Defending Hunting to the Antis

Posted by: jakeb

When trophyroom.com Founder, Paul Cownie, asked me to do a piece entitled “The Seven Deadly Sins – Defending Hunting to the Antis,” of course I was more than happy to oblige. His obvious poor judgment in choosing this “writer” for such a task aside, I must note that I have taken some artistic liberty with the assignment’s title in an effort to put a (slightly) more positive spin on the issue. Without further adieu, here are “The Seven Cardinal Rules for Dealing with the Opposition.”

1. Kevin Bacon, playing Chip Diller in Animal House, may have said it best: “Remain calm. All is well!”
Opposition to hunting is an emotional response, not a rational one. Never forget this vital truth, and never willfully enter into a war of emotions with an anti. Neither you nor your partner in dialogue will even hear what the other is saying, begging the question: why have the conversation in the first place?

2. The Boy Scouts had it right: Be prepared
We have all had this conversation numerous times, so there is absolutely no excuse not to have your argument at-the-ready, and at all times. If you get caught off-guard, it is your own fault.

3. Use appropriate supporting evidence
Before you get into sustainable harvests, genetic improvement of the herd, the involvement of hunters in conservation organizations, etc., ask them one question: How do animals die in the wild? Of course you know that animals perish in Mother Nature one of three ways: starvation, predation or disease. Needless to say, these are very unpleasant ways to exit this mortal coil. Remind them that instantaneous death is far more humane than any of Mother Nature’s alternatives. A note about Mother Nature: she is a noble woman, and hunting is a noble pursuit; it is a gentleman’s sport. Both She and hunting should be spoken of with due reverence.

4. Keep it simple, stupid
Be clear, be sharp, be concise. More often than not, if this conversation lasts more than ten or fifteen minutes, you are beating a dead horse, and you have lost your audience (see “begging the question”, #1).

5. Be polite
When you are speaking to antis, you are speaking on behalf of all hunters. Extend your brethren the courtesy of not making us all look like horse’s asses (that is the liberal media’s job). You would only be reinforcing previously held beliefs, and hurting us all in the process. The object of this process is to improve our image.

6. Observe!
As you are a highly trained hunting expert, this ought to be easy. My all-time favorite tactic in these conversations is to point out two simple items on your adversary’s body: their belt and their shoes. All leather, 90% of the time (the shoes, in particular). Calmly remind them that something died in order for them to be stylish. Ask them whether or not they have leather seats in their car, whether or not they eat meat, and remind them that the animals that died for their plates and their pleasure were never afforded the opportunity of life in the wild. (Author’s note: the shoes/belt trick will not work if speaking with hemp aficionado Woody Harrelson…you’ll have to improvise).

7. You are not going to win
Put your delusions of grandeur aside, and accept the fact that you are not William Jennings Bryan. Even if you were, it would not matter. You, with your fine mind, keen wit, and excellent supporting data, are not going to change the mind of an anti. It has been said that all of the facts in the world will not dissuade a liberal, and this is a similar scenario. Again – and this bears repeating – their opposition is emotional, not rational. The goal is to state your case well, to be reasonable, charming, and calm, and to instill in the listener an improved understanding of our venerable sport.

There you have it. Now go forth and conquer…or at least tutor a bit.

Straight Shots,
jakeb