Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

maddkid53 t1_j6crvw7 wrote

As a conservationist, I just have to remind myself that the reason I don't see any good stories about hunters is that good hunters don't generate stories. I personally know some ethical hunters, but it feels like every year I hear more and more bad stories (or have negative encounters myself).

I hope the ethical folks in that hunter's poacher's circle ensure that justice is served.

47

Prestigious-Ad3666 t1_j6cunjz wrote

I would not consider them a hunter but rather a poacher/ criminal.

29

maddkid53 t1_j6cv009 wrote

Good point. I'm trying to be better about not lumping those kinds of people in with the rest of hunters, thanks for the alternate language to use.

12

TheTowerBard t1_j6dr0om wrote

A poacher is a hunter by definition. I understand the important distinction, but we should acknowledge that this isn’t a one or the other. A poacher is a person who hunts or catches game or fish illegally. All poachers are hunters, but not all hunters are poachers.

5

Prestigious-Ad3666 t1_j6dtrqy wrote

Yup I can see your point there. It’s just very important that we be as precise in our language as possible regarding hunting/ hunters especially when it comes to media and peoples perceptions of hunting and conservation. There’s definitely a trend where certain media sources use the word “hunter” in negatively or loosely when “poacher” is a more accurate description. I think we can all agree the person who shot the eagle is a dirtbag with little regard for anything let alone wildlife. Hopefully they get caught and charged.

6

random_vermonter t1_j6ds1wh wrote

What kind of bastard would shoot the symbol of American Freedom? It'd be ironic if it's someone who's very patriotic.

4

JodaUSA t1_j6edhiu wrote

I think someone who’s hyper patriotic would do this tbh. They see it, think man I’d be so patriotic if I had a bald eagle in my room. Clear (ly stupid) line of thought

3

Twombls t1_j6eg192 wrote

Some hunters unfortunately love poaching for their own gain though. A pretty common one is a specific age of old deer hunters will illegaly shoot coyotes and other large predators in states that have them because they are "doe killers"

0

happyonthehill802 t1_j6d9pvj wrote

My experience as a hunter has been the opposite. My circle strives for safety, ethical/clean kills, and we never shoot outside of season. Its important not to lump everyone with a rifle in the same category. Some of us just want to put food on the table.

5

[deleted] t1_j6dgq63 wrote

They literally described people just like this, and admitted that ethical hunters don’t get press. They also said explicitly that they already are trying not to lump people together…

7

maddkid53 t1_j6dmrrm wrote

Yeah, some of the hunters I know are also the most active and knowledgeable conservationists/naturalists. But I've also watched hunters shoot migrating shorebirds during goose season, been threatened by them while bird watching, and heard plenty of similar stories from others. Someone killed a Razorbill last winter, a species that we don't even normally get in VT and was a rare treat for the birding community :(

My ex's father was a hunter, and that was the best venison I've ever had. I'd never fault a hunter for filling their fridge, as long as they aren't filling it with eagle :P

4