Pards,
I’m a little conflicted here, and need some help. I’ve posted some on the boards, and have also spent time snooping, reading, and learning, and I have lots of respect for the knowledge and wisdom (not always the same thing) displayed here. I’m not looking to start a flame-throwing exercise, I just would like to hear from some people on which side of the fence you come down on and why. Again--don’t be attacking someone else or their stance, just please present your side and be supportive of your opinion.
It’s about shooting a buffalo (I know, it’s bison, but….it wasn’t Bison Bill Cody). First, please notice that I did not refer to it as hunting a buffalo. Anywhere I could go would be some game-ranch type operation, and it’s not hunting in the way I pursue deer and turkey. I have a young son who thinks it would be a grand lark to go somewhere and shoot a buffalo--he’s still young enough that he understands Dad would be doing the shooting. Personally, I wouldn’t mind the meat at all, and it does seem to me to be something of an experience to pull the trigger on a critter like that. But I’ve insisted to him that we will never refer to it as hunting.
Here’s my issue, being somewhat aware of our history. When the big herds were being wiped out--I know, there’s speculation now that it was also disease, etc., and this is NOT a discussion about that--the hunters had stands where they could literally sit in place, fire, and do great damage to a herd. Even to these guys, this must have stood in stark contrast to their pursuits “back East” of deer and other game. What I’m asking, is where do I place my hunting ethics in the context of a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my son and I when it comes to shooting an animal that can not really be considered “chased”?
I look forward to any and all input, and please remember to keep it civil toward each other.
Thanks,
Hugh