These discussions always seem to go downhill...

I have no dog in the fight so I can't get real excited about any of the arguments one way or the other. They are "to each his own" as far as I am concerned. I have a pretty pessimistic view of the future of most AFRICAN hunting, so I will say that I applaud efforts to maintain huntable populations of game, particularly in the face of what I believe is a catastrophe facing hunters in the next 25-30 years or so.

As for hunting in-general, here are a few questions to ponder:

Do ANY animals in the USA truly live a "wild" life, not managed or directly impacted by human endeavor? More specifically, how many big bucks got that way without direct human management to produce them?

Where would Australian hunting be without introduced species?

How much true "fair chase" hunting exists in Africa today, and where? Is there ANY true fair chase hunting left in South Africa?

What IS fair chase hunting? Can "fair chase" hunting ever involve a motorized vehicle?

Can BAITING be a legitimate method of fair chase hunting?

Are food plots a management tool of the legitimate sport hunter?

Should tree stands or Hochsitze be used?

Is game fencing acceptable?

Why would ANYONE go to South Africa to hunt if similar operations would be rejected in the USA?

I have heard, I think, just about every method of hunting condemned by some hunters {bait, hounds, night, stands, etc}, the hunting of some animal species condemned by other hunters {White Rhino, giraffe, etc} and the place of hunting condemned by others yet {Nilgai & Cape Buff in Texas, etc.} and the use of certain weapons condemned {bows, muzzleloaders with sabots, etc}.

Hunting is a very personal activity, and my opinions on what is acceptable are pretty broad and outlined in my previous posts. I might add that views change. For example, where I grew up, I used to hear some condemn the use of scopes as "unsporting". Bowhunting used to be roundly condemned. Each state in the USA has laws that have formed ethical constructs for their populations over the years, so much so that moving from one state to another, or hunting in various states, requires much attention to the details of what are legal and acceptable methods. I might add also that I have heard some hunters with African experience laugh at the concept of hunting water buffalo in Australia, calling them "unworthy" of true sportsman, ditto they say for much Australian game.

Ask 10 hunters what is acceptable hunting and you'll get 10 different answers and probably a fight along the way, too!!!

But above are some questions for discussion...