Are You a Killer?

[exchemist]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I kill a lot of pests in the garden without qualms and I have caught, gutted and eaten fish. I've never caught anything warm-blooded to kill and eat, but I don't think I'd have too much trouble doing that to, say, a rabbit. Anything bigger might be a challenge.

What did shock me, in Texas, was to come across a clearing in the woods with a feeding trough and, on the other side, a hut on stilts. I was told people put feed in the trough to entice deer and then "Texecute" them with guns, from the comfort of the hut about 10 m away, with a ready supply of hamburgers and beer to hand while they waited. Apparently that's their idea of "hunting". It struck me as, well, degenerate, to be honest. I'd always assumed it would be like deer stalking in the Scottish Highlands.

 

[SigurdReginson]

I grew up hunting and fishing for food. Not such an uncommon thing here in the pacific northwest, though it is less common in the city where I live now. I still might go back to fishing in the future.

In my opinion, everyone who eats meat should go hunting and harvest at least one deer. They need to see where their meat comes from. There is a lot of gravity involved in taking an animals life to sustain your own, and a lot of hard work goes into cleaning and processing the animal. I feel one should always remember those things when they sit down to their nice, pre packaged steak at dinner time.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I'm a vegetarian that doesn't really like vegetables...unless they're heavily seasoned...which is why I like Indian food so much.

That does help.

 

[SigurdReginson]

I kill a lot of pests in the garden without qualms and I have caught, gutted and eaten fish. I've never caught anything warm-blooded to kill and eat, but I don't think I'd have too much trouble doing that to, say, a rabbit. Anything bigger might be a challenge.

What did shock me, in Texas, was to come across a clearing in the woods with a feeding trough and, on the other side, a hut on stilts. I was told people put feed in the trough to entice deer and then "Texecute" them with guns, from the comfort of the hut about 10 m away, with a ready supply of hamburgers and beer to hand while they waited. Apparently that's their idea of "hunting". It struck me as, well, degenerate, to be honest. I'd always assumed it would be like deer stalking in the Scottish Highlands.

Yah... Honestly, I hate this method of hunting too. It removes the hunting aspect from... Well, hunting.

I was raised with tracking, spotting, and stalking. A lot of effort goes into the hunt, but it gets you closer to nature, imo. "Texecuting" is about killing, hunting should be about the hunt as a whole.

 

[exchemist]

I'm a vegetarian that doesn't really like vegetables...unless they're heavily seasoned...which is why I like Indian food so much.

I refer you to the Madhur Jaffrey recipe for dhal with spinach that I posted a while back. The Vegetarian Recipes Thread

 

[Sunstone]

I quit killing animals at age 12. As it happened, I was watching an animal die after I'd shot it when I suddenly realized the animal was fighting death, trying to live. That was enough for me. I quit then and there. Told myself I'd never again take an animal's life unless it was for food.

Incidentally, that was a full six years before I quit beating up people. I grew up kind of volcanic and angry due to a mood disorder. I had only one rule: The kids I picked on had to be my size or bigger (that was mom's influence on me -- given her teachings, I would have been ashamed to pick on anyone smaller than me).

Like, as a freshman in high school, I was beating up juniors and seniors so frequently the football coach told me if I didn't quit picking on his varsity team, he'd beat the crap out of me himself. I quit picking on them, but I didn't stop picking on other kids until I was 18. I didn't always win fights. I lost my share of them. But there wasn't anyone wanted to fight me twice, even if they won the first time.

Then I did something in a fit of rage to the school's heavyweight wrestler -- I won't say what -- that made me realize I might kill someone someday. Right on the spot I decided never to fight again unless in defense of myself or someone else.

I still don't know why growing up I in some ways had more compassion for animals than people.

 

[The Hammer]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I would kill in order to feed my family, hunt or otherwise. My wife is vehemently opposed to it, but the notion seems ingrained in me. She is nearly vegetarian as is (only chicken, minimal beef),

I would treat the killing of an animal for food as a Spiritual affair, and I would Honor the animal before killing. I would also ensure to make use of every part of the animal I knew how, and offer the rest to the Wilds (other scavengers).

Edit: I'd like to add, I've never had to do so. So whether or not I'd be able to in the moment, IDK?

 

[Secret Chief]

I was beating up juniors and seniors so frequently

Makes note to always agree with Sunstone.

