MaterDei
Member
I came across this book written by a Catholic priest. (www.huntingforgod.com)
He includes on the site a "Message for Anti-Hunters".
He includes on the site a "Message for Anti-Hunters".
A message from Fr. Classen about the ethics of hunting:
I’m well aware that some will be upset and perhaps scandalized by the notion that a priest not only actively hunts and fishes, but also promotes it. Many believe that people who hunt and fish are only there to rape the land of its resources and kill animals for the “sport” of it. Personally, I don't consider hunting or fishing a "sport" at all. I, like millions of others, hunt and fish to spend time with God, family, and friends, while being surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. And yes (at times) I respectfully harvest of that creation to sustain my life and feed others, as it was intended. Loving the outdoors means to have a deep respect for all of creation and to take an active role in keeping our precious resources alive and healthy. Here in the U.S., millions of acres of wildlife refuge and the very existence of certain species of wildlife are the direct result of funding and implementation by outdoorsmen/women. I would dare say that no one cares about these things more than we. And it’s not out of selfishness so “we can have more things to kill” as some would say.
As outdoorsmen/women, no one is more hands-on intimately connected to the wild world than we. We don’t just admire and cherish these gifts; we hands-on manage them for future generations. And this is why the vast majority of hunters and fisherman have the utmost respect for their quarry and the land that supports it. This is also why we only take what we need or can give to others. There are programs in place throughout the U.S. in which hunters are able to harvest deer from severely overpopulated areas (which is a deadly situation for all) and are able to give the meat to the hungry. As the Lord fed the 5000 with fish and bread, we’re doing it with deer and other game.
In regards to the actual killing of animals, any true hunter practices diligently with his/her weapon to ensure a clean, humane kill. Not doing so is frowned upon by the hunting community and seen as disgraceful behavior. To not make every effort to track and recover a wounded animal, to treat an animal with disrespect (before or after death), and to disregard any edible portion is not only seen as disgraceful but is even considered illegal in many states. Hunters do not enjoy watching a beautiful animal die. But we do enjoy and take great pride in having put healthy, lean meat on the table and in the freezer by our own efforts. There is joy in knowing that an animal which was humanely harvested will sustain and nourish many people and that it was not subject to horrible living conditions or drugs. There is joy in having entered into the natural world and respectively taken an active role in the food chain, which we are undeniably a part of. Hunting and fishing restores this respect for one’s food and elevates it to the spiritual level.
The Catholic Church teaches that, “God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing.” (CCC 2417). As Outdoorsmen, this is what we do. And again, it is our duty to do so with respect and reverence.
