Viewpoint Synthesis

Alayna Pulley

English 1010

04/08/2023
Is Hunting Ethical?

Introduction
Is hunting ethical? Hunting ethics have been debated for many years. With so many

different opinions on hunting, how can those who do not have a strong opinion on hunting have

a say in the conversation? Hunting has been practiced since the beginning of time and dates to

two million years ago. The first historical evidence of hunting is in the Pleistocene period.

People throughout history have hunted to provide food, clothing, tools, and meat to provide for

their families. Native groups in the Americas such as Lakota, Cheyenne, and Crow hunted to

provide for their tribes livelihoods. Natives saw hunting to receive strength; after each hunt

natives would pray and show gratitude for the sacrifice of the animal's life in order to provide for

their families. Hunting was also used for trade in early America to support many individuals'

livelihoods. Hunting became a defensive practice in culture to protect the farmers' crops from

being destroyed by animals. Hunting has played a vital part in history throughout time. Hunting

nowadays is seen by many as a crime that should be punishable by the law. With much more

access to other sources of food around us now, is it ethical for everyday individuals to hunt? Do

the circumstances of today's world make hunting less ethical compared to thousands of years

ago?

Today hunting is viewed from many different perspectives, each perspective unique and

different. One of the most supportive perspectives on hunting in modern days is that hunting is a

crime. Some argue that it is a crime because hunters can cause pain and suffering to the

animals during their hunt. Hunting can destroy habitats and families and can overall lead to the
death; and in extreme cases extinction, of innocent animals. In contrast, another well supported

opinion is that hunting is a sport for individuals to enjoy participating in. Those that support this

stance say that hunting is a terrific way to stay physically fit, create time to bond with families

and is seen as a social gathering, and also leads to personal growth and skill development.

Lastly, hunting is a way for individuals to provide food for themselves and their families. Those

that argue this see hunting as their livelihood, a way to make sure their families are fed. Some in

this opinion might also argue that hunting is a healthy and cleaner way of eating non-processed

food.

Hunting is a crime and leads to animals suffering

Many view hunting as an unethical and immoral practice that should be illegal and

punishable by law. In the article titled “Is hunting moral?” written by Joshua Duclose who is an

environmental and political philosopher he states, “Hunting is immoral because it requires

intentionally inflicting harm on innocent creatures (Joshua Duclose).” Hunting creates pain and

suffering for animals . Maine Bowhunters Alliance estimates that only 50 percent of animals are

killed upon impact when being hunted while the other 50% suffer from their injuries (Heather

Moore). Some might argue that this pain is unnecessary for those animals to experience.

Another reason hunting is viewed as unethical and immoral is because of the accidental victims

that can occur. This idea is represented in an article titled “Hunting, Animals Are Not Ours”

written by Heather Moore states “Hunting accidents destroy property and injure and kill horses,

cows, dogs, cats, hikers, and other hunters (Heather Moore).” The deer hunting guide blog

suggests that hundreds of injuries and as many as 41 deaths in humans are accidental victims

of hunting yearly. In some rare cases, hunting has made an increase in select types of species

which can result in a lack of food for the ecosystem chain. Many individuals want to make

hunting illegal so that no further harm comes to the animals and the ecosystem. Anti-hunters

want to soon see hunting as illegal and punishable by the law so that innocent animal lives are
saved. No hunting is not ethical because of the pain it entails for wildlife.

Hunting is a sport for people to enjoy

Some individuals view hunting as ethical because it provides a sport for those and their

peers to enjoy. Only 15 percent of hunting license holders view hunting as a sport. Many see

hunting as a beneficial way because of the physical exertion it creates. In the article “The

Benefits of Hunting as a Sport” John Lewis states “The effort you will use trailing and hunting

down animals is as good as any cardio workout (John Lewis).” Hunting gear can also be

immensely heavy and hiking to the prey with this large amount of gear can call for a heavy

workout. Hunting is seen as a sport because it is something that can increase your skill set.

