The Big Guys

When we think of the wilderness – mountains, forests and plains – The Big Guys come to mind – incredible animals with massive horns, sleek coats, gentle eyes and soft muzzles. All around the world members of the deer, goat and sheep family populate the land. As with all animals – human encroachment – loss of habitat – human conflict – disease – government inaction – hunting and trophy killing are affecting various populations.

Who can ever forget the tragic September 1984 drowning of 10,000 caribou near the Inuit town of Kujuuak (Fort Chimo) due to a water release from a Hydro-Quebec dam? This story was featured in Canada and the USA in an article called – “The Torrent of Death”. I don’t recall – I could be wrong – but I don’t recall a Government apology to Native People or Canadians over that disgusting debacle. Of course there was lots of name calling and finger pointing during the blame games that followed this event. I doubt that it will ever be resolved.

I’m always saddened when a fallen animal is straddled by a self-congratulatory and smirking hunter. Almost without exception the dead animal’s head is wrenched into an upright position to show off it’s beautiful horns. The man’s gun is usually leaning nearby. What a hero! How sad that he couldn’t have used a camera instead of a weapon!

I wonder what goes through a hunter’s head as he tracks a magnificent creature through the sights of his gun and then pulls the trigger? Is it a thrill to see the animal hit? Does the hunter cheer when it stops in it tracks and plunges to the ground? Does he feel like a real man because he killed a defenceless animal? If the animals isn’t dead with the first shot – is it an extra thrill to walk up to a still breathing and shocked creature to put a kill shot in it’s head? Is there ever a twinge of regret or shame? Does he have the courage to look into it’s eyes?

Like every other animal related issue – killing these animals is big business worldwide. Tour operators – equipement manufacturers – gun sales – airline sales – private plane rentals – hunting lodges – licence sales – hunting clothing and boots. Sport for the gods of business – killing.

Some of The Big Guys around the world are threatened and some are endangered. If any of these beautiful animals interest you – then do some reading and find out more about them. When issues concering them come to light – sign a petition or write a letter.

Antelope