Photo by Gretchen Pelham.
“On Hunting” is a new podcast out of England where, as we know, mounted foxhunting with hounds has been banned since 2004. Its aim is to change the public’s perception of hunting in an effort to save it. The reasons behind the ban on traditional fox hunting are not based on fact, nor are they in the interest of animal welfare whatsoever, but rather on animal rights groups who have convinced virtue-signaling politicians to take up their cause for money, votes, and power. There is a huge difference between animal welfare and animal rights, as is explained in some episodes.
Jim Barrington, who is featured in the second episode, was a saboteur who became Executive Director of the League Against Cruel Sports in an effort to champion animal welfare. He is among many people, including another Chairman of the League, who left the pro-ban side after coming to understand the complexity of what hunting is, what it does for wildlife and rural communities, and how the animal rights movement is an uninformed and sinister entity. He says,
“As I moved away [from being pro-ban], I could start to see that the use of scenting hounds, in particular, was not just the least bad, it was a unique process in itself. No other method of wildlife management can replicate what hounds do. …It is a unique wildlife management process that is not only good for animal welfare but good for conservation as well. When I eventually left the League, I could see that it was a lot of prejudice against a certain type of person, and there was a lot of ignorance as well.” – Jim Barrington.
The podcast goes into detail on the effect that the ban has had on wildlife, which is actually the complete opposite of what the public had in mind. The wildlife populations that used to be kept healthy through hunting and coursing are now being wiped out through other means. They highlight the utter disassociation that the general public has with the realities of rural life, and the fact that, without these communities, city lives would change as well. Most people enjoy eating bacon and hamburgers, but at the same time don’t like the idea of animals being slaughtered. They want nature to be left alone to govern itself, but ignore the huge effect that humans have on that ecosystem, rendering their desire to look away completely unpractical.
On a lighter note, the first episode, featuring James Delingpole, emphasizes the joys of discovering hunting at a later stage in life as well as the wonderful effect it has on children. He says that “the qualities it encourages, ranging from the ability to think quickly, and read country, to camaraderie, courage, a sort of fortitude, that sort of ‘kick on’ spirit – everything about it is so beautiful, and good, and noble, that I feel like one of my holy duties is to be an ambassador for this sport.” He also talks about the misconception that hunting is a bunch of snobby toffs trampling over top of everyone in town whilst cruelly murdering animals for fun. We know that is not the case. Rather, it is about deep camaraderie, everyone making sure you’re having a good time, meeting people from all walks of life, and of course the adrenaline rush from galloping over hill and dale. He reflects,
“I’ve heard tales of snobby hunt [club]s, but in my experience, all people judge you on is whether you are prepared to have a good time. Are you having a good time? Are you showing spirit? No one judges you on your riding abilities; no one judges you on how brave you are. Nobody insists that you must take a five-bar gate… They just want you to be having a good time like they are.” – James Delingpole.
There are also plenty of hilarious and inspiring stories, as one would expect from hunting enthusiasts, laced throughout the more serious chats. They release one episode per month, with four so far, and they are very informative and fascinating. I highly recommend a listen!
Find the podcast here: On Hunting | Podcast on Spotify
Originally published on July 14, 2023.