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Running Head: DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE

Hunting: Does economic development influence societys views?

Maia Walsh
Global Connections
Instructor: Greg Falls
December 2, 2015

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Table of Contents.page 2
Abstract....page 3
Introduction..page 4
Limitations...page 5
Methodologypage 6
Literature Review.page 7
Discussionpage 9
Conclusionpage 12

9. Appendix..page 13
10. Bibliography.page 14

Abstract
This paper is about the economic and societal views of hunting. It compares a first world
and a third world country and their dependency on hunting. Africa, being the third world country
did not possess any strong feelings of dislike nor love for hunting, while America, being the first

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

world country, did not have a position. Multiple things got in the way of the researcher. Included
in these things is personal biases, the inability to travel and the short amount of time left to
research. African economies and societies thrived due to trophy hunting and hunting out of
necessity. While American economies benefitted significantly, there is no longer a need to hunt
which is why it is such a controversial topic.

Introduction
Hunting has been practiced since the dawn of time. Whether the weapon of choice be a
bow and arrow, practiced more so in prehistoric times, or a rifle, the killing of animals for
necessity has been around for thousands of years. Only in the past couple hundred years has

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

game hunting and trophy hunting become more popular amongst those in developed countries.
Also in light of recent years has hunting become more and more controversial. In developed
countries, there has been a tantamount of disdain for the game and trophy hunting. In developing
countries, the need for hunting, as well as the entertainment, isnt as talked about. The topic that
is going to be discussed is how economic development, if it does, influence societal views on
hunting, whether it be game, trophy, or necessity.
In the United States, hunting has no longer become a need as we have supermarkets and
fast food restaurants that pasteurize and process and kill our meats for us where as in Africa they
have to hunt and kill them themselves while making sure the meat is safe to eat. Hunting isnt as
talked about in Africa as it is in America because it is a way of life for Africans. However, with
the open reigns of hunting in Africa, there are some conservations to help restore the populations
that have declined due to overhunting.
What caused the most recent flare up of why hunting is controversial is the killing of
Cecil the Lion in Africa. To make a long story short, a dentist from America killed Cecil, who
was on an African conservation, with the help of workers at the conservation and a whole flare
up occurred as to whether this was ethical or not. PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of
Animals) got involved calling the dentist an animal and some even sent death threats. African
government didnt talk about it much, because that one single hunter generated a lot of money
for the Zimbabwean economy.

Limitations

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

Although hunting and economic comparisons is a rather selective topic, it does present
many limitations.
Time: Through the duration of the research, the researcher only had a limited amount of
time. This doesnt allow for the best access to information nor does it give the researcher a vast
amount of time to look more into depth about the topic. There could be many connections that
the researcher has not been able to look into due to the limited amount of time given. Also, time
does not allow the researcher to look further into the future to present new information found.
Biases: The biggest obstacle that the researcher had to get through is the many biases that
presented themselves. Whenever the researcher would look up hunting in a designated area, the
results given would always present personal opinions rather than factual information.
Sometimes, if a personal opinion was given, there would be no evidence to back it up, therefore
no longer making it credible information, which then made the information no use to the
researcher.
Primary source: Another limitation that presented itself is that the authors own personal
biases were getting in the way of research. However the author would feel, is how the
information would present itself. For example, if the author believed hunting was unethical but it
did contribute to the economy of their country, would they want to discontinue it or proceed for
the betterment of the countrys economy?
Inability to Travel: This is also another huge limitation that would present itself to the
researcher quite early on in the research. Not being able to travel to the country that the
researcher is researching is quite tough because the researcher is not seeing the economic
benefits, or detriment, for themselves.

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

Methodology
The methodology that the author used to research this topic is by using some primary
sources, as well as a vast majority of secondary sources. For the primary sources that the author
used, it was her personal opinion and experiences as well as family members. Whereas with the
secondary sources, many were internet articles and organizations.
For the first primary source, the author used her own background knowledge and past
experiences. For example, when the author was a young girl, her father would hunt deer and
make deer jerky for his family as well as his co-workers. While the author thought the act of
killing an innocent deer was unethical, they continued to eat it as it was a source of nutrition and
it was cheaper than going out and buying a whole box load. For the family experiences, the
author used her father and her grandparents. She asked them about how much it cost to get a
hunting license, what the economic effects are, whether or not there was a limit to how many
animals they can kill within a given time, what percent of their time and efforts go to
conservation efforts, and finally how much they would spend annually on hunting gear.
For the secondary sources, the author used many different websites to research the costs
and benefits of hunting on the economy as well as on the impact on the environment. She also
looked up regulations as well as personal opinions on hunting and what organizations agreed
with hunting and which ones did not. The author got many different perspectives and acquired
much needed information to complete this research from the secondary sources.

