Goose Decoys

Question by Tom D: Why is it legal to “hunt” captive animals, while bear baiting and rooster fighting are illegal?
First of all, let’s clarify my position: I support traditional hunting and fishing, and champion the concept of sportsmanship and stewardship of natural resources. I enjoy eating meat, and appreciate ecology and the natural beauty of fauna. Traditional hunting has many beneficial aspects.

Private hunting reserves – game ranches – deer farms: these are commercial sites where “hunters” pay to kill captive animals. Presumably the outcome is guaranteed by the proprietors.

A fighting cock has a chance to survive. A captive bear has a chance to kill one of its attackers. These barbaric “sports” have been outlawed for centuries in most places.

What could be the motive to “hunt” captive animals, other than the joy of seeing something die? Do you think of someone as more manly who kills captive animals on hunting ranches? Am I missing some redeeming aspect of this activity?

Maybe by releasing their agression on an animal, they avoid doing so on a fellow human? Or does it stimulate it?
Sorry – Yahoo has chosen to edit my traditional term for the male rooster and replace it with askerisks. It wasn’t my choice to spell it this way.
Interesting point, “Mass brain”. Maybe we should start a discussion on the morality of the situation depicted in the movie “The Running Man”, with politicians or lawyers instead of criminals as the targets… There are some parallels.
Good answer there, “DamDawg”. I guess it all hinges on the definition of “shooting fish in a barrel” and how you define it.

I haven’t researched this too much, but my understanding is that most of these private reserves are pretty close to what you are describing here. Do you have any data to share?

I have seen some video footage of bow-and-arrow “hunters” shooting deer in a manner that looked very cruel and very much like “shooting fish in a barrel”.

I think that, if the proprietor guarantees the outcome, then it is more likely to be unsporting.
Hey There Wazant1 -

You too have some interesting points. If you are a traditional hunter, I respect that, as I previously stated.

You discussed the increasing efficiency of hunting techniques. I wonder how much something is a “sport” when the outcome is guaranteed.

Why is it fun to shoot an animal under controlled conditions but not at a slaughterhouse? How close do the two facilities need to become before we cross the line?

Have you heard about the internet game preserves, where you can kill an animal from the internet, via robotically controlled rifle? Has that crossed the line?

Best answer:

Answer by mass.brain
It’s the ultimate rich guy sport. Think about Dick Cheney, he nearly bagged himself a rich old businessman at one of those hunts. The ultimate trophy.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Related posts:

1. Is a high powered “Air Rifle” good for hunting animals ?
2. Q&A: Do you find it kind of sad that “hunting” is considered a sport? Plus what % of hunters really “have” to hunt?
3. How to Handpick the Best Rifle For Hunting Animals?
4. Can You Call Shooting Pen-Raised Grouse as “Hunting”?
5. Information On How To Hunt Safely