My family are hunters. I'd like to talk to you about hunting and what I know about hunting

[alarimer]

76. In some cases (particularly for invasive species such as pigs) they are doing a very good thing.

I also think that hunting and fishing (which is no different except fish are not usually seen as cuddly, and many populations are not in terrific shape because of commercial fishing) are important in terms of population management. In many places we humans have killed or otherwise displaced top predators such as wolves which previously kept prey animals in check. So we need a tool to keep those populations (of deer, say) from overrunning their food supply.

Also, there are excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment and motorboat fuels that fund conservation activities. Without that and with continuing budget cuts, states would have a very difficult time meeting their obligations to the people of the state. Between those taxes and the license fees, hunters and fishers pay for much of the work that needs to be done to manage populations. It is still not an easy task because there are many competing interests and a lot of political trade-offs. And there are arguments against that sort of "user pays, user benefits" arrangement. What happens when those activities become less popular? Where does the money come from then? Will there be pressure to avoid making tough decisions on the part of state officials because it will result is fewer funds coming it (spoiler alert: there is plenty of that pressure). Finally, is it fair that hunters and fishermen have borne the brunt of this cost, when other outdoors people (hikers, campers) do not have to pay similar excise taxes on their equipment to fund parks?

Finally, African nations are facing a lot of pressure from poachers and not just for elephant ivory. They need an outlet, a way to raise funds for conservation activities and anti-poaching enforcement. And that may include legal hunting. I think that's fine so long as the animal is abundant enough so that the hunting activities do not impact the population. This would not include elephants or lions, since they are not in great shape. More like wildebeests or various species of antelope. It becomes difficult when governments are corrupt and willing to take bribes for rich westerners to kill whatever they want.

But I agree in large part with what you said. Most hunters I know are not like that dentist. (As an aside, I was musing the other day about a local dentist who drives a Ferrari. I only wish this guy had spend his money on Ferraris, instead of the way he did).