Inquired skills that can come from hunting consist of skills like marksmanship, navigation,

observation, patience, discipline, and resiliency. In the article “Is Hunting a Sport?” by Sentient

Media it states, “Modern hunting competitions are held each year in the U.S., where participants

earn significant prize money (Kim Hemi).” Hunting is a challenge and a sport to many a chance

to gain more skills. Hunting for many is seen as a competition therefore to many, it is ethical

because of the enjoyment it brings into their lives.

Hunting is people's livelihood

Many individuals view hunting as ethical because it provides food and other necessities

for their families. Today hunting is seen by many to provide quality food to their families.

Providing quality food to individuals' families is a big goal of hunters. Countries around the world

still use hunting as one of their main food sources such as the Hadza people of Tanzania, the

Aeta people in the Philippines, and people on rural islands. There are as many as 29 known

civilizations that still use hunting to this day as their main source of food. People who also live

off the grid in the United States use hunting as their main way to provide food. In an article titled
“Living Off the Grid: A Complete Guide” by Rocket it states, “People who live off the grid survive

by hunting, farming, and foraging (Erin Gobbler).” More than 250,000 Americans live off the grid

in the United States meaning that a substantial amount of people rely on hunting even in the

United States as a food source. Those that view hunting as their livelihood honor the practice of

hunting. In an article titled “How Hunting with Respect for Life Works” By How stuff works, it

states “Those wh­o appreciate hunting with respect for life view it as more than a way to hunt;

they view it as a way of life, a deep-seated belief, and a moral and ethical code. Hunters who

believe in respect for life (Simon Shadow).” Yes, hunting is ethical because it provides food and

livelihood to thousands of people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, I do believe that hunting is ethical. I believe it is ethical because it

provides food and livelihood to many distinct groups of people who do not have access to the

modern food chain. Hunting provides those individuals who rely on it as their livelihoods a way

to make a life for their families and provide. Although I do think hunting is ethical for people's

livelihood, I do not think it is ethical as the practice of a sport. When hunting is practiced as a

sport it causes unnecessary danger and unnecessary killing. Overall learning the different

perspectives of hunting led me to this opinion to hold the most value and be the most ethical.

For some people to survive they must provide by means necessary even when that means

hunting. Those who hunt for their livelihood hunt by a moral code and respect the hunt. Hunting

is a source of food for thousands of people around the world and makes it possible for their

civilizations to thrive. After my research, I have concluded that hunting is ethical because it

provides food to thousands of Americans and other groups of people around the world.
 Work cited

Duclos, Joshua G. Is Hunting Moral? The Brink 2017

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2017/is-hunting-moral/

Engen, Randy L. 5 Ways Hunting Benefits Society, and the Environment. Lawrence Bay Lodge
2020
https://www.lawrencebay.com/5-ways-hunting-benefits-society-and-the-environment/

Gobbler, Erin. Living Off the Grid: A Complete Guide. Rocket 2022
https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/homeowner-tips/living-off-the-grid

Hemi, Kim. Is Hunting a Sport? Sentient Media 2022

https://sentientmedia.org/is-hunting-a-sport/#:~:text=Hunting%20is%20truly%20defined%20as,a
round%20hunting%20animals%20for%20food.

Lewis, John M. The Benefits of Hunting as a Sport. The Sport Digest 2016
http://thesportdigest.com/2016/12/the-benefits-of-hunting-as-a-sport/

Moore, Heather B.“Hunting” Animals Are Not Ours. Peta 2020

https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/cruel-sports/hunting/

Schmitt, Kristen A. Want the Ultimate in Local Food? Hunt It. National Geographic 2019
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/want-the-ultimate-in-local-food-hunt-it

Shadow, Simon. How Hunting with Respect for Life Works. How stuff Works 2019
https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hunting/principles/conserve-hunting-habit
ats.htm