What draws y'all to exotic places to hunt exotic game

[tigris115]

So here's the quick and dirty explanation of what I'm doing

So I'm doing a final project for my anthropology class called "Fieldwork Methods" where I'm writing a 12 page paper on the appeal of zoos. After ruminating on this for a few days and doing some interviews with people, I've nailed it down to 2 factors

1. A desire to see things that are "exotic" or "out of the ordinary" hence why things like reptiles and charismatic megafauna are so popular
2. A desire to experience a connective experience with nature.

It was then I realized that zoos were only the tip of the iceberg in our desire to get close to what we consider wild. That's where this forum comes in. Since members here frequently traverse exotic locations in pursuit of big game, I'd like to know if any of these factors come into play.

 

[tigris115]

No really, I need help on this assignment. Professor said I can use online folk as informants so the POV's here would be really helpful

 

[BigSteve57]

At the risk of sounding sarcastic the things that draw me to hunt in exotic places to hunt exotic game is hunting the exotic game located in the exotic place. I like both.

 

[ActionBob]

Adventure!

 

[Hogpatrol]

Have you tried a photographer's forum? It may have a thread on African game photo safaris.

Aside that, I look at your OP as a rhetorical question.

 

[tigris115]

Personally, I think what drives many hunters to Africa is the romance of it.

 

[Ridge Top Ranch]

An elephant or cobra in a zoo is interesting. An elephant or cobra encountered at close quarters in the wild is beyond exhilarating. Participation in nature versus a "video" experience.

 

[Pheroze]

Participation in nature versus a "video" experience.

That's it. It's that simple.

 

[RTaylor]

The experience of going through a lion, elephant, or buffalo charge can't be duplicated here. It will definitely get your attention, 100%

 

[Jeffrey]

George Mallory had the best response to questions of this type: "Because it's there."

 

[tigris115]

This is all great. Does anyone remember any specific emotions when they were out there in the bush?

 

[TByrd]

Ill try to help by listing some “emotions” while in wild places....they vary by situational aspect. Optimism, serenity, admiration, surprise, amazement, fear, apprehension, anticipation, joy, deep calm. That help?

 

[sgt_zim]

Nothing makes you feel more alive than flirting with death.

Have not been on a DG hunt yet, but I've hunted the 2-legged sort of DG when I wore a uniform. Animals are more of a challenge than most people.

 

[tarbe]

An elephant or cobra in a zoo is interesting. An elephant or cobra encountered at close quarters in the wild is beyond exhilarating. Participation in nature versus a "video" experience.

Could not have said it better!

 

[tarbe]

This is all great. Does anyone remember any specific emotions when they were out there in the bush?

I can tell you this...I often find myself worshipping God while in the bush...most especially in the wilder places.

20 miles deep, on foot, next to a high mountain lake in the Frank Church Wilderness...I cannot help but get spiritual about that!

 

[GA Hunter]

This is all great. Does anyone remember any specific emotions when they were out there in the bush?

Name one. I’ve experienced them all. From the greatest joy to the lowest sadness. Most of us live in an environment where we seldom see or experience the type emotional and environmental extremes we can experience out there.

 

[tigris115]

Name one. I’ve experienced them all. From the greatest joy to the lowest sadness. Most of us live in an environment where we seldom see or experience the type emotional and environmental extremes we can experience out there.

If I had to pick particular times, I'd say the scouting for game, the stalk, lining up, the kill, and post-kill

 

[Rickmt]

Mankind has hunted from the beginning of our existence. When I hunt I feel a connection to nature . Hunting is conservation on many levels.

 

[GA Hunter]

If I had to pick particular times, I'd say the scouting for game, the stalk, lining up, the kill, and post-kill

Now, I'm no hunter by any stretch but I do find hunting very interesting and I feel I have quite a bit to contribute to this place. Also, I've been flip-flopping on the ethics of trophy hunting for a few years and seeing that I'm here now, it's obvious whose side I'm on right now.

Based on your introductory post you are not a hunter so Is your insight based solely on what you have read?

 

[tigris115]

Based on your introductory post you are not a hunter so Is your insight based solely on what you have read?

Much of my insight is based on books and videos of hunters talking. From what I understand, it brings out a strange combination of elation and humility in people, especially when it's something like a lion or elephant. Tho yes, I am an outsider looking in