Thread: Disrespecting the Pheasant

Originally Posted by Pointer

A massive can of worms here, the ethics of hunting.

Is driven shooting the same? Those guys shoot more pheasant in a weekend than what you and I do in a year. A celebration of marksmanship, nothing more?

So many interesting points in this discussion, Bill999 has some valid points. When they are rare and hard worked for, they are precious. When they are like they are here in the BOP, a brace under every bush , They do lose that value. Beautiful nonetheless, but common. The excitement they provide in sport is of more value than their presence, if that makes sense?

Which brings me to the next point, who are we to judge one mans idea of sport? He obviously derives pleasure from it, and good on him too. At least he is not breaking any laws, or taking advantage of others to do so. By you being more selective and focusing on your dogs work, are you (we?) better than him? Many people shoot pheasant with out dogs, or just a lab at heel to pull them out of thick cover or water they fall into. Are they worse than you because the dog work is poor?

I think we do have a "breaking the law" issue here! On a pheasant preserve you can shoot unlimited hens and cocks. Outside a preserve fence there are rules. No hens and a limit on cocks. Pheasants can only be controlled as pests if they are proven to be causing financial ruin to crops?? Certainly not the case here?