Hunting Ethics

[LanceOregon]

They don't understand that the feral pigs we control still eat up half of the resources. (what would they do if we let them be?)
They ignore that pigs kill and eat livestock as well.
They are unaware that pigs adopt orphans. (killing a sow does not sentence the piglets to starvation)
All of this, and I haven't even discussed the danger to people physically.
Or, a swines reproductive capabilities.
Or even the devastation to native wildlife. (quail, turkey and deer)

Yithian:

Here in Oregon the Oregon State Department of Fish and Wildlife considers feral pigs to be a grave environmental threat to the state. They are doing all they can to encourage the compete ERADICATION of the animals. In fact, two populations of them in the state have so far been completely wiped out.

While it is currently estimated that there are only a little over 1,000 of them in scattered locations around the state, ODFW knows how prolific feral pigs are, and that populations can thus quickly boom.

The state is actually frustrated because some landowners are lousy stewards, and don't take care of their land, or care about the situation.

One recent study that ODFW did here in Oregon showed that where feral pigs had fed, weeds often replaced the natural vegetation, due to the damage the pigs do. Thus, a wildlife food resource useful to other animals gets replaced by something that is totally inedible for any wildlife.

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[Yithian]

Thanks for the support LanceO.
I feel it is important to let some hunters know why "Ethics" while hunting is truly a relative term.
One ethical hunting experience may not be appropriate for a different animal.
My instance of having to hunt pigs in order to control its population (to attempt extinction) is the dire extreme.
I would never condone that same ethic for any other animal I hunt.
The TPWD says I should do the same for mountain lions, but I know that they help control the pig population.
...As evidenced by 5 lions frequenting a natural funnel for overpopulated pigs.
I may choose to hunt the lions soon, but only plan to harvest two or three.

I am glad to hear that the population in Oregon is so well controlled.
I posted a link somewhere here from a Texas A&M publication...

Found it..
http://icwdm.org/Publications/pdf/Feral Pig/Txferalhogs.pdf

The interesting part of the pub. is the fact that a Major University of Agriculture seems to recommend the use of snares.
One land owner I help uses them by the dozen. He checks them twice a day, as they "catch" everything, not just pigs.

 

[Yithian]

Here is a good ethics poll for whitetail...

Assuming all these photo's were taken during the proper season...
Which photo represents an Ethical opportunity, and where would you place the bullet?

A:

60 yards

B:

85 yards

C:

55 yards

D:

2 yards


What would have to happen, for you to take the shot, in those opportunities that are unethical?

 

[Yithian]

My answers for Texas durring deer season...

A: Maybe... 30-30 or larger, thru the ribs, straight to the heart. That water would seriously worry me.
This is a perfect example of a "focus'ed'" deer but, the twig is in the way of a head-shot.

B:I never take this shot.
If the deer didn't spook, and then turned his body to 'focus' elsewhere, I may take a shot.

C: I wouldn't shoot either here.
The one in the water doesn't appear to be legal by Texas standards.
The one at the waters edge may be legal with further glassing, but I would still wait to see if I could get a shot away from the water.

D: MMM, tender.
But cute.
I would probably let this one go... It depends on my hunger levels.