TROPHY: Ending The 'Sport' of Bear Hunting

Lush Cosmetics Presents: TROPHY

It may not be a surprise to learn that I do not understand 'sport' hunting. Primarily, I do not believe in the eradication of a number of highly endangered species as part of an acceptable 'tourist holiday' alternative. I don't understand gun culture, nor how it is sporting to exploit technology and the local ecosystem. Shoot paper targets or clay pigeons, use video simulators or special effects to recreate conditions, but do not destroy a species just for a mounted corpse or a gruesome throw rug. This is not a necessary evil, it is an individualise desire to dominate something or anything to make themselves feel a false sense of control in a world that is not ours to control.

Before anyone takes my head of for not supporting the rights of those who depend on hunting as their livelihood, I do believe in the basic understanding that those with a connection to the land (such as Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples) and to those who live a hunter gatherer lifestyle where they hunt to live on a personal level will kill bears when necessary. Not to sell or exploit the animals, but as a source of food or barter for necessities of life, or as the result of a tragic meeting. When you see animals as part of a complex ecosystem, as a necessary part of Mother Nature's beautiful and awesome set of inherent checks and balances, you understand the need to take only what is needed, and not what is cruel and beneath humanity's dignity.

We know, now more than ever, how little meat is actually necessary for a healthy diet. We are beginning to understand that all animals feel pain, that meat is a luxury good, not a necessity for most people. We are seeing the results of our ecological choices and the consequences of our ignorance about each animal's connection to the larger picture. We can decide to protect these animals, we can stop the slaughter and learn to watch and understand the vital role that Bears and other 'trophy' kills have in the wider ecosystem, ultimately.

This film is presented by LUSH Cosmetics, a place where I get the most yummy smelling vegan shampoo and conditioner in the history of ever, and I am always so proud of the causes they back and promote through their website. All have proved to be worthy and well researched environmental or social justice causes, and all are worth sharing. You can read more about Killing For Sport and LUSH Cosmetics by following these links.