Response to "Trophy Hunting."

Response #13

This is in response to Mary's question, "So obviously trophy hunting is an instance where the interests of the human are weighed heavier than those of the animal, but my question right now is, are we really able to justify it, or is it just a pig-headed argument created because it is something that humans can do and makes them feel good?"

Mary talks about how trophy hunting is just another way people show their competitive nature not only to brag to others about their conquests but to compete with animals for their lives. I agree with Mary; that trophy hunting is wasteful because the hunter has no intentions of using the rest of the animal. He or she just wants the head to mount of his or her wall. I do not find there to be any 'sport' in trophy hunting because the animal's life is on the line and he or she is usually, like Mary said, pushed into a corner with its back against the wall (figuratively speaking). The animal has no say in the matter. Trophy hunting is a power trip for the hunter because he or she is trying to overcome a more powerful animal. There is always a risk. Hunting for the sole purpose of gaining a new trophy to brag about is disgusting, to me. I wouldn't appreciate it very much if my head was mounted on someone's living room wall, staring at whoever is watching television that day. It's just sick. In my home state Vermont, most homes have deer head mounted on the walls and they all look the same to me. Once a hunter kills one, why must he or she keep going? What is there to prove?

There is no way to justify trophy hunting. End of story.

My question to you is: What is the difference between trophy hunting and hunting for sport? Which is more justifiable and why?