My Perspective on Hunting for Food

When it comes to hunting for food, my stance is that it can indeed be a practical and ethical choice in certain contexts. However, my own personal experience and circumstances lead me to believe that hunting is more of a necessity for some and a hobby for others.

Forays into the Wild

I have been hunting for food since I was 11 years old, beginning with dove hunting in Tulare County, California. Every year, I take enough for two meals for my family, which is one of the highlights of the hunting season. Along with deer and turkey hunting, I engage in pheasant, duck, and goose hunting, collectively providing over 75 meals for my family each year. Not only do I enjoy the process, but I also appreciate the nutritional benefits of wild game meat.

Financial and Ethical Considerations

Living in a place where meat is both plentiful and affordable enables me to reflect on the ethical aspects of hunting. I am not a vegetarian, and my wife and children share my viewpoint. Hunting, for me, is not a sport but a way to ensure my family has healthy and natural food. If the need arises, I have no moral or ethical issues with hunting. Railing against those who hunt out of necessity while being a meat-eater myself is hypocritical.

Sustainable Choices and Local Support

I process 100% of the meat myself and store it in vacuum-sealed bags for later use. This practice not only ensures that my family benefits from hormone-free and non-GMO meat but also supports local farmers and ranchers. The health benefits of consuming wild game meat, free from additives and chemicals, are clear to me, and I sincerely believe in the positive impact it has on my family’s diet.

Reflections on Early Adaptable Hunters

Our early ancestors relied heavily on protein and fat obtained from hunting. This dependence on hunting was a survival mechanism that evolved over thousands of years. While I personally do not enjoy hunting as a sport today, in another time and place, I might have embraced it as a crucial practice for survival.

Scientific Game Management and Trophy Hunting

I support scientific game management, which includes hunting as a fundamental aspect. Trophy hunting, when done for conservation and funded through the proceeds, can also be a form of responsible stewardship of nature's resources. The funds generated from trophy hunting can support conservation efforts and the management of wildlife populations.

In conclusion, while hunting for food may not suit everyone, those who do it for their families or in areas where it is necessary should not face judgment. Instead, we should support sustainable and ethical practices that align with both personal beliefs and the well-being of our communities and the environment.