Category: Ethics

Hunting is a living experiment in ethical decision making. The mere consideration of whether to hunt or not places you on a path of exploring what it means to intentionally take the life of another living being, in this case, an animal defined as “wild game.” After wrestling with that concept, perhaps you emerge with an understanding of your own code of ethics or conditions in which you are open to harvesting an
animal. From there you decide to go hunting, which exposes you to more choices of what is or isn’t ethical. In many cases, there are laws to govern what is or isn’t acceptable for hunting (for example, the season of hunting, time of day, weapon type), and yet each of us might have a different perspective on what we feel is ethical. Ask a hunter and they will tell you their ethical code is ever-evolving and every
interaction with nature not only deepens their love and respect for the outdoors but adds to the responsibility they feel to be good stewards of it. Explore more about ethics and the ethical dilemmas hunters face.

white deer

To Hunt or Not to Hunt?

The popularity of a rare white deer brought a community together, hunters and non-hunters alike, to protect it. Such a display highlights the deep connections between animals and humans. Using this local phenomenon as just one example, author Curt Meine, examines the question, “Does hunting make us human?” Read the article For more articles exploring […]

mallard ducks

Chain of Respect: Hunting Ethics

This educational video, narrated by Shane Mahoney, an internationally recognized conservationist and wildlife manager, explores the critical topic of ethics. It covers where ethics come from, how they change over time, and how they are important to the continued public acceptance of hunting as a recreational activity. Watch the video