Hunting

[BoyJones]

Cheers.

I would have gone for Albatross or some sort of Vulture, they glide dont they?, but I didnt think these birds were native to UK.

Anyway tc, got to get back to work!

[foxfanazer]

You saw the size of him??

Lambo must be on about 3 Big Macs a day.

[Trav Le Bleu]

 

Rabbits,pigeons,rats.love it.

 

 

I'm sure they don't.

[BoneDog]

Watch the first minute of this to see the UK's leading hunter - Badger. When Badger pulls up in that jeep you know he means business.

[daventry_fox]

in my opinion if your going to eat what you kill then fair enough. It's hunters that kill for the enjoyment that piss me off.

Although it says a lot about somebody that needs a gun to take down a little harmless rabbit

[BoneDog]

It says a lot about somebody that needs a gun to take down a little harmless rabbit.

 

I'd like to see you try and take one out with a fishing rod.

[Strokes]

I get that you're almost certainly saying it in attempt to wind Lamby up, but why is that a bad thing?

I try to be vegan whenever possible, but it doesn't mean I'm a stick thin, anti everything, militant feminist.

As for hunting - I just don't see a place for it in 2015. Plenty of ways to enjoy yourself that don't involve murdering an innocent animal, each to their own though.

You might be an exception but vegans are generally killjoy bellends.

[Steve_Guppy_Left_Foot]

Think I feel quite contradictory on this. I eat meat, I have no problem with animals being bred to be slaughtered humanely for my consumption. Would I kill something, skin it, gut it and eat it? I've gutted and skinned plenty of animals in restaurants, but never killed an animal bigger than a medium sized insect and don't think I'd ever like to, but nor would I condemn people for shooting and eating animals themselves. I think if you get off on it it's a bit weird, and hunting certain animals is worse than others, but that's very hypocritical of me. Hmmm.

[Strokes]

Think I feel quite contradictory on this. I eat meat, I have no problem with animals being bred to be slaughtered humanely for my consumption. Would I kill something, skin it, gut it and eat it? I've gutted and skinned plenty of animals in restaurants, but never killed an animal bigger than a medium sized insect and don't think I'd ever like to, but nor would I condemn people for shooting and eating animals themselves. I think if you get off on it it's a bit weird, and hunting certain animals is worse than others, but that's very hypocritical of me. Hmmm.

I think it's in our instincts to enjoy the hunt, the challange of outwitting the prey but the actual killing itself, not especially.

[ozleicester]

I can certainly understand the concept of "hunting" and challenging yourself ... its the killing of defenseless creatures that i dont understand. (that and actually enjoying their death..i mean wtf??)

 

We have big arse guns, telescopic sights, gps tracking, motorised vehicles and (in most cases these days), some lacky driving us around and pointing to the animal... "shoot that".  

 

It all seems to stop being hunting and becomes a live action game which is completed when an animal lays dead for no other purpose than someones "pleasure"

 

Try this perhaps?  

 

 

 

 

http://petapixel.com/2012/03/13/killshot-a-camera-rifle-for-hunting-with-photos-instead-of-bullets/

 

 

All the thrills, without the innocent death.... the question is.......... if you are hunting for the instincts and thrill of hunting and NOT the killing, surely this will fulfill the urge?

[Guest MattP]

I agree that using a gun long term is unsportsmanlike.

Move onto a bow and arrow after some practice.

[Merging Cultures]

I agree that using a gun long term is unsportsmanlike.

Move onto a bow and arrow after some practice.

And ultimately master the slingshot and club.

[Guest MattP]

And ultimately master the slingshot and club.

Now that would be something.

[leicsmac]

And ultimately master the slingshot and club.

 

And surely the ultimate final test is direct hand-to-hand.

 

It's not a true kill unless you've beaten/strangled it to death with your bare hands.

[Merging Cultures]

And surely the ultimate final test is direct hand-to-hand.

It's not a true kill unless you've beaten/strangled it to death with your bare hands.

Haha definitely! But i think we'd have to run faster than Usain Bolt to catch anything worthwhile eating. Man would have died out a long time ago if we didn't craft traps or even basic weapons.

And personally, I prefer hand-to-gland combat.

[daventry_fox]

I'd like to see you try and take one out with a fishing rod.

[daventry_fox]

Apparently using a weapon on a human being that can defend itself is considered cowardly. So what does it say about a man that uses a gun to kill something as small and defenceless as a rabbit

[Merging Cultures]

Apparently using a weapon on a human being that can defend itself is considered cowardly. So what does it say about a man that uses a gun to kill something as small and defenceless as a rabbit

The man is hungry?

The man is suffering financially because rabbits are destroying their crops and livelihood?

The man is much slower than the rabbit?

[Strokes]

Fishings a good hunting sport, no guns needed. I've not done it since I was wee lad though.

[Merging Cultures]

Fishings a good hunting sport, no guns needed. I've not done it since I was wee lad though.

Sounds cruel to me...

