How to Market Hunting to Nonhunters

Animal Welfare vs. Animal Rights

Animal-rights organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States do an amazing job of conflating animal welfare with animal rights. PeTA, HSUS and similar organizations appeal to potential supporters with photos of puppies and kittens. But most people who donate to animal-rights groups would be horrified to learn that many such organizations oppose pets.

Most Americans—including most nonhunters—actually care about animal welfare, not animal rights. They dislike animal suffering. Many are concerned with “factory farms,” and would prefer to buy meat from those who raise livestock humanely.

That’s where you come in. To reach nonhunters, consider what you have in common with them: concern for animal welfare. Likewise, nonhunters should learn that hunters care about and respect animals they pursue.

Hunters sometimes dismiss nonhunters’ concerns about animal suffering as silly or sentimental, which doesn’t build trust or enable dialogue. Instead, you must stress that hunters care about animals, too. In fact, it’s a big reason why hunters hunt. To illustrate that point, we must highlight the hunters’ role in wildlife conservation. Those who engage in legal, ethical, humane hunting practices must not be lumped in with poachers.

Hunters view wild game as the ultimate organic, free-range meat. A big misconception among nonhunters is that those who hunt for food differ greatly from those who hunt for sport. Although most nonhunters accept hunting for food, many express discomfort with “trophy hunting.” It’s important to stress that almost all game animals end up on someone’s plate after hunters harvest them. When speaking with nonhunters, tell them about organizations like Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which provides venison to those who need it.