Any deer hunter can tell you stories about these cute,
bushy-tailed tree-rats and the havoc they create while you sit in silence. They
can be quite noisy—chattering away, and playing in the leaves while you are
trying to listen for deer walking near you. They can also be very destructive
to homes and anything else they decide to chew on.
Personally, I had never eaten squirrel, but I’m open to
trying new things. They are small game and have been hunted for hundreds of
years. Squirrels are plentiful and fairly easy to hunt. They are even
considered a delicacy in some areas.
A local sporting organization hosted the family-friendly event
at a hunt club, marketed as the “1st Annual Family Squirrel Classic.” It
was designed to introduce young hunters (as well as seasoned hunters who hadn’t
tried squirrel) to the game animal. Part of the event was a contest for the
hunters who brought in the biggest squirrels. The rest of the event centered
around how to prepare the game animal and cook it. Hunters and their families
were treated to several delicious game related meals like “moose stew” and some
quite tasty squirrel. Hot dogs were provided for the less adventurous.
Then came the protesters…
As I pulled up to the event with my youngest son, we were
greeted by police cars with lights blazing, news crews, and lines of protesters
with angry signs. What the…? Apparently, the small event had gotten the ear of
an animal rights organization. The signs were atrocious: “Despicable parents
raise despicable kids”, “And we wonder why there are school shootings”, and—
There were accusations that we are training serial killers, and my favorite, “Teaching kids to kill is child abuse.”
“You eat squirrel? You must be inbred.”
There were accusations that we are training serial killers, and my favorite, “Teaching kids to kill is child abuse.”
More shameful than the signs were the actions of some of the protesters.
One grandfather brought his granddaughter to the event and was barraged by
foul-mouthed name calling in front of his grandchild. Several other hunters
were also shouted at and ridiculed. I avoided the nonsense and quietly slipped
in the door to the event.
My personal reaction to protesters? It is their right to
protest PEACEFULLY. But, unless they were vegan, I found it hypocritical for
them to protest hunting and teaching our children where our food comes from.
Actually, game animals are equivalent to the food that is all the rage right
now—hormone free, antibiotic free, organic, and free-range. Many may get their
meat by paying $20/lb at the local supermarket. I get mine out in the woods and
have a better appreciation for the animal that provided my dinner. It is not
just a package that I picked up off the cooler-shelf.
Later, I did find out that there was some misinformation
given to the protesters. Many either assumed or were told directly that we were
having children shoot at caged or captive squirrels as a source of “family fun,”
and that there were prizes for the kids who shot the most. I would have been
just as outraged if this were true.
The moral of today’s post? It is fine to disagree with
someone. Everyone has a right to their own beliefs. If you don’t understand
someone’s point of view, have a CIVIL conversation. You might learn that the
person is not that different than you. You might learn that you have
misunderstood what they actually stand for. Or, you might discover that you
completely disagree with that person. In which case it does NOT give you the
right to disrespect them. Just agree to disagree, and leave it at that.
Hopefully, if that person is mature, they will do the same.
In closing, hunters have an increasingly difficult time in
populated areas like New Jersey. We play a vital part of the ecology that many
people in our state do not understand. It is our responsibility to help them
realize the part we play. Our job is to educate those who are willing to listen
and learn about the joys of safe, ethical hunting.
Be safe, and enjoy your next trip to the woods.
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