Traditions: A Defense of Hunting

© 2010 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
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I have always considered traditions as an important part of my hunting, fishing, and family. My personality and persona are crafted and influenced by those traditions that I was taught, learned, and made mine.

As I have mentioned previously, I was brought up in New York City, in a non-hunting family. My "Traditions" came from the books I read in the library on indigenous peoples, magazines like Outdoor Life and Field and Streams, and the occasional chance meeting with someone who hunted or fished.

I consider "Traditions" almost unassailable. Yet I also recognise that some things are harmful and inappropriate in today's world.

(By the way, in case you are wondering, bull fighting isn't one of them...)

Phillip Loughlin of the Hog Blog has an interesting piece on the use of the "Traditions" defense in arguing for certain traditional methods of hunting. The post originated in part from a remarkable series of comments on Tovar's post on A Mindful Carnivore, When Hunters Ruin the Hunt. I managed the first dozen comments before being pulled away, but you may rest assured that I will be printing it all out before the night is done for my full consideration. I would suggest that you go there first to read the post, and then the comments.

I would attempt to recap it here, but I would ask everyone to read A Mindful Carnivore, then go over to the Hog Blog and read his post "The Value of Tradition."

As usual Phillip is logical and insightful and then challenges us to add to the discussion with our own comments and ideas:

"I’m also asking for folks to share some of the hunting traditions that underlie their practices, habits, and motivation for the hunt. How was it passed down, and how will you pass it along? If you don’t come from a hunting environment, or don’t have the background of a hunting tradition, what sorts of things might you pass along as a mentor to other hunters?" Phillip Loughlin


Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member Kandahar Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...