Mentoring The Anti-Hunter
Image: O.F. Mossberg & Sons
Mentorship is vital for the future of our hunting community, but let me suggest the demographic we need to focus on the most isn’t other hunters. No, the “choir” we need to preach to isn’t singing our praises; they’re trying to silence them.
How do you mentor an anti-hunter? The goal might be to get them to hunt, but that’s not the first step. The initial victory is turning an anti-hunter apathetic. If they stop opposing hunting, that’s a win — from there, more victories can follow.
According to Jeff Rawlinson, vice president of National Archery in Schools, this transformation is possible, especially when we frame hunting correctly.
“One thing everyone should be able to understand is hunting should be seen through the context of our North American Model of Conservation,” Rawlinson explains. “While some folks are ‘anti’ simply because they can’t get past the idea of killing animals, fewer oppose hunting when it’s referred to as ‘regulated hunting.’ This shows them it’s a legal, regulated activity governed by state and national laws, with oversight by professionals trained in these fields.”
This change in perspective won’t happen overnight. It takes work. The first step in having an anti-hunter reconsider their opposition is to understand why they’re against hunting in the first place.
“When anti-hunters learn about the immense success our nation has had in conservation — thanks in large part to the funding structure created by sportsmen and women — the term ‘hunting’ becomes much more understandable,” Rawlinson adds. “Once people understand something better, it’s harder to be against it. Emphasizing the ecological, economic and social benefits hunting provides helps clarify that their opposition often stems from misunderstandings about what hunting really is. While it may not turn them into hunters overnight, it reframes the conversation around facts and encourages them to think more deeply.”
Understanding Anti-Hunting Perspectives
Anti-hunters generally oppose hunting for various reasons, often involving ethical concerns, environmental worries, and philosophical beliefs. Understanding these viewpoints is important for mentoring effectively.
1. Animal Rights & Ethics
• Moral Opposition to Killing: Many anti-hunters believe it’s morally wrong to kill animals for sport or recreation. They argue animals have an inherent right to live without human interference or harm.
• Sentience and Suffering: Anti-hunters often emphasize animals are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, and thus, they view it as unethical to cause suffering or death for human purposes.
2. Environmental & Conservation Concerns
• Disruption of Ecosystems: Anti-hunters argue hunting disrupts ecosystems and can unbalance species populations, leading to unintended consequences within the food chain.
• Non-Natural Population Control: While hunters often claim hunting helps manage wildlife populations, anti-hunters believe nature has its own population-control mechanisms. They worry human intervention may do more harm than good.
• Trophy Hunting: There’s robust opposition to trophy hunting, which anti-hunters view as wasteful, disrespectful and solely for sport rather than necessity.
3. Alternatives To Hunting
• Non-Lethal Methods: Anti-hunters frequently advocate for non-lethal methods of managing wildlife populations, such as sterilization or relocation. They believe modern techniques allow for more humane coexistence with wildlife.
4. Cultural & Societal Norms
• Changing Social Values: Society’s attitudes toward animals are shifting. As more people live in urban areas, the idea of animals as creatures to be protected is becoming more common, rather than viewing them as resources for food or sport.
• Respect for Wildlife: Some oppose hunting out of a broader philosophical respect for wildlife. They believe humans should adopt a non-interventionist approach to nature, allowing animals to live without the threat of being hunted.
Communicating With Anti-Hunters
Changing an anti-hunter’s views requires civil, patient communication. Cassie Gasaway — a fellow hunter and outdoor communicator with previous experience at the Archery Trade Association and NWTF — offers essential advice.
“People will judge you by how you look, talk and act. Since only 4% of the American population hunts, 96% are watching, analyzing and critiquing what we do at home and in the field. You must always represent hunting positively,” she said.
She advised hunters should avoid missteps in how they communicate.
“Phrases like, ‘If it’s brown, it’s down!’ might seem harmless among hunters but can sound ruthless to non-hunters,” she warned. “Such comments might suggest you’re killing just to kill, which can be off-putting. Additionally, sharing graphic images online without context can alienate people unfamiliar with hunting.”
Building Bridges: How To Mentor An Anti-Hunter
According to Tom Ryle, a mentor with The First Hunt Foundation, listening is the key to opening a dialogue.
“In my experience, an approach centered on listening is crucial,” he says. “By showing an interest in the other party’s views, you’re more likely to have them listen to yours.”
7 Steps To Effective Mentorship
1. Understand Their Perspective: Take the time to learn their views on hunting. Listening to their concerns about animal welfare or ethical issues can help you engage meaningfully.
2. Find Common Ground: Focus on shared interests, like a love for nature or conservation. Identifying common values is a powerful way to bridge the gap between differing opinions.
3. Be Respectful: Always approach discussions with respect and an open mind. Avoid confrontational language and be willing to listen without judgment.
4. Share Your Passion: If appropriate, explain why hunting is important to you — whether it’s about wildlife management, conservation or sourcing ethical food.
5. Engage In Neutral Activities: Invite them to join activities like habitat management or volunteering for conservation projects. This can offer a new perspective on the positive impacts of hunting without the pressure of the hunt itself.
6. Be Patient: Building understanding takes time. Let the relationship develop naturally without pushing your views too quickly.
7. Respect Boundaries: If certain topics are sensitive, avoid them. Instead, focus on enjoying mutual interests and cultivating respect.
“In the end, it’s about education,” Gasaway suggests. “Invite anti-hunters on hunting-related adventures, like managing habitat or cleaning up trash in the woods, so they can see firsthand how hunters work to improve the environment for wildlife.”
Mentoring anti-hunters into a more neutral or understanding stance requires patience, respect and a willingness to have open, honest conversations. It’s about more than just changing minds — fostering mutual understanding, breaking down misconceptions and showing hunters are stewards of the land, working to preserve wildlife for generations.
