HTT - Hunting Edition

There are a few topics that Mr. Dub knows not to discuss with me, mostly because I get so passionate about them that I cannot be swayed. What can I say? I'm human. That's why my weekly Hot Topic posts are usually ignorant, biased and often tongue-in-cheek. They're just my humble opinion, which is apropos since it's my blog. But I am open to reading your comments and sometimes even changing my mind, which is progress.

So I'm wondering if you can help me with this topic: hunting. Like, I'm totally against it unless you live in a cave and depend on buffalo for sustenance. I won't go into religious details here, but I've read many quotes from LDS leaders suggesting to me that hunting for sport is not acceptable.

Personally, I find hunting wrong because I just don't like the idea of someone who enjoys stalking and killing animals. Yes, it is somewhat hypocritical since I buy meat on a regular basis, but I figure the cattle rancher who brought me my hamburger is doing it for a living, not for fun. He's not going out with a couple buddies to relieve stress; he's doing it to provide for his family.

I just don't understand the thrill of pulling a trigger. To me, it reflects an inner hostility that makes me uncomfortable. I wonder if it could become a slippery slope where hurting others is a possible reaction. And no matter what, it's delighting in the bloodshed of another living thing - at least from my perspective.

Plus, in a world where all types and cuts of meat are readily available, can anyone really claim to be hunting solely to provide food? (I mean that seriously - I'd love to know what really motivates someone to hunt.)

I personally know many great men who are hunters, which makes it even more confusing. And really, there isn't much difference between hunting and fishing, yet I think of fishermen as mellow guys. But I just can't shake that feeling that hunting is bad.

Of course, it's just my opinion, and I'm dying to hear yours. I want to know if this is an ethical issue for others or just something you've always done.

Do you think hunting is OK?

Why or why not?

Shoot.