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

Literature Review
Economic Development
This research paper is going to focus primarily the pros and cons of hunting and if
economic development would lead to the societal views of hunting. One of the things that the
researcher began with, is economic development. The researcher focused on first and third world
countries and how their society viewed hunting. In the United States, hunting has different views.
Some people believe very strongly in hunting and why it is ethical and how it impacts the
environment. Hunters in the United States alone generated $38.3 billion dollars and create
680,000 jobs in 2011. Also, since the foundation of conservations in the United States, hunters
have given over $7.2 billion dollars to conservation efforts ("Hunting in America"). Something
that indirectly contributes to the American economy is that hunters donate thousands of pounds
of venison to the homeless and hungry ("Hunters Against PETA"). In Africa, hunting directly
contributes to the economy. One single hunting license can generate more revenue than dozens
of tourists coming in. It also generates important revenue for the entirety of the country that
would not be there if it were not for hunting. Also, in Africa, trophy hunters leave plenty of meat
for the locals since they are after the one thing that generates money ("What if we banned trophy
hunting in Africa? - Conservation"). For elephant trophy hunters, their most valued asset is their
tusks.

Pros and Cons of Hunting

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

The next thing that the researcher researched, is how each country viewed
hunting. Some had pros and some had cons. In the United States, the views were split down the
middle. Some organizations, like PETA, had very strong adversaries and didnt want hunting and
cruelty of animals to even be in the question. For other organization groups, such as Hunters
Against PETA, hunting should be allowed due to their avid contributions of money to go towards
conservation efforts as well as their economic value. Whereas the rest of Americans didnt really
care about whether someone hunted or not. The amount of Americans that disapprove of hunting
has dropped from 22% in 1995 to 16% in 2007 ("Does Hunting Help or Hurt the
Environment?"). In Africa, hunting isnt as discussed about there as it is in the United States. All
the majority of Africans know is that is provides for them economically and provides them with
food and thats all they care about. After the killing of Cecil the Lion, outrage occurred and the
African government had to do something about it otherwise the outrage would maybe then topple
the government.

Discussion
Hunting has been a controversial topic, especially coming up in the past few years.
Hunting is utilized for many things including food, shelter, and for some a spiritual entryway
right into heaven. However, hunting can be taken advantage of, for example, poaching, which
can lead to extinction and endangerment, and game, which has no real use at all.
Hunting in the United States has become more popular especially in Midwestern areas.
There are also several Native American sites in the Midwest that utilize the traditional way of
life; hunting and gathering. Society isnt aware of the effects, not only social but also

DOES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFLUENCE HUNTING

economical, that we are having on the ecological community by hunting. Hunting is defined as
the activity of hunting wild animals or game, especially for food or sport (Oxford). In this
country, people tend to hunt for sport rather than food, granted there are the exceptions.
Africa
The main problem that the researcher is going to focus on is the ability of people to take
advantage of hunting laws and use them for harm, but she will also be going to be focusing on
the pros and cons of hunting and how hunters can help maintain populations, as well as how the
economy is impacted by hunting and trophy hunting. This is important because it is a growing
problem, like how in Africa there was a dentist who killed a lion and saw nothing wrong with it.
This story wouldnt have become what it did if it werent for the social media outlets. It enraged
people in the United States as well as in Africa. The Zimbabwean government didnt care when it
came to Palmer however when it came to the hunter who helped Palmer kill Cecil, it was deemed
illegal and he was stripped of his hunting license and he was no longer a professional hunter. He
said that this ruined his life, in which it should have. Cecil was a GPS-tracked lion that was
helping conduct research for Oxford University in England ("Hunter Who Aided U.S. Dentist in
Killing Cecil the Lion Says His Life Is Ruined," n.d.). However, Walter Palmer, the US dentist,
seemed to get off without a scratch. Yes, he did get criticized and he did shut down his practice
but he didnt get jail time nor fined by the government of Zimbabwe.
The main branch of hunting that occurs in Africa is trophy hunting or poaching. Trophy
hunting is defined as the selective hunting of wild game, usually to gain a profit or bragging
rights and poaching is defined as illegally hunt or catch (game or fish) on land that is not one's
own, or in contravention of official protection. Right off the back, when the researcher began her

