Arguments in Favor of Sport Hunting

Arguments in Favor of Sport Hunting

Hunters say that they see the sport as a tradition that tests their skills and abilities. To a hunter, it isn't about the act of killing but rather survival and outwitting their prey. To be truly successful, a hunter studies its prey and learns its behaviors, habits and tracks. The hunter must also understand his equipment and know how to use it proficiently.

Those who support sport hunting also emphasize the fact that they pay to participate in this pastime. Each year, hunters must purchase hunting licenses and even pay to hunt on the specific land they'd like to explore. Their money goes to the state for land and habitat conservation. Not only do hunters believe that their money is going to a good cause, but also that the act of hunting is in the name of conservation. By lowering the number of an overpopulated species, hunters take the strain off nature, which would slowly become depleted of food sources and shelter for the animals. Population control is said to ensure a quicker, less painful death than starvation or disease.

In addition, hunters have supported a tax on hunting goods that now funds wildlife management agencies. They are proud of the fact that such agencies have raised over $1.89 billion in the last 40 years [source: University of Western Cape].