Vernon SikesAt the very least, it seems there ought to be some kind of warning to let people know that what they're about to see may be offensive, damaging and maybe even psychologically troubling.
Though not commonly voiced, which is probably due to the intense popularity of the activity in many sections of the country … the world, even ... not everyone views killings, be they killings of man or beast, as cause to celebrate or brag.
Few though they may be, some of our friends and neighbors cringe at the sight of photos displaying men, women, boys and girls as they grin proudly next to their kill. Images of animals' lifeless stares further galvanizes some individuals' disgust at what has long been a rite of passage among increasing numbers of families and organizations.
These days, not only are we exposed to photos of this carnage in newspapers, but proud hunters and their families post them in living (gory) color on Facebook, Twitter and other high-tech devices. To admit distaste at the sight of hunters gloating over their lifeless trophies is beyond unacceptable and is considered blasphemy against the sacred tradition of hunting itself.
Since the beginning of time, mankind has hunted animals. At first, man hunted for survival, but hunting gradually evolved into primarily a sporting endeavor. While there's nothing tastier than wild turkey, processed deer and the offerings of thousands of other wildlife, more and more hunters are taking to the woods for a variety of other reasons:
n To train up their children to become hunters
n Because their friends are hunters
n Because it's a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle
n To show off their latest splurge in weaponry
n Because it's just the thing to do
And let's not forget the economic value in hunting. It's a boon for sporting supply merchants, for school districts with their 16th Section hunting leases and tens of thousands of other businesses and organizations.
No doubt about it! Hunting is mighty big business.
And hunting is necessary.
Occasionally, wildlife becomes a threat or a nuisance to mankind. That's when hunters assist.
If the deer become too heavily populated, hunters can thin them out. The same thing is true of alligators in the Ross Barnett Reservoir and pythons in Florida's Everglades.
Sometimes, maybe Mother Nature needs a little help maintaining the balance in nature, and hunters do a marvelous job of providing such assistance.
There's nothing wrong with hunting within the confines of the law, but perhaps a little more humility and discretion would be in order when it comes to parading the carcasses of the victims of the hunt.
Celebrate the kill.
Train up the child in the long and noble legacy of the hunt.
Knock yourself out, even.
But when it comes to advertising your prowess in the pursuit of the kill, a little consideration of those traumatized by the sight of it all would be greatly appreciated.