Ethical Hunting: Be Able to Say No!

Each and every day we are faced with decision making opportunities where we must decide whether we will do the right thing. Of course, many of the decision opportunities are rather subjective when it comes to what exactly is right and wrong. When it comes to hunting, however, there should be no question.

Growing up, with respects to hunting, I have always been taught that if there is any question at all about the lethality of a shot or shot placement, the shot should never be taken. Dad has instilled these values into both Cody and I so that if there is ever any question at all about a shot, we don't even think about taking it. Of course, this does not mean we wait for a 100% broadside shot, it means we persistently practice to ensure that we are confident in making either a heart shot or lung shot every time we pull the trigger or release. Of course, this also includes taking and making good shots when they present themselves. We all know how severely immoral and unpractical it can be to shoot a deer facing towards or away from you! To get to this point of confidence it not only involves target practice, it also involves constant refreshers of deer anatomy to ensure we know the exact location of the heart and lungs. Remember, 2 inches can be the difference between an instant passing and 2 hours of suffering.

Some may think that this post isn't directly related to hunting, however, in the opinions of Cody and I it is. We both are bigger proponents of ethical hunting than we are of QDM, Mossy Oak or anything else in the hunting world today.

When watching hunting shows, it may seem ridiculous that after every time these guys have their guns or bows in a car, plane or bus for a trip of more than a couple hours they re-site it in. However, all it takes is one pot hole or one minute of turbulence and a sight can be thrown of my several inches. Now, an inch can be the difference between excitement and dismay, just imagine what several inches can do!

With only several weeks until hunting we both felt we should take an oppurtunity to remind everyone about the ethical side of hunting. God has graced us with the oppurtunity to be able to pursue and harvest his majestic whitetail. We both feel it is of the essence that we show our utmost gratitude for this blessing through ethical hunting; simply, show the deer the same respect it shows us. So, sight in your guns, check your scopes and always remember, if there is any doubt in your mind about shot ethicality, the answer is always NO!