Firstly, it is not lost on us how much controversy the topic of trophy hunting brings about. This article is not an opinion piece or a statement on where we stand. It is a neutral informative piece on the good and the ugly of trophy hunting.

Starkly put, trophy hunting is hunting wild animals for recreation. While the definition alone is morally repugnant, trophy hunting can surprisingly be good for wild animals. In a greater good kind of way.

The Good

Rhino feeding

Let’s go straight to the point. Trophy hunting is a source of funding for conservation efforts. Part of the income generated through hunting permits and licenses is used to fund animal conservation efforts. In other words, it is a case of sacrificing one for the many. Recreational hunting is especially pronounced in African countries. Needless to say, conservation efforts can be a financial burden on governments and organizations. To help meet the cost of conservation a government may set a price for hunting licenses and permits which becomes a source of funding for wildlife conservation.

Furthermore, money generated through trophy hunting is sometimes apportioned to local communities that live in contact with wildlife. Such money is used to compensate the local communities for damage done by wildlife. For example, Big Cats like lions, leopards, and cheetahs constantly attack livestock. Elephants are notorious for damaging crops on farms. Governments are legally required to offer compensation for such incidences. Not only that, local communities members are sometimes paid to help in conservation efforts such as informing authorities on poaching activities within their localities. Some members even set traps for poachers.

In a nutshell, the good of trophy hunting is simply that it is a highly controlled and regulated activity that generates funding for wildlife conservation efforts and provides monetary benefits to communities that live in contact with wildlife.

The Ugly

Close-up of a bison bull

To put it bluntly, trophy hunting involves killing animals. By the way, here are 5 Endangered Species To See In Kenya. It is hard to imagine why anyone would derive pleasure from killing animals for apparently no reason at all apart from the thrill of the chase. Even more astonishing is the amount some of the participants are willing to fork out to hunt. While the moral fiber of such individuals may be subject to debate, wisdom demands that we do not throw the baby out with the bath water. For every one animal that is hunted down by a trophy hunter, several more are saved by the income generated from trophy hunting.

In summary, one does not have to accept or be comfortable with trophy hunting. However, it is also good to know that where trophy hunting is well managed and regulated it can also do more good than harm. Also, check out this short video that expounds on this topic in a fun animation that really drives the point home. How do you feel about trophy hunting? Let us know in the comment section below or on Facebook or Twitter. Also, message us on Facebook for last-minute Xmas packages to Mombasa, Naivasha, Nakuru, and other destinations across the country or email us on sales@starlucktravel.com.

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