I’m not a big hunting fan although I have many friends and family who are bigtime into it so I understand the culture. Living in the western US, hunting is a bit of a way of life even though it’s really not essential for food anymore. I understand the need to control prey populations but I’m more of a naturalist at heart - let nature sort it out. We’ve meddled in the affairs of nature for too long (almost wiping out wolves to extinction for example) then wonder why certain species are over-populated. I prefer fishing myself. Same concept I suppose but I release most of my catch now.
I have a good friend in Australia who goes deer hunting often. Over there, deer are an invasive species so you don’t need a license and there are no limits or restrictions other than on the guns themselves. When he describes his techniques for hunting and the weapons/ammo he uses, it always amazes me what he can get away with as it just runs counter to everything I learned about hunting and wildlife conservation growing up. I have to check myself not to pass judgement on his methods. He’d be in huge trouble over here.
