Controversial Hunting Topics: The Debate Over Trophy Hunting

There are few more controversial hunting topics as trophy hunting. While deer hunting is usually understandable due to overpopulation of the species, hunting a lion or an elephant for sport is a bit more of a grey area.

On one hand, you get a one-of-a-kind trophy while helping conservation efforts, and on the other, you're hurting an entire species of animal.

There are always two sides to each story, and such a controversial topic is worth exploring. So let's explore.

Trophy Hunting Is Conservation

Those who participate in trophy hunting cite conservation as the reason they do it. There are hefty fees that come with trophy hunting, with much of that money going to conservation groups that look to protect trophy hunted species. Furthermore, a portion of the money goes to the community allowing the animal to be hunted, which could usually use it.

A study from 2012-2014 showed that trophy hunting brought in $426-million across Africa, with an additional $326-million brought in by additional spending. Trophy hunting also creates jobs for locals, who bring hunters to popular hunting spots and supply them with goods.

Another side to see is the danger some of these animals present to some communities. Elephants have been known to destroy whole villages, as well as rhinos. If the population is overrun there, it's bad for the people.

Trophy Hunting Is Cruel

Many others see trophy hunting as cruel and unnecessary. The majority of trophy hunted animals are endangered, so losing even one of these animals is a hit to the species. They also tout that these hunters could just donate money towards conservation efforts rather than requiring a "trophy" in trade for their earnings.

"Canned" trophy hunting is a questionable practice where trophy animals are bred in captivity specifically to be hunted. With canned hunting, the hunters simply enter the cage with the animals and shoot them without any thrill or skill of the hunt. This is seen as cruel towards the animals.

Trophy hunting is often seen as an elitist sport and a reason to show off more than anything else. There are certainly easier ways to get a nice trophy. The sport can also definitely affect the overall animal population. The people against it are concerned about animals being wiped off the planet, and this is a very real threat supported by trophy hunting.

Why Debate Controversial Hunting Topics like Trophy Hunting?

When it comes to controversial hunting topics, especially trophy hunting, people tend to jump the gun and use it as an excuse to berate hunters. But as you may now see, everyone has their reasons for the things they do, and some believe that trophy hunting is perfectly fine, and even the right thing to do. It's up to you to decide for yourself, and hopefully, now you can take a more educated approach to the topic.

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