The Disconnect Between Hunters and Society

There's a noticeable disconnect when people eagerly accept a massive mac-and-cheese burger but express outrage at the sight of a hunter with their harvest. It’s all too common to see hunters demonized based on an image alone, as though a hunter's smile is about the act of taking life. This couldn't be further from the truth.

Hunters hold deep respect and empathy for the animals and their habitats. That pride you see in a photo isn’t about the kill—it's pride in the hard work, self-sufficiency, and responsibility of providing for themselves and their families. For most hunters, no part of an animal goes to waste. Every piece has value and purpose, ensuring that the life taken is honored.

When I harvest an animal, I know it lived a natural, free life. I process my own meat, knowing exactly where it came from and that it was harvested in the most ethical, humane way possible. This is about conscious, deliberate choice—not outsourcing the responsibility of taking a life to someone else.

So, if you’re shocked by a hunter’s photo, consider seeking understanding. Ask questions. Often, offense comes from being uninformed about the values and ethics that guide responsible hunting.