It’s Monday morning, August 20th, and although autumn—the traditional season for hunting—is over a month away, I’m already hearing the echo of gunfire emanating from the hills around my place. If I weren’t so damned informed, I’d be thinking, “What the hell is someone shooting at this time of year?” But unfortunately I know all too well…
Judging by the intensity of the rifle report, it is not the sound of a kid with a .22 blasting at bottles or pigeons this time. Considering that the noise originated in an area where black bears and blackberries are numerous, there’s no doubt in my mind that the shooter is a bear hunter. The wild berries are just now ripening and, since bear hunting season begins on August 1st here in Washington, the loathsome scum who enjoy making sport of animal murder are out trying to end the life of a humble being whose only focus these days is filling up on fresh fruit.
Adding to my frustration, there’s no way I can hike up there and check out the situation. My right foot has been out of commission for about a week now, ever since a log rolled onto it while I was cutting firewood. Every time I try to walk on it, the pain and swelling gets worse so I’m stuck having to sit with my foot elevated, wondering whether one of my neighborhood bears has been shot to death or is now suffering from a painful gunshot wound.
Misfortune and misery are already all too common. The last thing this world needs is for a few selfish people to thoughtlessly cause suffering in the name of sport.
Text and Wildlife Photography ©Jim Robertson
Exposing the Big Game 
Reblogged this on Animal Connection.
Sorry, brother.
Thanks Jack
Who on earth could level a firearm at a living being offering no threat and pull the trigger? What on earth could be ‘fun’ about that. To me it is the stuff of nightmares.
That’s right. It’s unfathomable
As Paul Ryan said… the “thrill” of the kill.. is where it’s all at! So ashamed that such scum is also called a human… and they call the animals… “beasts” 😦
Yep, they’ve got it all backwards!
Imagine when innocent people are shot at by snipers…”hunters” do the same thing; it really is the stuff of nightmares like MK Ray said. To ENJOY taking lives, ending innocent lives, coldly, calculatingly observing the suffering and feeling satisfaction at causing death, feeling pride. Unfathomable, like you said, and so much more horrible still. Too bad about your foot…I hope it heals quickly and well.
Thanks Laura, and you’re right, hunters are playing sniper to an unarmed enemy and enjoying it like it was a video game and the animal’s life was just a “score.”
Would they be so brave if someone was shooting BACK at them?
I’m completely in sync with your sentiments and the anguish of the situation. Very, very sorry!
Thank you, Ingrid. I’m glad you can relate.