 

[PureX]

We forget how often morality is a rich man's luxury that poor men can't afford. When we have to secure our own food, for survival, we'll do so however and wherever we can, or we'll go hungry.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I wouldn't eat meat if I were the one killing and processing the animals. I saw how they stung (I think it was) lambs when sliding them through a conveyor belt. I watched how hotdogs were made (and haven't ate one since) and other things. I tried not eating any meat (vegan) but outside of beans and salads, all our food is so artificial it's hard to figure what's healthy. There is a huge separation between what's in stores and what we see on our plate (edit. what's outside, rather). My brother years ago quit his job at Kentucky Fried Chicken when he saw chicken's blood.

 

[ChristineM]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I was raised on a farm and often killed and processed birds and helped with the slaughter of smaller farm animals. I wouldn't call it fun but its not a problem for me.

Ive not hunted, in the UK is wasn't done. In France at this time of the year the baying of dogs and the sound gunfire on Saturdays and Sundays is a sure sign that at least some locals will be dining on wild boar or venison.

We often see three or four vehicles parked by the side of the road outside the village, a couple of dogs and a bunch of guys with camouflage gear and dayglow orange jackets. My eldest daughter (vegetarian) has a habit of winding her window down and shouting "murderers"

 

[Secret Chief]

I tried not eating any meat (vegan) but outside of beans and salads, all our food is so artificial it's hard to figure what's healthy.

What do you mean by artificial? Does your particular location or country mean choices are restricted?

As to healthy diets, reliable sources of information are easy to find online or in publications.

 

[Sunstone]

Makes note to always agree with Sunstone.

LOL! Honestly, Chief, I'm totally reformed these days. The 'surplus rage' left years ago when therapy and meds cured my mood disorder. I'd be a total pacifist today were it not that I still believe in self-defense or the defense of innocent other people.

 

[Secret Chief]

My eldest daughter (vegetarian) has a habit of winding her window down and shouting "murderers"

You have a very polite daughter.

 

[Sunstone]

We forget how often morality is a rich man's luxury that poor men can't afford. When we have to secure our own food, for survival, we'll do so however and wherever we can, or we'll go hungry.

"A society can only have the morality it has the economy to afford." -- Sunstone, after Larry Niven

 

[ChristineM]

You have a very polite daughter.

You have no idea... and i have no idea where she gets it from. Her father is so quiet and unassuming

 

[Subduction Zone]

I killed the animal and helped with the processing, though I didn't do most of the processing. I also didn't cook the animal either.

There were actually two animals and they were ducks if that was you next question.

In answer to the OP, yes I have hunted and eaten my meat. Cleaned it too. I never went duck hunting, but once on our farm a hunter gave me a couple of the ducks that he had shot on our land. I only had to pluck and clean them. That was when I understood the term water "fowl". They had more than a bit of an odor to my young and delicate nose.

They were still very tasty once cooked.

 

[Koldo]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

Honestly?
I feel like I would have a much easier time killing enemies at war than killing chicken for dinner.

I would probably become vegetarian indeed. I am looking forward to being one in the future by the way, but being a picky eater makes it even more complicated.

 

[Vinayaka]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I first learned about agricultural disconnect at about age 10. Some cousins had been visiting us on the farm, and had watched Mom milk Blossom. (a cow) . Back at the dinner table one of them complained that he didn't like cow's milk, he liked the stuff his Mom bought in town.

Disconnect is huge. I think we'd lose respect for bananas if we saw how hard the labour is in Ecuador. We'd definitely stop eating coconuts if we saw them being harvested by trained monkeys in Indonesia.

 

[Quagmire]

Clickbait title is clickbait. Well...sort of.

In a discussion yesterday afternoon, the topic shifted to how a family destitute was destitute to the point that the father had to hunt to put food on the table, which led to a discussion about hunting and consuming meat.

Someone brought up the popularity of hunting in the US (deer and bear primarily) which led to me talking about how all the males in my family but me were avid hunters.

It was at that point, some guy from the UK mentioned that it is quite uncommon in his country to hunt for food, and there is such a disconnect from where meat actually comes from that it's not even considered that it's an animal that was killed for food when buying chicken or another meat off the grocery shelf. Is that the case in your neck of the woods?

I once asked myself, "Would I continue to eat meat if I had to kill and butcher these animals myself?" The answer was a resounding no, which was a large consideration in my choice to become vegetarian.

If you are an omnivore (or a carnivore), would you continue to eat meat if buying it at the grocery wasn't an option (or it wasn't given to you if you don't buy your own food), and you had to kill and butcher the animal yourself? Would that be enough to make you a vegetarian? Why or why not?

I would actually feel better about killing and butchering my own meat just because I know I wouldn't make the animals suffer first the way the livestock industry does.