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Original poster

New man but he shoots as a hobby ...

374 replies

jumpinjax · 07/08/2023 10:27

He seems lovely but he's told me from the outset that he shoots as a hobby.
I don't have any major feelings about shooting one way or another , because I know so little about it but now told me that he's going on a big game shoot in Autumn and I don't know what I feel ... except maybe pity for the animals.
Would you get rid straight away?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
TattyOne · 07/08/2023 11:38

As a life-long animal lover, I absolutely HATE hunters/shooters, I personally would never bother with someone that murders animals for ''sport'', they're sheer evil.

Bigminnie1 · 07/08/2023 11:39

jumpinjax · 07/08/2023 10:42

A controlled shoot of elephants and big cats I think in a reserve . I need to learn more .
And deer also. Again, controlled.

This is just awful. There's no way I would be with someone who shoots animals anyway but this is disgusting.

LovefromPickles · 07/08/2023 11:40

Assuming you mean he shoots animals to kill them for his pleasure - absolutely a dealbreaker

Clay pigeon shooting / target shooting ok

LovefromPickles · 07/08/2023 11:42

A controlled shoot of elephants and big cats I think in a reserve . I need to learn more

This is grim. I wouldn’t even speak to someone who did this fun, let alone date them

WhatATimeToBeAlive · 07/08/2023 11:43

It would be a massive NO from me.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 07/08/2023 11:44

I shoot ...... arrows at a target.
DS also shoots air rifles at a target, which I don't love, but accept.

Hunting or shooting animals would be a deal breaker for me.

Pipsquiggle · 07/08/2023 11:45

Big game hunting is vile. Absolutely abhorrent. Literally no need for it unless they are trying to get rid of an invasive species.

I have less of a problem with shooting in this country - grouse, pheasant etc as they get eaten.

No problem at all with clay shooting or target shooting.

CrunchyCarrot · 07/08/2023 11:45

Big game hunter? No way, hard no from me.

JusthereforXmas · 07/08/2023 11:46

Absolutely not... how could you date someone with no compassion or empathy for living things. Although the fact that it doesn't automatically appall you might mean you are a match made in heaven.

target shooting, paintballing, clay pigeon etc... all fine but killing things for sport is repugnant.

I know some argue hunting for food is ok or shooting to protect lifestock from preditors but at least theres an argument for those there is ZERO argument to go out big game hunting its basically poaching but for the rich.

WandaWonder · 07/08/2023 11:46

Shooting targets no issue, animals no way

squashyhat · 07/08/2023 11:46

Clay pigeons OK. Deer in the UK as part of a controlled cull if the meat is going to be used OK. With farming colleagues to manage rabbits or pigeons OK. Anything else absolutely not.

sugarsherbet · 07/08/2023 11:46

It is a world where you have to grow up in to understand. (Game shooting). You will get some very strong opinions on this subject and you need to go with your gut. Your either ok with it or your not. You may be dragged out beating in the middle of winter and expect he will be out a lot of days during the shooting season Oct - Feb unless he shoots grouse then it starts as early as august. Your life with him will revolve around it if he's super keen. It's also a pretty expensive hobby.

HagoftheNorth · 07/08/2023 11:47

I’ve seen the aftermath the day after a pheasant shoot in woods near us. Injured and traumatised birds just left. Quick death for some, but def not for all. I imagine many people who shoot have never bothered to find out what’s left afterwards. Actually, I have no problem with a skilled person shooting 1-2 birds or a deer for food (and making sure they don’t leave injured behind) but the sport shoots are awful. Personally this is a level of cruelty I can’t accept

TerfTalking · 07/08/2023 11:48

jumpinjax · 07/08/2023 10:42

A controlled shoot of elephants and big cats I think in a reserve . I need to learn more .
And deer also. Again, controlled.

Absolutely not.

He would be binned now.

I dare say there will be lots of photographs afterwards with the big gun and smiling next to said wild animal slaughtered for fun.

Wheresthebeach · 07/08/2023 11:48

I have less issue with shooting birds, and then eating them. I eat chickens and turkeys so I don't really see how I could object...but Elephants? Big Game? Ummm....no. There's something about killing for fun that is disturbing - feel the same about fox hunting. I get that's rather an arbitrary line in the sand.

MXVIT · 07/08/2023 11:49

Sorry but no.

Shooting as in range shooting target practice I could live with, in fact its someting I'd like to try myself.

Shooting as in hunting. Fat no. Blood sports are a huge red flag.

In his defense he has told you this upfront as he knows its a divisive issue, its now up to you what you do with the indo.

Mischance · 07/08/2023 11:49

Eating meat or not is not the issue here. Enjoying killing is.

Zanatdy · 07/08/2023 11:49

Deal breaker for me.

Twinsmummy1812 · 07/08/2023 11:50

Surely someone who enjoys killing a living creature for fun has to be waving red flags all over for you? If not maybe you’re well suited. You could stuff it for him…

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 07/08/2023 11:50

When I heard 'game' I thought pheasants and things (which if he shot to eat I'd be fine with).
But elephants and actual big game? I wouldn't touch him if he was the last man on earth.

Longdarkcloud · 07/08/2023 11:51

I think the real issue here is not about one’s own sensitivities and ethical beliefs regarding the killing of domestic animals etc but the ethics and attitudes of the OP’s new man friend towards big game hunting and killing these animals for sport. It must surely affect his beliefs about the value of life and this must spill over towards all life. If anyone is not saddened by the sight of the death of one of these creatures then they must have an inborn or acquired callousness.
Pychopaths, serial killers start off by ill-treating animals.
And, what leads a person to want to demonstrate their dominance over a large animal that on an equal footing would probably kill them yet is defenceless against a gun? Doesn’t this say something about character?
And those who measure their prowess by specimens on a wall or heaps of game birds - what does this demonstrate about their competiveness in every day life?
Does he feel it is his right to watch hounds pull a screaming fox to pieces?

I acknowledge that the lines can get blurry between the killing of domestic animals for food etc but civilised society has devised regulations to minimise suffering in what it regards as an essential activity and we have lived with farming for eons. Whether the people involved are less sensitive/empathetic is an argument for another day.

So OP I would run a mile because I cannot envisage your new friend treating you well.

Costacoffeeplease · 07/08/2023 11:52

jumpinjax · 07/08/2023 10:42

A controlled shoot of elephants and big cats I think in a reserve . I need to learn more .
And deer also. Again, controlled.

Absolutely not

Hearmeout · 07/08/2023 11:53

Wheresthebeach · 07/08/2023 11:48

I have less issue with shooting birds, and then eating them. I eat chickens and turkeys so I don't really see how I could object...but Elephants? Big Game? Ummm....no. There's something about killing for fun that is disturbing - feel the same about fox hunting. I get that's rather an arbitrary line in the sand.

What's the distinction? Because it sounds like it's just that you wouldn't eat an elephant.

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