There has been much in the press in recent days about the killing of Cecil the lion by a Minnesota dentist. This article in the Guardian links to a photo album, produced by a company that leads hunting expeditions, of the dentist posing next to photos of various slain animals including elk, bison, lions and a rhino. According to the article, the same company advertises its services with photos of hunters next to elephants and polar bears. Now, as an omnivore, I accept that my consumption of meat has led to the demise of countless animals in my lifetime. I intend to carry on eating meat and the justification is that it tastes good. I also accept that there is a need to cull certain species, either to maintain a balance or for pest control. Poachers are an evil that we could well do without but at least I understand their motives – they are in it for the money. What I don't understand is trophy hunting. What is it about setting up an ambush and letting fly an arrow from a high-tech bow or blasting away with a rifle that gives some people such a thrill. Does destroying a member of an endangered species enhance a man's private parts? Earlier this year I went on a safari in Tanzania. None of the animals moved very fast. I am not a great photographer but I got some great shots of all sorts of wildlife. It wouldn't have been a great display of skill to have killed something if I had replaced my camera with a gun I've heard the arguments that money raised from hunting licenses can be ploughed back into conservation. That may explain why the authorities are prepared to allow hunting but it doesn't explain why people want to kill things for fun in the first place. I know we have some hunters here on Mudcat. Perhaps you could explain it to me because I am at loss to understand why, otherwise. DC
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