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Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

I recently received a message from one of my Subscribers saying his father disapproves of him hunting, and asked me to write something to his father explaining why Hunting is okay.

Here is what I wrote:

"Hello sir. First off, I just want to tell you that I am not trying to control your parenting or anything like that. I just believe that your opinion on hunting could change after reading this. Although I am only 14 years old, I am already a highly respected Air gun enthusiast/hunter. I am even sponsored by Crosman Corporation.

Everyone in the hunting Community all love the Wildlife. We do not go hunting to just kill animals. We go out there to enjoy the scenery, listen to the song birds, and just be outside. Hunting is legal because the animal species are getting over populated. We are seeing a steady rise in car accidents involving deer and Homes invaded by pests (Squirrels, Raccoon, etc.) Some wildlife are even causing other species populations to fall drastically, for the increase in competition. To control these rising percentages, the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) sets up regulation hunting seasons every year. These hunting seasons change every year, based on the population of each "Game." These hunting seasons are set up for a certain time period, so the animals have time to Mate, and raise they're young.

We do not just go off and kill animals for no reason. The "Game" is used for food, and the skins are kept as trophies. Eating these animals would be the same as buying them from the store/butcher, however, it also comes with a sense of pride while eating.

Just because you do not approve of Hunting, does not mean you should take that right away form your son. If he enjoys it, follows all of the regulations, takes his 10 Hour hunter safety course, and abides by all safety rules, you should give him a chance. Heck, you might even fall in love with hunting as millions of others, including myself, have.

Thank You for Your Time,

AJ "JrSquirreler" Stewart"

When people tell me they disapprove of hunting because killing is wrong, it really "Rubs me the wrong way." Do you agree with the letter above?

radar · Silver Status Member

Good letter.
I hate when people rant against hunting as they take another bite of their hamburger. Humans have the right to participate in the ecology system as much as a coyote. At least game animals have a chance, rather than the cow that went into that burger.

Show him a picture of what winter does when there are too many critters.

-Rob

cactusrat · Member

Jr Squirreler

You are trying to control how that father is raising his son, by changing his views on letting his son hunt.

Just because someone has a different set of believes doesn’t make them wrong, or right. When the son becomes an adult, he can choose what paths in life to takes.

Your letter is not going to change in what a grown man believes in, especially from a fourteen year old. The father has been threw life and feels he is making the best choice for raising his son.

Do you know this boy personally? Does this boy have mentally or physical problems? Is he a trouble maker?

If the answer is “I don’t know”. Why should you be giving advice then.

No, I’m not against hunting, I hunt my self.

Now that being said, you wrote a good letter with good points.

Post your letter on your blog and not to his father.

mod90 · Veteran Member

Some people have never been exposed to hunting, or had negative experiences associated with it, and so they they develop a distaste for it. But there are(more than the others)those that have no valid base for their opinion against the sport, and these are the ones usually hurting the sport.
Jr maybe you should also include in your letter some of the ethics involved in humane hunting practices, so he'd get to see we're not just a network of animal assassins, killing at random.
IMO people against hunting need to remember two things. First off, before domestication kicked in these "domestic" animals were wild, and hunted for their meat and skins. Secondly, the turkey in the field will always have a better chance of longer happier life than the well fed turkey being pampered with gravy on their table.

Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

I think this is a good thread,and some good points have been made,as hunting is always a subject for debate.It's all a matter of how one is raised.Some people will never understand,or agree with it,and that's okay too.Sure...it can be frustrating,to hear someone who berates,and talks about how cruel hunting is,when their sitting down to a veal dinner.Or when you try to explain that death in nature can,and usually far more cruel,than cleanly harvesting,and using that animal for a purpose.As they say...to each his own.That being said,I love game meats,and will always be a hunter.Just remember..
PETA stands for "People Eating Tasty Animals" Mr. Green

radar · Silver Status Member

I believe in hunting for all the stated reasons. I agree its not for everyone, and that's OK.
The older I get, the less I like the kill part, and also the cleaning. I just like to sit under a tree with a dependable old gun, air powered or otherwise, and drink coffee.

Mark5043 · Silver Status Member

NZ Shooter · Suspended

Jr,

Your quote : "Just because you do not approve of Hunting, does not mean you should take that right away form your son."

That is EXACTLY a parents right.
Who died and made you ruler of the earth?

I hunt
My son hunts
I do not care who this post may insult

You, or anyone, do have the right as a bloody kid to write to a father trying to pursuade him to change his beliefs / morals /reasons for not wanting his son to shoot /hunt.
If indeed Crosman 'sponsors' you, They should pull your sponsorship right now.
If some snot-nosed little spanner 14 year old wrote that letter to me....well... I'd go ballistic. Sit back and think , Jr. before doing that again.

My 2c.

Jr. Squirreler · Veteran Member

Sholo · Veteran Member

SMP · Silver Status Member

viper2788 · Member

Hmm... thats a very tough argument to make. First off, debating with a man on how to raise his son isnt going to be easy, esp when you dont know him personally. Also, as others have stated, older men are pretty set with their beliefs and it will take a lot to change that. In fact, I'm 23, and my parents are STILL against me going out and hunting even after many debates. Regardless, they've accepted it as I'm no longer a child and they sort of see my good intentions, and have come to respect that.

As for the letter you're writing, I would concentrate a lot on ethics and morals regarding hunting, as opposed to say freedom, environmental factors or the "fun" of it. Most parents simply dont want their children out "killing," especially when they seem to lack the responsibility. Also, I would insist on teaching this kid on these views so that he can make his own argument, as opposed to you speaking on his behalf(which may not always correlate). Well, i hope this helps. Good luck!

twalter · Veteran Member

firemandivi · Member

For a 14 yr old that is a well thought out letter. Of course there are somethings that could have been written differently but I think it was a nice letter. No matter what you would have told that person some people will always find fault, so I'm happy to see you have a thick skin. Keep up the good work Smile