A few moments ago, I received an e-mailed reply from a former business contact I have been very friendly with for over a year. This is a female, and several years younger than me. Though poorly stated, her argument is indicative of what hunters often hear.
you have some nerve how could you kill innocent animals.. that isnot nice..You are writing to an animal science major. I don't like you anymore. How would you like it if i bought a big gun and try to kill you???
(my reply)
How would I like it? I would accept it. As an animal science major, I am sure you understand that man has killed off virtually all of the deer's natural predators. As an intelligent, rational type, I'm sure you also understand that any herd animals must have culling to ensure individual strength. You probably also know that there are more deer in America today than there have been since before the Pilgrims landed...
I am as surely a part of the food chain as any other link. Viri and bacteria live in me, and, when I am gone, I will be food for yet more microorganisms. If in the wild, I will be food for physically larger links in the food chain, from vultures, coyotes, and opossums to crayfish, lobster, crab, or fish, depending on locale. I accept this.
I expect any large, predatory animals to eat me if given the chance, and they will. Since I do eat meat, I believe it is the height of personal irresponsibility to not acknowledge where some of my food comes from. I pride myself on my honesty, and I must say I have found this: if one does not have honesty in a relationship, one has nothing. I am sorry if my reply has angered you, but I refuse to even act ashamed for knowing who and what I am. I will not be badgered or vilified for environmentally responsible actions I take in good conscience.
you have some nerve how could you kill innocent animals.. that isnot nice..You are writing to an animal science major. I don't like you anymore. How would you like it if i bought a big gun and try to kill you???
(my reply)
How would I like it? I would accept it. As an animal science major, I am sure you understand that man has killed off virtually all of the deer's natural predators. As an intelligent, rational type, I'm sure you also understand that any herd animals must have culling to ensure individual strength. You probably also know that there are more deer in America today than there have been since before the Pilgrims landed...
I am as surely a part of the food chain as any other link. Viri and bacteria live in me, and, when I am gone, I will be food for yet more microorganisms. If in the wild, I will be food for physically larger links in the food chain, from vultures, coyotes, and opossums to crayfish, lobster, crab, or fish, depending on locale. I accept this.
I expect any large, predatory animals to eat me if given the chance, and they will. Since I do eat meat, I believe it is the height of personal irresponsibility to not acknowledge where some of my food comes from. I pride myself on my honesty, and I must say I have found this: if one does not have honesty in a relationship, one has nothing. I am sorry if my reply has angered you, but I refuse to even act ashamed for knowing who and what I am. I will not be badgered or vilified for environmentally responsible actions I take in good conscience.