by Opal Elaine Moyer

Created on: June 25, 2009

There are generally two opposite factions in the issue of hunting. Most people either completely favor it or completely oppose it; seldom is there a middle ground on this issue. Hunting meets with opposition from those who find the killing of animals to be cruel and barbaric and/or those who oppose the possession of guns and weapons used in the sport.

Though hunting is considered to be a sport, there is much more the equation. Regulated and controlled hunting seasons are actually environmental beneficial for all. The main premise of controlled hunting is maintaining controlled numbers of particular species of animals. In other words, it is a measure to prevent population explosions of various species of animals.

Explosions in animal populations can create a number of problems in the environment. If certain animals were permitted to breed and their population allowed to explode, the chance of deadly disease (rabies is just one example)spreading through their species increases, in epidemic proportions. Sometimes these diseases can spread to other animal species, as well as human populations.

Food supplies are also threatened by the overpopulation of animals. As food comes to be in more short supply, slow starvation among herds becomes a grim reality, as does the increase chances of fighting for food which can also lead to death. Starvation is a more torturous death that that brought about by a hunter. As the demand for food increases, herds are driven into more heavily human populated areas, which increases the risk of being killed on public roads or highways. Also, as food supplies decrease certain species of vegetation can come into danger, as well.

Hunting may not be the ideal solution for some people. They may feel that it is cruel and barbaric, but it is a more humane solution the some of the aforementioned outcomes. The fact is that laws are established and limits set for hunters, so that species do not become endangered. Cruel and barbaric would be to allow these animals to either starve, fight for food or put themselves in greater danger in search of food. Hunting can and does benefit and maintain the environment; it simply needs to be kept controlled. We could allow wild animals to roam free, but there is a danger in this for them. When herd numbers are monitored and counted, controlled hunting can actually be key in maintaining balance in the environment.

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