Hunters in Favor of Baiting
Points that I have heard from hunters in favor of baiting are mostly based on terrain and where it is legal. For instance, Texas. Texas outfitters and hunters argue the fact that in their state, the shear vastness of land and the type of cover makes it almost impossible to hunt the traditional way of still hunting, drives and spot & stalk. I've heard this same point from hunters in Canada, miles and miles of forest, how else will you be able to harvest your game?
With time restraints due to work, family and other obligations, hunters argue that they still want to hunt but don't have the extra time to spend days in the woods. Where it's legal, they bait, fill their freezer and help with the game management.
Hunters have also expressed that while sitting over bait they see things you would not normally see or see more often. An example is the whitetails interaction with one another. Hunters say they learn a great deal from watching deer interact at such a close range.
One of the biggest arguments I hear from hunters in favor of baiting is the introduction of our children to hunting. Good or bad, the world today is all about instant gratification. Some say that their children would never hunt if they spent days in the woods without ever seeing a deer or bear. "Baiting helps preserve our hunting heritage."
Hunters Against Baiting
The fair chase argument seems to be more passionate from anti baiting hunters. These hunters argue that baiting is nothing more then bringing birds to a bird feeder. Many times I have heard "what hunting skills do you need when sitting over a pile of corn?"
Hunters against baiting say that the skill of the hunt is being lost. Will the new generation of hunters know how to read sign, understand how to find a core area or understanding where they are by using their surroundings - mountains, streams, sun or moon positions. They argue that woodsmanship is also being lost, will the new hunters be able to read a compass, use land marks to find their way out of the woods. How about survival? Something as simple as building a leanto or starting a fire, all is being lost.
The biggest argument I hear, baiting is a shortcut to success, it teaches the new generation that the kill is why you hunt. Hunters against baiting argue hunting is not about the kill, but hunting is about being outdoors, exploring your hunting grounds, reading sign, preparing for all kinds of weather, watching the sunrise or listening to blue jay squawking at your presence.
We would love to hear your opinion on this debate, let's us know what your thinking!