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/cruel-sports/fishing/

Fish Feel Pain

When fish are yanked from the water, they begin to suffocate. Their gills often collapse, and their swim bladders can rupture because of the sudden change in pressure. Numerous scientific reports from around the world confirm that fish feel pain. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow studied the pain receptors in fish and found that they were strikingly similar to those of mammals; the researchers concluded that “fish do have the capacity for pain perception and suffering.”

A clean shot might produce less suffering.

[Strokes]

Sounds cruel to me...http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/cruel-sports/fishing/

Fish Feel Pain

When fish are yanked from the water, they begin to suffocate. Their gills often collapse, and their swim bladders can rupture because of the sudden change in pressure. Numerous scientific reports from around the world confirm that fish feel pain. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow studied the pain receptors in fish and found that they were strikingly similar to those of mammals; the researchers concluded that “fish do have the capacity for pain perception and suffering.”

A clean shot might produce less suffering.

Maybe, guess we will have to try both until the evidence is conclusive. Ah well.

[Merging Cultures]

Maybe, guess we will have to try both until the evidence is conclusive. Ah well.

I like your style!

[Crinklyfox]

I eat meat, so I have no problem with killing an animal for food.  I'd do it if I had to for survival for myself and my family.  But I take no pleasure from killing and have never wanted to hunt.

 

I have a good friend who hunts.  He is a truly decent person and the only difference between us is his attitude to animal life.  He sees animals as legitimate prey and enjoys the challenge of the hunt.  I can't see further than depriving an animal of its life, he knows that, so we have never hunted together.  We both understand that we are different and respect each others views.

[cambridgefox]

Apparently using a weapon on a human being that can defend itself is considered cowardly. So what does it say about a man that uses a gun to kill something as small and defenceless as a rabbit

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Damage caused by rabbits

Damage coused by rabbits

Reasons for control

Despite the rabbits cute reputation as a much loved cartoon character in the form of bugs bunny or peter rabbit, they are also a major pest species in the UK. This mammal is largely underestimated by most but their capabilities to breed as well as, chew, eat and dig through most landscapes is second to none.

For those whose property falls victim to the destruction caused by rabbits it poses problems in a variety of ways depending on the land use. The problems will only multiply if the rabbit population is left unregulated.

Here is a section of the typical habitats and the problems rabbits cause in such an area.

Farmland, estates

7 rabbits will eat as much as a sheep. With this in mind it doesn’t take much to understand how even a small population of rabbits can decimate a colossal amount of crop. It is estimated that rabbits cost the British agricultural industry £100million a year through crop damage. With out doubt they are the number one pest species for farmers.

Farmland rabbit damage

In areas where horses and other livestock are kept

When one considers the volume of what a rabbit can eat (as stated above) it is easy to understand the loss of grazing they cause. This in turn often means there is a need to buy in extra forage to counteract the lost of grazing at a great expense. Burrowing rabbits also pose a threat to livestock and horses alike. Animals breaking legs in rabbit holes is not uncommon. Depending on the value of such livestock and the likely cost of vet fees to successfully repair the injury it is often the case that the animal is put to sleep.

Livestock rabbit damage

Forestry,plantations and orchards

Rabbits play havoc in such places and cause hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage to such industries each year. Ring barking (gnawing the whole way round the base of the tree) is the most common problem. If such a tree has its lower bark completely removed by rabbits - which is common in colder weather conditions the tree will die. If the rabbits only chew part of the way round the trunk, the tree will be able to retain a certain amount of nutrition however this often means disease and fungi can take hold. The targeted trees also become weak and unstable. This problem obviously poses the threat of collapsing trees and potential accidents as well as the loss of earnings from trees dying. This can also have a negative effect on habitat management.

In areas where coppicing takes place and rabbits eat the new growth the remainder of the tree will die off. Saplings are often targeted as well, meaning they will need to be replaced to provide correct woodland management. Tree guards can help to a degree but rabbits often chew through them in times of hardship. Rabbits are also capable of reaching heights of 50cm plus when stretched out on hind legs and capable of climbing if there is low foliage around. When rabbits attack fruit trees, the next harvest will be a ‘bumper’ crop as it is natures’ way of carrying on by producing extra seeds. This however is short-lived as the trees invariably die.

Forestry rabbit damage

Gardens

Rabbits cause all sorts of problems in gardens. They love eating plants and flowers (normally ones of value), so cause great annoyance to those who like to keep their garden aesthetically pleasing. Such targeted plants need to be replaced once rabbits have relied upon them as a food sources. Their droppings and urine also taint and burn lawns meaning they often look unkempt where rabbits frequently graze.

They also dig scrapes in search of young shoots, in time this can often mean lawn replacement is needed, at great expense to the owner. As in forestry, ornamental garden trees will also be attacked again causing considerable expense for replacements.

Their burrows also provide the risk of injury to humans and pets alike. Burrows often increase in size annually, if the rabbit numbers are not controlled, meaning a garden could soon resemble a war zone. Rabbits are resourceful creatures and often take up residence in places other than in holes such as under decking, garden sheds and even houses. This could potentially cause issues such as subsidence and the risk of fire if they chew through electrical wires. Wild rabbits can also pass on diseases to unvaccinated pet rabbits, which could result in the loss of the pet.

