This is a more civilized perspective offered in contrast to opinions from chairmen of three tribes about hunting presented in the Feb. 26 Herald. They talked about the number of deer and elk bagged per year, as though the practice is OK, purporting that these animals were things, items like rocks or potatoes to be thrown in a bag, merely used as a resource to be harvested for human consumption. There was no discussion about these animals having a strong desire to live out their natural lives without harmful interference.
Without regular contact with deer or elk we do not have the opportunity to witness their daily social interactions and we cannot appreciate their infinite capacity for affection and many other qualities that endear us to them. The ongoing loss of forests and animal habitats because of human encroachment puts enormous stress on deer and elk.
This stress has been linked to their development of chronic wasting disease, similar to Mad Cow disease, which humans can contract by eating infected deer or elk carcass. Although hunting is defended by the use of carcass as food, there are healthier, meatless foods that are far more nourishing, and without cholesterol.
As a nurse I assure you that every nutrient the human body requires can be obtained from a meatless diet. Beans, nuts, grains and vegetables from a varied diet provide sufficient protein and good health. In regard to elk herd management, birth control vaccines are available that have been successfully used and are a more ethical choice over killing these beautiful animals.
Years from now, we will look back in horror and dismay at what we did to animals because of our crude assumptions and arrogance. A prevalent theme throughout my master’s degree curriculum addressed the many different types of intelligence, some which humans have yet to decipher and appreciate, such as the languages of dolphins and primates. Social progress often requires change in rituals, changes that many would not like because changes could threaten vested interests. Examples of changes made in various cultures were cessation of female infanticide where male births were more highly prized; stopping profitable child labor and ending black slavery.
What has historically been practiced or has been legal has not always been morally right.
Cultural pride can still be maintained but we should look real close to discern whether our acts diminish our humanity by numbing our ethical sensibilities. When we hurt, exploit or kill other species needlessly it diminishes our humanity.
In a more eco-friendly, greener world today few people are familiar with the concept of “species-ism” which has all the awful, negative aspects of racism. We diminish our humanity when we kill and it is not necessary. It is better to keep rituals that enhance our humanity by displaying compassion, kindness and respect toward animals. The answer is to share this world with the elk and deer. Protect them, be humane, coexist, and respect their right to live here, too.
Linda Emily
Poulsbo
