Give hunting a shot
November 17, 2017
By NICK WACHOWIAK
The Mirror reporter
It would be great if everybody gave hunting a try once. Not only do you go and experience the outdoors but also get physical exercise and try different activities. Hunting teaches people the values of patience and discipline as well as giving them a greater appreciation of life.
Not everyone may be aware, but hunting can also be beneficial to the ecosystem. It can help control the wildlife populations so no environment becomes overpopulated.
Hunting sadly is becoming less popular. The Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin Applied Population Laboratory predicted that the number of male hunters for gun hunting alone will decrease by 25 percent by 2030. The number of male hunters was 500,000 in 2010 and estimated to be 400,000 in 2030.
A decreasing number of hunters means the state of Wisconsin will lose millions in revenue used to fund the state’s wildlife research. These funds help pay for conservation law enforcement and ecosystem restoration and management.
Although hunting can be considered dangerous it doesn’t have to be. As long as hunters take proper safety courses and are always cautious when handling firearms, bows, or getting into stands, the chances of an accident happening decrease drastically.
If a person finds hunting simply not for them, that is alright, too. They at least gave it a try and tried something different than from their original routine. However, you are not living life to the fullest if you fail to try anything new and aren’t presented with new experiences or challenges.
Gun hunting for deer began Nov. 18 and lasts through Thanksgiving break. If either of your parents or guardian are hunters, ask them if you can go as well. Keep in mind that it is illegal to hunt by yourself without a parent or mentor who is at least 18 years old if you do not have an updated hunting license.
Sydney Levesque • Dec 15, 2017 at 8:01 AM
I personally strongly disagree. Why would anyone want to kill another living creature for fun? This is not a very appropriate thing to be writing in a school newspaper.
Austin Schroeder • Dec 14, 2017 at 12:10 PM
I personally hunt and I think it’s relaxing and also very ethical. Hunting is also a very good way to save money and provide food for family and friends. I agree that everyone should give hunting a chance to see if you truly like to hunt or not. Not only is it good for us but for Wisconsin as well, it can help the environment and also provide money to the Wisconsin DNR so they continue to provide their services to the hunters of Wisconsin. Also with leftover deer hides they can be donated to kids in need of a coat for our cold winters. I’d say if you have never hunted before go out and experience the wild Wisconsin outdoors.
Dylan • Dec 14, 2017 at 12:03 PM
I agree it is a shame that more people aren’t hunting. I think that bow hunting is especially fun if you’re a competitive person, it’s a lot harder than rifle hunting and it gives you a greater sense of achievement when you hit your shot.