I think those who think hunting is cruel just really aren’t properly informed. When wildlife number for species overpopulate, then all the other species suffer. So when someone says “don’t kill the cute deer” they’re essentially saying “don’t kill the cute deer so they can overcrowd the feeding zones and let all the other cute animals die of starvation”. Eco systems run amok when their not controlled. The best example of this was in Yellowstone when they finally reintroduced Wolves back into the population. I think many have seen this before, but just in case:
I don't think any argument can change that human beings are deciding who lives and who dies. Killing for "practical reasons" doesn't really disable our empathy or immediate response.
I can't enjoy murdering living beings because I tell myself it's the smart choice.
That said, "targeted hunting" that's done to protect the environment first - is, of course, a different matter - but I believe many still enjoy the act of murder even under that context.
I know there are people out there who try to argue that all hunting is in aid of the Eco system - which is just utterly and blatantly false. It's the go-to excuse for many hunters who enjoy killing animals, though.
Let's say that we were shooting children to prevent them from killing other children. We were hunting them and killing them for their meat, because we're essentially good people trying to protect the unnatural order that we've decided needs to be in place, so we can all be reasonably comfortable.
Maybe that would better demonstrate why we're not all crazy about the actual act of murdering innocent animals.
I think the act is cruel, most definitely. That doesn't mean that people acting that way are cruel overall, far from it.
We're all capable of great cruelty - for a large variety of reasons. In fact, I'd say we're incapable of never being cruel.
Then again, I hate killing mice and rats - even. I do feel cruel and selfish when doing so - and I don't need to tell myself any stories about how it's "for the best". I just accept that I put myself first and that's that. I don't think I'm more important than a mouse or a rat, and any rational argument I've heard to the contrary falls flat on its face when contrasted with what human beings are doing to the world.
You think animals killing each other for survival compares with our acts throughout history? Ok, cool.
You think it's more important to keep an unnatural order in check - so we can survive and commit more heinous acts? Ok, cool.
To me, the fact that I prioritize myself and my own race means that I'm selfish. It doesn't mean that I'm right.
