(Disclaimer: I am not a hunter nor have I ever hunted in the traditional sense. However, I have been taught the ancient technique of stalking animals, which was used by ancient cultures and still used by some today. I am constantly perfecting this technique and have had instances where I've gotten close to animals (close=10 yards or less). Close enough that I could have harvested them if I was in a survival situation. So I understand the hunting mentality clearly.)
Here's my thought:
I've heard the word "hunting" quite a bit in the past few weeks and it got me thinking...
Can it really be called hunting if (most of the time) the hunter is sitting awaiting his quarry? Can I even use the term quarry since it means "prey that is pursued?"
I think it speaks to our laziness in America that we sit and "bait" our prey.
So here's my point: shouldn't we start calling it "baiting" since that is what we really do?
This isn't a rail against those who enjoy the sport. I'm just seeking to clarify the language.
2 comments:
Okay so this is not me trying to be right, or arguementative, just pointing out some things. I am not a hunter, you know this, but I grew up in a hunting family. there are so many different types of hunting and I will wholeheartedly agree with your point that sitting above a bait pit in a tree, covered in masking scent is not hunting. There are many different ypes of hunting still used besides those, many actually taking skill and cunning as opposed to expensive trinkets and deception. I am just making the point that many hunters still actually "hunt".
-Brad
You're right and I'm not arguing those other forms that require some real skill and knowledge.
It's just that when people say they are going hunting, for most of us a certain image comes to mind and it is that image (that you named in your comment) that really can't be called hunting in the traditional sense.
Again, I have nothing against hunting... but since I've come back from Tracker School I see it in a whole new light and that's why I felt the need to address it purely on a linguistic level.
Post a Comment