This is challenging for me. I understand that deer populations need culling and that hunting for food is one way to do this. And it sickens me nonetheless. I find the rampant species-ism in our culture confounding: why do we see the lives of dogs and cats and horses as sacred and worth protecting while we slaughter 200 million animals EVERY DAY. I can't reconcile the two positions. Suffering is suffering. Why do it if you don't have to? So after years of waffling on the fence, I've stopped eating animal products. AND I know that is a privileged choice. I think it's an issue worth looking at closely.
Oops, I think I replied to the other Susan about the things I wanted to say to you! Please read my comment to Susan Jordan. I think I covered it all. Thanks.
No, humans have to do everything to excess. Too many of us are entitled grabbers, as if all of the earth's resources are ours for the taking. I don't see that attitude ever changing. Too much profit in it.
Hunting is an expensive sport now, with big box stores, magazines and catalogues, and entire conventions devoted to the 'sport'.
When we moved from Cincinnati to the Poconos, I was definitely shocked to learn about Dec. 1, the first day of deer season here, was a school holiday. I grew up with Bambi etched into my soul, and it just seemed so WRONG. Well, that was 50 years ago, and my perspective has changed. I've enjoyed venison, and appreciate that the hunters I know personally hunt for that one deer and then share generously with friends, family, and the needy. I recall winters when food became so scarce our deer were dying of starvation. I still love to see them wandering around the neighborhood, and recall one breathtaking late November night returning from a show performance when seven of them were peacefully gathered in my yard in the moonlight. beautiful sight. I guess I can listed with the ambiguous on this.
Yes, I understand your point of view. There are many families here who count on a deer kill for their winter's food, but they're the minority here. Hunters have a bag limit in Michigan but only on state land. Any owner of 40 acres or more can hunt to their heart's content, and can invite other hunters to use it, too.
I know a few hunters who bag so many they're announcing a giveaway to anyone who wants one. I find that as sickening as those who are out there strictly for trophy hunting. They brag about the 'magnificent animals' they've just slaughtered.
But about deer culling: Our deer population rises because they're being fed and protected by the DNR and by hunters waiting for deer season. Aside from a few coyotes and bobcats, predators have been eradicated. Here in the Upper Peninsula wolves are rare because they're seen as competition for the hunters. They'd like to pretend they're a threat to meat growers and should be killed, but that's been disproven, too.
Every gas station sells 30 lb bags of sugar beets and field corn and the 'hunters' set their bait at least a month before hunting season. A lot of them set bait piles in their woods all year long.
The deer population 'exploded' because of human interference. If left alone, nature would create a balance, as it always does.
I agree. I have no issue with people who go out hunting and make it a challenge. And I understand that the overpopulation of deer is a real thing that both hurts the deer themselves (too many competing for limited resources) and makes it more dangerous for drivers as the deer have to travel further for food, meaning more to cross highways.
But baiting the deer to make it easier isn't fair and I don't think it should be considered sport. And I don't think a lot of hunters really see past the trophy.
Yes, the word 'hunt' has a specific meaning. Baiting is not hunting. Neither are any of the other artificial means to make sure they get their kill. Their excuse that the deer population is out of control is specious when they do everything possible to make sure the deer population is up.
You are entitled to you opinion and that is exactly what it is, an opinion. Would the tone of the article be different to the Cherokee, Choctaw or Shawnee?
It is a serious issue to drivers and it is a population driven issue partly from insurance lobbyists but also by biologists. Yes, there are those that just want to kill but that is why there are game wardens. Just hope it's not playing the heart strings for sensationalism.
You're entitled to your opinion, as well, but I'm not sure what it is. I think I've addressed all the issues, including that of hunting for necessary food. You'll have to clarify before I can respond. Sorry.
I enjoy your style very much, Ramona! I grew up in a rural area and hunting (and slaughtering livestock) was a way of life. It’s super complicated m and I like that you presented a rounded picture of the issue in addition to your option and feelings being the cord that ties it all together.
Thanks for commenting, Max. It is complicated, I guess, and everyone has an opinion about it from their own point of view. This is just mine. Because, yes, I'm a Bambi lover!
I grew up with two older brothers that that for many years bought their Deer season tag every year. My oldest brother went on to other species in Alaska such as Bison, Bear, Moose, etc. I never understood it. I guess if you are hunting and killing for a "food" source, I'm o.k. with that, but to do it just for the fun of it, it makes no sense.