Garden rabbit damage

Railways / Motorways

Such areas normally consist of steep embankments covered in varying amounts of vegetation. This provides an ideal & potentially safe environment for rabbits, providing them with food, shelter & little predation. These areas often contain a high population or rabbits which then feed on adjacent land causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to crops etc.

Trees and plantations on embankments regularly become targeted & once ring barked by rabbits they die & can become unstable, the burrows they dig can also cause subsidence both of which- if unnoticed can cause serious accidents. In these areas rabbits need to be controlled for Health & Safety reasons.

Motorway rabbit damage

Sports Grounds and Public areas

These are often favoured habitats for rabbits in both urban & rural areas. The most likely reason for the need for rabbits to be controlled in such places is mainly due to digging. As rabbits continue to dig scrapes & burrows this heightens the chance of a member of the public falling & injuring themselves- which could potentially result in a lawsuit against the landowners or managers. Cricket squares prove irresistible and overnight can become unplayable. Rabbits can also cause damage to sports equipment such as football and cricket nets as well as posing a fire risk if they take up residence under buildings in the vicinity – through chewing wires.

In such areas rabbits can be very much a Health & Safety issue.

Park rabbit damage

Conservation Areas

Rabbits cause problems in such environments for various reasons. They eat a variety of plants & they don’t differentiate between the common & rare ones which can affect the existence of such plants. They tend to graze systematically from their burrows outwards which can mean the loss of habitat for various insects & small mammals, which in turn can have a dramatic affect on birds of prey that rely on such hunting grounds.

Destruction of areas can be caused by burrowing on embankments & hills alike, subsidence & erosion often occur meaning species such as the very rare burrowing solitary bee could lose its few favoured sites in this country. Trees & shrubs often get ring barked which in turn means they die! Whilst dying & rotten trees can provide food for some creatures it can also mean the loss of food & shelter to others.

In such areas rabbits need to be managed carefully to avoid the loss of native species – as rabbits are not indigenous to this country.

Damages caused by rabbits

Archaeological Site

Rabbits grazing abilities are not normally the problem on such sites, their burrowing is often a huge issue. They often undermine aintent burial mounds, walls, and historical sites. This is normally caused by rabbits digging underneath and which weakens the structures strength and invariably causes subsidence. If left left unchecked this can mean the loss of such sites.

Industrial Areas

Such areas are often busy places of work that need to run efficiently. Rabbits are resourceful creatures & thrive in both rural & urban areas.

Rabbits tunnelling under path/roadways, hard surfaces & buildings can cause weakness & damage to the structures in the form of erosion & subsidence. Burrows & scratching caused by rabbits digging also pose the treat of people injuring themselves through falls. Rabbits that find their way into artificial burrows such as wire ducts, wall cavities or drainage pipes can cause fires & flooding through chewing & digging. In severe cases this can cause hundreds of thousands of pounds in property damage & loss off earnings & is very much a health & safety issue.

urban rabbit damage

Disease etc

Rabbits can contract a variety of diseases & virus’s – none of which can be passed onto humans – here are the main two.

Myxomatosis is the most common disease that rabbits catch, which is carried via fleas that pass from rabbit to rabbit. There are many different strengths/ strains of this disease. In more severe cases rabbits become blind, lose weight & die slowly. Rabbits are however showing a certain amount of immunity to this man made disease which was introduced in the 1950’s.

VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease) is 2nd to myxomatosis & is passed from rabbit to rabbit in many ways, the virus can be airborne as well as by physical contact. It normally kills within 48 hours & those rabbits who succumb to such ill fortune can normally be diagnosed by blood visible from their orifices.

Disease & virus’s can quickly infect densely populated areas of rabbits - this in turn causes much distress & suffering to those infected.

Effective control measures & management are the best way forward to avoid disease & virus’s spreading. On an animal welfare issue it’s better to have 2 healthy rabbits on land than 200 sick ones!

Infected rabbits

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Damage caused by rabbits and the reasons for effective rabbit control from the leading specialist in effective rabbit control, rabbit removal, rabbit prevention, pest control, rabbit traps, lamping and rabbit proof fencing.

[Darkon84]

He just wanted to know what MC's reasons behind his passion were, I really don't think that warrants that level of response. MC himself even called it a great question, before giving it a thought out answer. Relax, chap.

 

It's the tone and angle of the questions that I felt was a bit off, because, if you've spent any time in the 'Animal Rights' thread previously, you'll recognize it, as it became quite high and mighty. It's possible to ask the honest and genuine questions without adding in moral digs like 'Are you living in the stone age? or Is the duck threatening your life?'

 

Deary me, you really do seem to have some issues, good luck with that,

 

See above. My reply may have been immature and knee jerk, but your initial questions can be taken as condescending. Perhaps we both have issues we can work on?