In Defense of Hunting: Yesterday and Today

by James A. Swan

An acclaimed nature writer and environmentalist delivers an eloquent and provocative pro-hunting exploration of the primal impulse to hunt and its endangered value in modern society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Conservation, Philosophy, Animals

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very long winded way of basically saying. If you abolish hunting and trapping the harm is far greater to the Eco system and to man, that can be imagined.

[Synty Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well sourced an detailed view of hunting. It promotes the concept of not only hunting ethically but also of the spiritual characteristics of the hunt.

This book expands on idea an concepts expressed in his other book "The Sacred Art of Hunting". Ending with a well thought out practical section about how to keep hunting alive and well for generations to come.

[Steve]

Takes a look at hunting as a more of a spiritual activity than sport. Which is the way it should be. And I won't even hold the fact that he's a bowhunter against him. Awesome book for non-hunters and hunters alike.

[Justin Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels outdated, and the second half of the book tangents out into obscure and isolated opinions of anti-hunting speakers. While somewhat topical, the author’s arguments challenging the anti-hunting sentiments seem too conclusive, leaving plenty of meat on the bone. However, the first half captures the spirit of hunting and details an interesting history of the role hunting has played throughout mankind’s existence.

[Vincent Imansjah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting perspectives on a topic I have seldom considered and put much effort into understanding. The book covers a grand variety of topics and applies both personal and referenced stories from external sources, something that I found enjoyable when it came to understanding different perspectives. At times it did feel very drawn out and overextended but the message of a connection to nature that lives through hunting does shine through.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A splendid tapestry woven from mythology, psychology, spirituality, and philosophy that marshals a eloquent defence of the sport of hunting. The book is 30 years old so the statistics are out of date but the main content of the book, exploring the hunt and the reasons why so many of us feel an instinctive pull to the pursuit and our love of nature is where the book shines. A great read!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author discusses the moral, ethical and psychological aspects of hunting in this surprisingly interesting and readable book.