understand all too well what’s really at stake.
Yet, another anti-hunting element prowls the woods, doing its best to restrict hunters’ access to both land and game. These opponents of fair chase, ethical practices, hard-working landowners, and law-abiding hunters look like any other sportsmen and women. They are, however, violators and the cumulative effect of their underhanded ways are no less harmful to the rights of lawful hunters than the fringe groups with which we are all too familiar.
Tactics employed by these scum are many: Trespassing, unlicensed hunting, illegal baiting, you name it and they do it. And, when they do, they steal from those of us who do their level best to follow the rules. As sportsmen and women, we should be even more outraged at these anti-hunters disguised as one of us.
Their overt methods of cheating should not be tolerated or we run the risk of more loss of rights. Sometimes, however, their approach is legal but just as destructive when they resort to unethical practices afield. And, archery season can be as troublesome – or more so – as any.
So, what is it that motivates the unethical among us to launch arrows well beyond one’s personal limits? What compels these anti hunters to shoot at moving or running game, when they can’t hit a stationary target consistently? However they rationalize their anti-hunting behavior doesn’t matter. They are still the enemy.
A sportsman is a person who can go home empty handed and be satisfied with the opportunity to be afield. Of course, bringing home a wall-hanger is certainly better, but he doesn’t risk the long-term consequences of attempting low-percentage shots no matter the prize.
Adopting certain principles leads to discipline afield, which translates into fairness to the quarry. If the goal in hunting is to bag game, then one may become a failure at sportsmanship. When a hunter becomes undisciplined by taking shots that are beyond one’s capability, taking shots at running deer, bad angle shots, etc, he crosses the line. If we choose to be sportsmen, we must pass on all but the best opportunities – those that we have a 90-percent or better chance of making. On this note, it’s best not to kid yourself.
A sportsman marvels at the sight of a fawn, a grouse, or even a squirrel, as they go about their daily business of survival. And, at the same time, he is totally prepared to take home his definition of a trophy. But, if luck doesn’t go his way, he believes his patience will be rewarded another day. Make your goal to be satisfied with the outdoor experience that you are given no matter what the day may bring, and by definition, you will become a true sportsman.
