Hunting can be controversial. Some people see the death of an animal, dub it inhumane, and never look back. However, there is much more below the surface. In reality, hunting actually has several benefits to the environment itself.
I’ve had to clarify to new friends that I hunt for food, not sport. I always have and always will. Even then I still get occasional scoffs of disbelief or disgust that I hunt in the first place. Something about me is that I’m a huge nature lover; I take my own time to appreciate the earth and the flora and fauna it has to offer. Sometimes I absolutely look the part of a ‘tree-hugging hippie,’ and it’s not often you see someone like me come out in defense of hunting, but there’s plenty of reason behind it.
Of course, hunting too much can cause harm. After all, most things are typically best in moderation. However, hunters across the country follow regulations that prevent overhunting. There are always the bad nuts who make the bunch look bad but understand that millions of hunters understand their impact and truly care about hunting as more than just a hobby. As you may come to find, many do their part in conserving the ecosystem they benefit from — both intentionally and passively.
Population Control
As populations grow, natural resources will begin to run out. This simultaneously harms the existing ecosystem as overconsumption tips its delicate balance, and drives species towards urban property which creates a dangerous environment for everyone involved. This isn’t just an assumption, there has been extensive research. For example, one study observed how hunting reduces conflict between black bears and humans. You can read it here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7418986/
When populations are monitored and kept at bay, local ecosystems thrive. The threat of overpopulation is serious, especially as it can pose a threat of extinction to other organisms. Even in conservation efforts, there’s only so much people can do without options like hunting. Locals hunt with tag limits based on the region’s regulations as to what’s needed most in the area. This allows hunters and nature to scratch each other’s backs in a sense — one gets nourishment in food while the other finds balance in their ecosystems.
Invasive Species
Texas A&M has a wildlife service ( https://feralhogs.tamu.edu/ ) built around educating the public as well as controlling the hog population for wildlife conservation. The feral hog population in Texas causes millions in damage yearly, especially when in conflict with agriculture or towns. They competitively dominate their environment and damage common food sources for all local flora and fauna as they mostly dig for food. As with most feral animals, diseases are yet another consequence.
The vast devastation these animals cause is shocking. Without proper care, they — just like other invasive species — can ruin entire ecosystems, causing more harm than good. Hunting helps keep invasive species in check and aids the overall health of the environment.
Conservation
It doesn’t end at hunting licenses either. A portion (11%) of revenue from purchased archery equipment, firearms, and ammunition fund wildlife conservation due to the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Hunters are also commonly a part of foundations surrounding certain game animals such as whitetails unlimited. Through this, they contribute volunteer hours and donations which end up having a great benefit.
Carbon Footprint
Eating wild game meat is also significantly better than consuming commercial goods in the same way. Think of the factory processing and packaging that isn’t used and the general lower consumption of a (sometimes) environmentally harmful industry. Going green is as easy as eating the free meat you got yourself — who knew?
Respect for the Environment
I’ve met parents of young hunters who take away the privilege of hunting if the child wounds the animal — especially if it was completely avoidable. I personally was trained for years before I was allowed to shoot a living thing. I was shown the proper places to shoot the animal in diagrams for weeks prior and had several talks with my mother about not letting the animal suffer. This doesn’t speak for all parents and their kids, but attitudes like this are very common.
Respect for the environment is fostered through hunting as the hunter has to observe and use the effects of nature. Many hunters go further in their education to better their experience and success. Hunting is an age-old tradition that many genuinely enjoy as a pastime as well, bringing nature closer with a practical method. But without care and caution, that hobby can be taken away swiftly in one way or another, so you grow to respect the practice and the forces that enable it.
Final Thoughts
Just like many other practices, hunting can be misunderstood (or misconstrued) as heartless killing of animals — but it’s not. There are plenty of benefits to the very environment that supports the chosen game. Hunting is definitely nothing new, the circle of life is maintained just as it has been for thousands of years by our ancestors who did just the same to survive. On top of that, hunters are far from heartless; many take great care and try to be as humane as possible.
Hunting is more than just a sport or a hobby, it’s essential. Without it, whole ecosystems would be at risk of collapsing as complications follow. Human intervention in this case is better than the alternative. So, if you ever run into someone who is against hunting, consider the fact they haven’t looked past the surface of the issue to all of the unseen work that goes unseen.
