Wr122: Benefits of Hunting

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Besides controlling population of wildlife and contributing to the state’s economy, there are also some altruistic aspects of hunting. Hunters can contribute in many other ways beyond economics. Hunters and their passion for hunting can be used for good deeds. Hunters can be involved in nonprofit organizations and clubs that can help feed low income families and homeless people. For instance , North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry and Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry are two great examples of nonprofit organizations that receive donated legally-hunted deer from hunters to feed the families in need in the state of North Carolina (Hamilton). Helping people, especially those in need is a great way to be involved with the community. It’s great to be able to take the passion for hunting and turn it into something that can benefit other people such as feeding the hungry.

Hunting can also provide hunters with valuable health benefits and even to people who don’t hunt. Besides the exercise you get from walking in the woods, hunting can provide social and emotional benefits. Many hunters feel that they receive a therapeutic/relaxed feeling when they go hunting and it’s also a great way to spend some quality time with loved ones. People do many different things such as playing games or going to a spa in order to calm down and escape their hectic life. Hunters are also human beings and they also do the same thing by heading into the woods to relax themselves and lessen their stress levels. Some hunters even achieve a personal satisfaction by challenging themselves in inclement weather and terrains, which adds up to their hunting adventures. A peer-reviewed article named Human Dimensions of Wildlife by John Daigle, a professor at the University of Maine reported that hunting is “time to think, relax and relieve stress, and getting exercise and staying in shape”. This is absolutely true because hunting doesn’t only allow people to appreciate the beautiful environment, but it also keeps them healthy. Interacting with and learning about the environment and getting some exercise are also other significant outcomes of hunting.

Furthermore, there are also numerous nutritional benefits of meat that is obtained from hunting. It’s called game meat and it has a lot more health benefits when compared to meat that comes from farm raised animals. Meat from hunting has a lot more organic qualities because they eat their natural diet and they are very active in the wilderness. Being very active greatly contributes to the low fat content in their meat. Animals in the wild eat green all the time and it helps lower the content of pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids and helps with higher content of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids in their mean (Wertheim). Also, the wild game meat is a very good source of protein and minerals such as zinc and iron. Meat from hunting does not contain chemicals from different processes like the meat from grocery stores do. This is why it is so much better to hunt and consume fresh meat rather than consuming meat with added hormones and other chemicals that aren’t good for the long run.

In order for all us to benefit from hunting, we all need to invest our time and effort to educate and promote the sport of hunting. Promotion of hunting should be in form of education, such as educating non-hunters about the ethics, benefits, and overall joy of hunting. These promotions can be best done in schools and also outside of classes to teach students and older generations about the benefits that could come along with hunting. Hunting can benefit the nation’s economy, provide funds for wildlife management and conservation, and contribute to a healthier lifestyle of our citizens. Promoting the art of hunting could be a great way to experience outdoors because it directly connects us with the beautiful environment and it is no wonder why lovers of hunting wait patiently for the hunting season every year to pursue their passion.

Work Cited

"Benefits of Hunting: Hunting Matters!" North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (2013): n. pag. North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. Web. 07 July 2015.

Daigle, John J. "THE ROLE OF PERSONAL VALUES AND THE BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTDOOR RECREATION ACTIVITIES." Research, Education, & Economics Information System. United States Department of Agriculture, 30 Sept. 2004. Web. 28 July 2015.

Hamilton, Dick. "About Us." North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry. North Carolina Hunters for the Hungry, INC, n.d. Web. 27 July 2015.

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). “An HSUS Report: The Welfare of Animals in the Meat, Egg, and Dairy Industries.” Washington, D.C.: 27 February 2006. Web. 21 Nov. 2010. http://www.hsus3.org/farm/resources/research/welfare/welfare_overview.html.

Levy, Sharon. "Hunting Plays a Crucial Role in Maintaining Natural Habitats and the Environment." Hunting. Ed. Dawn Laney. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "A Plague of Deer." Bioscience 56.9 (Sept. 2006): 718-721. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 22 July 2015.

"The Voice of Fish & Wildlife Agencies." :AFWA Overview. Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency Services, 25 May 2005. Web. 25 July 2015.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Hunting Statistics and Economics.” Updated 30 July 2008. Web. 21 Nov. 2010.

Wertheim, Margaret. "What Are the Health Benefits of Wild Game?"LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 04 Jan. 2011. Web. 28 July 2015.