Reading all the replies to this thread has brought me to the realization how opinionated we can become concerning issues we feel passionate about. I am certain there are occasions I have been just as guilty.
I basically see it boils down to three primary thoughts, feelings, beliefs.
1. Any form of bating is taboo, wrong, and sinful, “unethical” and should never be engaged in.
2. Bating is ok for one species but again wrong, sinful, and “unethical” for another.
3. Bating where legal is a choice/right.
Let’s consider the first view. If we take the “purist” view or opinion that any form of bating is taking unfair advantage of the quarry in order to increase ones chances of scoring a successful kill, then we need to think about whether or not we take unfair advantage with camo clothing, attractants, tree stands, pop up blinds, game calls, rattling antlers, modern bows, deer drives, etc. etc. I would think if you are considered “unethical” using one advantage you would be “unethical” using any advantage.
Moving on to number two. Bating bears and feral hogs is generally acceptable and not considered “unethical”, well, with the exception of the “purist”. Hunting food plots or any other food source, including watering holes where critters are known to congregate I suppose should be “unethical” as well. And going on those expensive African Safaris that set up blinds at feeding stations and watering holes, that is really “unethical”.
Finally, some states do not allow bating and some do. If you bate in states that do not allow bating then you are violating the law. If you bate in states where it is against the law then my feeling is your integrity is flawed. In Texas bating has been lawful and even encouraged for over 50 years. Though there is some public land, by and large most of Texas is privately owned. In order to hunt in Texas you either have to know someone who has land and will allow you to hunt or you will have to pay a trespass fee to get on a hunting lease. Hunting in Texas is big business and hunting leases average between $1500 - $3500 depending on how good the lease is. Besides the trespass fee some leases will require a trophy feel also if you want to take what they consider a trophy. The leases are generally seasonal so you pay again every time hunting season rolls around. Most hunters would like to get a return on their investment so hunting feeders is encouraged.
My observation has been, those who have an abundance of public land with National Forest or heavy hardwood forests where bating has generally always been illegal, if not completely, at least in some degree hold closer to the “purist” view. Those where bating is legal and have little if any public land to hunt generally don’t have a problem with it.
What troubles me are the ones who without an understanding of the other’s situation get on their high horse and condemn. I think some of us can’t get out of our own way. With regards to traditional bow hunting, determining parameters as to what each of us allow within legal limits is a personal choice.
Topic: How many hunt feed(ers)? (Read 4503 times)