This is challenging for me. I understand that deer populations need culling and that hunting for food is one way to do this. And it sickens me nonetheless. I find the rampant species-ism in our culture confounding: why do we see the lives of dogs and cats and horses as sacred and worth protecting while we slaughter 200 million animals EVERY DAY. I can't reconcile the two positions. Suffering is suffering. Why do it if you don't have to? So after years of waffling on the fence, I've stopped eating animal products. AND I know that is a privileged choice. I think it's an issue worth looking at closely.
Oops, I think I replied to the other Susan about the things I wanted to say to you! Please read my comment to Susan Jordan. I think I covered it all. Thanks.
Right. Balance is nature's way. But not humans'.
No, humans have to do everything to excess. Too many of us are entitled grabbers, as if all of the earth's resources are ours for the taking. I don't see that attitude ever changing. Too much profit in it.
Hunting is an expensive sport now, with big box stores, magazines and catalogues, and entire conventions devoted to the 'sport'.
When we moved from Cincinnati to the Poconos, I was definitely shocked to learn about Dec. 1, the first day of deer season here, was a school holiday. I grew up with Bambi etched into my soul, and it just seemed so WRONG. Well, that was 50 years ago, and my perspective has changed. I've enjoyed venison, and appreciate that the hunters I know personally hunt for that one deer and then share generously with friends, family, and the needy. I recall winters when food became so scarce our deer were dying of starvation. I still love to see them wandering around the neighborhood, and recall one breathtaking late November night returning from a show performance when seven of them were peacefully gathered in my yard in the moonlight. beautiful sight. I guess I can listed with the ambiguous on this.
Yes, I understand your point of view. There are many families here who count on a deer kill for their winter's food, but they're the minority here. Hunters have a bag limit in Michigan but only on state land. Any owner of 40 acres or more can hunt to their heart's content, and can invite other hunters to use it, too.
I know a few hunters who bag so many they're announcing a giveaway to anyone who wants one. I find that as sickening as those who are out there strictly for trophy hunting. They brag about the 'magnificent animals' they've just slaughtered.
But about deer culling: Our deer population rises because they're being fed and protected by the DNR and by hunters waiting for deer season. Aside from a few coyotes and bobcats, predators have been eradicated. Here in the Upper Peninsula wolves are rare because they're seen as competition for the hunters. They'd like to pretend they're a threat to meat growers and should be killed, but that's been disproven, too.
Every gas station sells 30 lb bags of sugar beets and field corn and the 'hunters' set their bait at least a month before hunting season. A lot of them set bait piles in their woods all year long.
The deer population 'exploded' because of human interference. If left alone, nature would create a balance, as it always does.
I agree. I have no issue with people who go out hunting and make it a challenge. And I understand that the overpopulation of deer is a real thing that both hurts the deer themselves (too many competing for limited resources) and makes it more dangerous for drivers as the deer have to travel further for food, meaning more to cross highways.
But baiting the deer to make it easier isn't fair and I don't think it should be considered sport. And I don't think a lot of hunters really see past the trophy.
Yes, the word 'hunt' has a specific meaning. Baiting is not hunting. Neither are any of the other artificial means to make sure they get their kill. Their excuse that the deer population is out of control is specious when they do everything possible to make sure the deer population is up.
You are entitled to you opinion and that is exactly what it is, an opinion. Would the tone of the article be different to the Cherokee, Choctaw or Shawnee?
It is a serious issue to drivers and it is a population driven issue partly from insurance lobbyists but also by biologists. Yes, there are those that just want to kill but that is why there are game wardens. Just hope it's not playing the heart strings for sensationalism.
You're entitled to your opinion, as well, but I'm not sure what it is. I think I've addressed all the issues, including that of hunting for necessary food. You'll have to clarify before I can respond. Sorry.
I enjoy your style very much, Ramona! I grew up in a rural area and hunting (and slaughtering livestock) was a way of life. It’s super complicated m and I like that you presented a rounded picture of the issue in addition to your option and feelings being the cord that ties it all together.
Thanks for commenting, Max. It is complicated, I guess, and everyone has an opinion about it from their own point of view. This is just mine. Because, yes, I'm a Bambi lover!
I grew up with two older brothers that that for many years bought their Deer season tag every year. My oldest brother went on to other species in Alaska such as Bison, Bear, Moose, etc. I never understood it. I guess if you are hunting and killing for a "food" source, I'm o.k. with that, but to do it just for the fun of it, it makes no sense.