Why we hunt?

Hunting is an age-old tradition that evolved from the need to acquire food. When you ask a hunter why they hunt, it is likely that you will never hear the same answer twice. All hunters have their own sets of values and reasons for taking part in hunting.

The motivation to hunt may include:

• Nature: Hunting can give people the opportunity to find a release from the stresses of day-to-day life and spend some time in nature. A few days in the bush allow you to slow down, clear your mind and reconnect with nature.
• Tradition: For many, hunting is simply a way of life and a family tradition passed down through generations. These hunters usually start at a young age and remain hunters for life.
• Friendship and family bonds: Some hunters enjoy spending time outdoors with their friends or colleagues to develop or strengthen friendships.
  Family bonds are strengthened when children are mentored in the art of hunting.
• Food: Many people prefer wild game to store-bought meat. Wild game is known to have a lower fat content and supports the current trend of obtaining free-range meat. Many also prefer the taste of wild game to domestic, farmed animals.
• Pest control: Many hunters have long-standing relationships with landholders. Helping reducing the impact of problem animals helps the farmer and the environment while also reducing impacts on the community. Hunting is seen as an effective tool in managing wildlife populations around the world.

You may have noticed that many of these reasons have little to do with shooting a firearm or harvesting an animal. For many hunters, hunting is about the entire experience, from setting up camp and lighting a fire through to enjoying the outdoors.