In my o-PIN-ion....
Art, and Salty, you guys are just dead wrong. Nuisance level (status as vermin) is just simply NOT the criterion by which we judge the level of ethics deserved. If it was, we could go around shooting and wounding people, too. That factor is utterly irrelevant (as mentioned). What's relevant is the intelligence & sophistication of the species, and their ability to feel pain. Pigs are very intelligent creatures, very very much like humans. What on earth does nuisance level have to do with it? Certainly it would be convenient to fudge ethics improperly to justify this absurd nonsense, as you guys clearly have done. But that shows you lack principle and integrity (and ethics), to engage in such justification. That's a barbarian mentality. That's what you have, Art - a barbarian mentality? They're not cockroaches and flies, Art- that's comparing apples & carbeurators - couldn't possibly be more different, in terms of sophistication & intelligence level, and ability to perceive pain. The ends justify the means, no matter what? Deer are equal nuisances in a few places (far greater in some places with ZERO pigs) - so if that were that case (as it is), in YOUR book, that justifies slinging lead haphazardly and wounding at will in those places, at deer? It would have to, if you are to be consistent. I would suggest that you guys seriously consider and reflect on the animals' intelligence and deserved ethics..... Sorry, but nuisance level (status as vermin) ain't got nuttin to do with nuttin. The animal's NATURE does. Where have ethics in hunting GONE over the years? This is what gives anti-hunters (justified) ammunition against us. Just because Ted does it, doesn't mean it's proper.... In fact, given his track record, it's a pretty safe bet, that if Ted does it, it's unethical & improper.
...In my o-PIN-ion.