Consider humanity as the ultimate predator. Many, if not most of us, particularly in the United States, are quite comfortable with the harvesting of organisms like tuna, deer, ducks, or rabbits. Other countries and cultures; however, value species for food that rarely, if ever, find their way to the North American dinner plate. What are your thoughts on the harvesting of organisms such as whales, dolphins, seals, etc.? Is hunting the only major issue that might threaten the existence of these organisms? Should we limit ourselves to eating only certain organisms? Why, or why not?

Hunting could have been important for human survival in ancient times, but today most hunters track and shoot prey for the sake of excitement, not out of necessity. This needless, aggressive type of "entertainment" breaks families apart and leaves countless animals orphaned or seriously wounded as hunters miss their targets.

Speedy kills are uncommon, and many animals experience slow, excruciating deaths when hunters are seriously wounded but are unable to kill them.

Hunters' planned targets are not the only ones to suffer. Hunting incidents damage property and hurt horses, pigs, dogs, cats, hikers and other hunters. According to the International Hunter Education Organization, scores of deaths and hundreds of casualties are due to shooting in the U.S. every year—and this figure involves only human-related accidents.

Any conservation authorities have finally understood this and are exploring other management strategies. Some reports indicate that sterilization is an inexpensive, long-term cure for overpopulation.