Hunting is a cruel sport that endangers the lives of many unwilling animal participants. It may have been necessary for human survival in prehistoric times, but today most hunters bait, stalk and kill animals merely for the thrill of it, not out of necessity.

This unnecessary, violent form of “entertainment” rips animal families apart and leaves countless animals orphaned or badly injured when hunters miss their target.

Contrary to what hunters often say in defense of their cruel pastime, hunting has nothing to do with “conservation” or “population control.” In fact, animals are often specifically bred and raised for hunters to kill.

Hunters strive to kill animals to hang over their fireplaces – usually the largest, most robust, which are needed to keep the gene pool strong. This “trophy hunting” often weakens the rest of the species’ population.

Before you support a “wildlife” or “conservation” group, ask about its position on hunting. Some groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, the Izaak Walton League, the Wilderness Society and the World Wildlife Fund are pro sport hunting or they do not oppose it.

All hunting needs to stop. The killing of wild animals as recreation is fundamentally at odds with the values of a humane, just and caring society.