When my son Phillip began to take an interest in hunting, I wasn’t sure if I could support it. My first thoughts were: killing of animals; firearms; danger. After voicing my concerns, we had many conversations about hunting and the handling of a bow or gun.
Phillip explained that the hunter’s main focus is not the kill and handling of weapons. Respect and ethics are very much involved. A hunted animal experiences a better quality of life opposed to the animals being prepared for the supermarket shelves.
Phillip gained high quality training and an understanding of hunting and how and when to use the tools he would be hunting with from his Uncle Nick, who is an experienced hunter and has a broad knowledge of firearms. Along the way Phillip made some great friends who also passed on their experience and knowledge of the ethics involved in harvesting animals.
Through all of this I felt conflicted at times as I was trying to reconcile ‘I don’t want animals to be hunted but I want to eat meat’. The other difficulty I had and still have is the handling of guns by my son.
Phillip went on to explain the hunting process in a little more depth — that he would be enjoying nature while stalking and understanding the behaviour of the wild animals in our bushland.
A true hunter will only take a shot at an animal if they know that there is a 99.9 per cent chance of the shot killing instantly, so the animal does not suffer. If there is any doubt, they do not take the shot, and although they may go home empty-handed will still have had a very satisfying hunt. Hunting is not about killing the animal, it is about respectfully and ethically providing meat for your family and friends as opposed to buying if from the supermarket.
There is still one thing that I worry about — which I believe is human nature — and that is for a hunter to always put safety first.
My view on hunting and guns is now a little different. I could not kill an animal but others can. Hunting can also be a family recreation which brings calmness and serenity to those involved and, of course, healthy meat for the table.
I am still not completely comfortable with my son handling a gun but I have come to the point of compromise now that I am more aware of the hunting process. I would also like to add that my family attended the ADA Upper Goulburn Branch presentation dinner, a pleasant family event, which also included talks on the wellbeing of all branch members and guests. I was also surprised to see that a hunter was recognised for passing up the opportunity of taking an animal and chose to take a photo that captured a special moment instead.
Nature and wildlife are broad and can be enjoyed in different ways.
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