Very good points Farmhunter. I was thinking as the negatives:

- opposite to natural selection which favours the most capable to pass on genetic material. Either the game animals will get craftier or the genetic pool will become pretty weak.

- contamination of environment with lead. It takes unbelievably small amounts to contaminate large areas of water.

- spreading of disease through concentration of animals through feeders.

- loss of natural predators (wolves)

positives:

- hunting organizations do more for improvement of the environment than most other groups

- population control ofgame species that are over populated due to agriculture and loss of predators

- except for lead huntinghas minimal negative effects on the environment commpared to mosthuman activities (agriculture, industry)\

- the linking of humans to the natural environment through hunting creates a strong voice to lobby government to preserve natural areas.

- $$$$$ hunters spend money which allows farmers to keep their bush as bush and to keep tourist/camp operators in business. It also funds government environmental programs that environmentalists don't.

Dan O.