Part 6/8:
A call for empathy from the wider public is central to the conversation. Hunters are asking society to understand the significance of their lifestyle, the emotional weight of their successes, and the conservation purpose behind their actions. For instance, they underline that many see bears as food—not just trophies—and recognize the importance of population control for ecological balance.
However, conflicts arise with certain high-profile images—like posing with lions, elephants, or giraffes—especially when associated with controversial hunting practices such as canned hunts. These images can create starkly negative impressions, equating hunters with cruelty and detachment from nature’s majesty, which fuels public outrage.