Wildlife

Welfare of Animals in Sport Hunting

Sport hunting of wild animals causes significant suffering through wounding rates, chase stress, and non-lethal injuries across all major game species.

Key Facts

Wounding rates for deer hunting are estimated at 10-25% of animals shot
Trophy hunting generates significant revenue but is dominated by wealthy foreign hunters
Canned hunting operations confine animals to kill them at close range
Lead ammunition from hunting contaminates carcasses and kills scavengers including eagles
Regulated hunting can support conservation in some contexts

Welfare Considerations

Wounded animals that escape hunters may suffer for hours, days, or weeks from injuries. The chase phase of hunting causes extreme fear stress in prey animals. Trophy hunting of social species like elephants and lions disrupts family groups. Lead poisoning from discarded carcasses kills eagles, condors, and other scavengers who ingest lead fragments.

What You Can Do

Support non-lead ammunition requirements in hunting regulations
Advocate for comprehensive wounding rate studies and reduction targets
Oppose canned hunting operations
Support wildlife photography as an alternative to trophy hunting