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research in Africa, there were plenty of sites talking about African safaris in which one would go
hunting on. These African safaris would cost money and the officials at the safari site would have
to be sure of your hunting license and that it is effective. This money is then redistributed back
into the economy of wherever the African safari may be. African countries rely on hunting to
generate important revenue. One single hunting license can generate more money than several
groups of a dozen tourists ("What if we banned trophy hunting in Africa? - Conservation"). In
the 23 African countries that allow sports hunting, 18,500 tourists spend $200 million per year to
hunt ("Trophy Hunting Can Help African Conservation, Study Says"). Also indirectly, the
hunters are contributing to the life of the locals. Trophy hunters are after one thing, whether it be
the tusks or trunk or horns, thats what they are after to get. After the hunter has achieved this,
they leave the animal carcass, full of meat, to the locals ("What if we banned trophy hunting in
Africa? - Conservation"). A pro to trophy hunting, as odd as it sounds, is that it contributes to the
conservation of African wildlife. According to National Geographic, trophy hunting contributes
to conservation efforts because more hunters will want to keep the animal to kill so they can
make more of a profit. It also contributes to conservation efforts by providing economic
incentives ("Trophy Hunting Can Help African Conservation, Study Says"). A counter to this that
many officials have tried to present is instead of killing them for economic gain, we should use
ecotourism.
Ecotourism is defined as tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural
environments, especially to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife (Oxford).
Advocated for animal rights think this is a better way to generate money and save animals and
give back to the economy. According to Conservative Magazine, buffalo and elephants were the

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most lucrative trophies. Additionally, elephants provided for 55% of all hunting-related income
("What if we banned trophy hunting in Africa? - Conservation").
United States
Hunting has been an American tradition since people first landed in Jamestown. The
natives helped the first settlers get acquainted with bows and arrows and the technique of killing
fast moving animals. Even one of our presidents was an advocate for hunting, yet was a
conservationist. Hunting provides 2 benefits: wildlife management and an economic boost
("Hunting in America - An Overview - Protect The Harvest"). Advocates for the rights of hunters
say that, It brings one closer to the earth and the game they are hunting. It also brings families
closer together as the father or mother may teach the tradition to their kids ("Hunting in
America"). Hunters also say they love and respect wildlife and donate thousands of pounds of
venison to the hungry and needy ("Hunters Against PETA"). Hunters are, the most ardent
conservationists, supplying billions in funding. They also provide on ground efforts to protect
and improve critical habitat and wildlife for future and current generations to enjoy ("Hunting in
America").
According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, there were approximately 13.7
million hunters in 2011. In that same year, $38.3 billion dollars were spent by those hunters on
equipment and towards conservations, 680,000 jobs were created, and $11.8 billion was
generated in taxes ("Hunting in America"). However, fewer Americans hunt today, in 2006,
compared to in 1996. In 2006, the percentage dropped from 15% to 5%. In a poll, the publics
support for hunting has risen slightly. In 1995, the percentage was 73 and now it is to 78%. Also,
80% of the same respondents to the previous poll agreed that hunting has a legitimate place in

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society. The amount of disapproving citizens, also, has dropped from 22% (1995) to 16% (2007)
("Does Hunting Help or Hurt the Environment?"). In a survey conducted by the researcher, some
didnt care and others werent really sure (See appendix I).

Conclusion
In the United States, hunting has become a hot topic. Whether or not people care about
hunting and the killing of animals, it does provide an economic boost. The people are also
starting to see the economic advantages that hunting provides. Most now are beginning not to
care as long as they arent killing off an endangered animal or killing off a species entirely.
However in Africa, hunting is still used widely. Whether it be trophy, sport, poaching, or out of
pure necessity. It has provided the economy of Africa to thrive, but also face scrutiny. After the
killing of Cecil, all eyes were on Africa for maybe a week. Then society stopped caring. Once
something bigger and better comes along, animals fall to the back seat. They are not the societys
number one priority nor is society focusing a white hot light on the fact that mountain lions are
slowly starting to die out. When will they begin to care, when its too late?
Appendix

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1.

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References
"Hunting in America." National Sports Shooter Foundation, 2013. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.
<http://www.nssf.org/pdf/research/huntinginamerica_economicforceforconservation.pdf>
.

"Hunters Against PETA." Pro Hunting Organizations. Hunters Against PETA, 2015. Web. 8 Dec.
2015. <http://www.huntersagainstpeta.com/>.

"What If We Banned Trophy Hunting in Africa? - Conservation." Conservation RSS. 23 Oct.

2015. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.

"Does Hunting Help or Hurt the Environment?" Scientific American. 10 Nov. 2009. Web. 8 Dec.
2015.

"Trophy Hunting Can Help African Conservation, Study Says." National Geographic. National
Geographic Society. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/03/070315-hunting-africa.html>.

"Hunting in America - An Overview - Protect The Harvest." Protect The Harvest. 6 Oct. 2014.
Web. 10 Dec. 2015. <http://protecttheharvest.com/2014/10/06/hunting-americaoverview/>.

"Pros and Cons of Hunting." Pros and Cons of Hunting. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.
"Anti-Hunting - - In Defense of Animals." - In Defense of Animals. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

"Hunting Pros and Cons." Hunting Pros and Cons. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.

"7 Prevailaing Pros and Cons of Hunting | Navajo Code Talkers." Navajo Code Talkers. Web. 10
Dec. 2015.

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"Hunting." PETA. Web. 10 Dec. 2015.