Hunter aiming with rifle
In the past, hunting was responsible for the demise of so many species that to place the words ‘sustainable’ and ‘hunting’ together will undoubtedly raise an eyebrow or two. But with modern farming and food production becoming so damaging, is hunting now the only way to eat sustainable meat?
We discuss the pros and cons of sustainable hunting, so you can make an informed decision on the future of your hunt. Read on to find out how you can be sustainable in your hunt.
Sustainable Food
Mass farming and modern meat production are known for their damaging impact on the environment. They breed pollution in the air, water, and contribute to carbon emissions. Natural habitat is often destroyed, as are ocean ecosystems, to create animal feed.
Hunting an animal, killing it, and eating it yourself is much more environmentally sound. However, the flip side of this lies in the fact that this method can not feed the world’s population. It may also be hard to balance a job, family, and the pressures of modern life while hunting for every meal.
Ideally, people could become self-sufficient, with chickens and ducks in their yard as a means of animal production. However, with many people living in cities, this is also not currently a viable option.
One way to hunt and eat sustainable food for yourself and your family is to use all of your hunt, and freeze it until a later date. You can also preserve items in sausages and by using smoking techniques.
Hunting Close to Home
Hunting close to home reduces your carbon footprint. If you are not traveling miles to a forest or reserve, you are burning fewer fossil fuels. Using a plane to travel to a hunting ground will do even more damage.
Hunting close to home does have its drawbacks. You may be limited by the type of wildlife in your local area. Many laws may also prevent you from hunting at certain times of the year or in certain areas.
In contrast, you may live in an area that has an abundance of animals that need controlling. Perhaps you have a large boar population that needs culling to reset the ecosystem. In this case, hunt prey that will be a benefit to the local area.
There are many companies that can cater to this, so you can actually hunt while benefiting the environment. Blacktail deer hunting is one particular area where organized hunting tours are operating.
Eco-Friendly Equipment
Hunting equipment is not usually marked as eco-friendly, though there are ways you can cut down on the resources required to make products. Perhaps start by buying used and second hand.
Many people worry about the lead content in bullets. Lead is poisonous, but from an environmental standpoint, other bullets can cause just as much damage during their manufacturing process. If you are really concerned about this, try hunting with a bow.
Get Started
Now you know the pros and cons of sustainable hunting, you can hopefully make an informed decision and decide if it is for you. Try booking a sustainable hunting course, or talking to local wardens and gamekeepers.
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