Hunting Sense

From the wife

So, this morning we were having one of our (arguably) intellectual ‘conversations’, and this is the question I posed:

In our society, and based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is hunting going the way of the appendix? Is it becoming something that was once needed for our survival, but will eventually become a thing of the past, something merely read about, perhaps studied, but ultimately dismissed as something humans once needed and now no longer do? And as such, are hunting advocates (perhaps knowingly) fighting a losing battle?

On the surface, I’m sure there are immediate arguments for both sides. Yes–we no longer have a real need to provide ourselves or our families with food we hunt (and gather) ourselves. IN OUR SOCIETY (note: Not globally; that’s a whole different kettle of fish), there are soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, etc., as well as the abundancy of markets and grocery stores, so there is no real NEED (based on the hierarchy) for hunting.

And no–hunting could fall under Esteem Needs (self-esteem, recognition and status). While we might not HAVE to hunt to provide food, we DO have the ability should the need arise, and that could be considered a point of pride–to have the ability to rely on one’s self for survival.

Quite honestly, I do see it as a losing battle on the part of the hunters. Not only because it’s no longer a real NEED, but because eventually, the opportunity will no longer be there. It will become a thing of the past. At the rate humanity is growing (not to mention destroying), it won’t be long before there just won’t be places where hunting is an option.

~Golden Girl’s (Sophia) Moment Approaching~

Picture it, North America, 2190 (a mere 183 years in the future). A young man and woman stroll through the enormous urban centres, which with the rate of growth in construction and industry now covers 96% of the western world. Being the romantic he is, he takes his new bride to one of the ‘Conservation Areas’…a charming, meandering walk to look at the wonder of Nature Past. They oooh and ahhh at the beauty of the wildlife (who are, incidentally, now behind cleverly disguised bars), the magnificense of greenery (carefully planted to resemble natural growth), and breath deeply of the clean, fresh air (simulated, of course). Such wonder they experience. Dusk approaches and the couple make their way to the main gate, but before they leave, they stop to look at a new display–the evolution of the once proud hunter. Cavemen with spears poised, pioneers with muskets crouched behind trees, 21st century man with a compound bow in a treestand. The couple marvels at how far humanity has come. How they beat the odds and survived to create a place where our next meal is as close as the local grocery market. A place where we’re provided for because of our inginuity and ability to create. And control.

“Do you know any hunters?” asks the woman.
“Me?” says the man. “No. I remember my grandmother talking about some of my ancestors hunting, though.”

Farfetched? I don’t know, really. I can’t see this as an entirely plausible, and possible, situation.

So, what are your thoughts? Will hunting be entirely lost to us? Is it a losing battle to hold onto this aspect of humanity? Why or why not?

hunting, conservation, environment, future, history, extinct, hunters, wildlife, zoos