As a hunter I do not feel the need to defend my way of life. BUT I would like to share my thoughts and feelings on the matter so it is clear where I stand.
For myself like many hunters, it is a way of life passed down through generations. Growing up in a hunting family, hunting season was exciting as it also incorporated family get-togethers, camping, truck rides through the woods and the creation of memories. It included friends and family joining in to help process the animals, which always led to eating, drinking, telling stories, and creating bonds that last. It meant special time spent with a father, uncle, or cousin learning lessons and gleaning the knowledge they possessed. Seeing the (almost giddy) excitement that a typically stoic/no nonsense man could exhibit after harvesting the animal he had worked so hard to obtain is enough to get anyone passionate about the hunt.
I am first and foremost an animal lover. I come from generations of ranchers and farmers. I have always had a love for raising and caring for animals. My career is in the Veterinary field and I am concerned with an animal’s well being as a priority. Hunters are some of the biggest conservationists you can meet. Few other groups of people put as much money and energy into protecting wildlife as well as preserving habitat.
When it comes to hunting, I feel it is an honor that I am able to harvest a wild animal. It is also a huge responsibility. I make it a priority to dispatch an animal as quickly and as effectively as possible. Less stress and suffering also impacts the quality of the meat. I hunt to eat.
I utilize as much of the animal as possible. We do all of our own butchering and processing to ensure that nothing goes to waste. The difference in the quality of meat is INCREDIBLE!
I am not here to debate hunting. It is a passion of mine but it is also a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I hope that you are here to enjoy our adventures as well as recipes utilizing the game meat that we harvest.