Great advances in our understanding of the natural world over the past hundred years have brought us humans face to face with a moral and ethical dilemma in our use of all these wonderful creatures. Every day, we are reminded that intensive animal husbandry practices designed to efficiently feed the world’s people are responsible for tremendous amounts of animal suffering.

Humans have always been hunters and gatherers. The thrill of bagging a chamois buck, the excitement of a mushroom hunt, these are the joys of harvesting the fruits of nature. A young boy will even take delight in hunting a house fly at the breakfast table. These instincts are still with us.

I, myself, have been a hunter for over 60 years, and I began the practice at a time when shooting wild animals for sport was simply an amusing part of hunting practice. In those days, animals were regarded as lesser creatures, existing only for man to use as he pleased. The suffering of the animal was rarely considered. The numerous invitations and festive small game hunts of the feudal hunting culture were a part of my early youth and the hunting practice of the day. At the age of 19 I became a professional hunter, and spent my days hunting African big game on a hunting concession the size of Burgenland. During this time, I had the privilege of becoming completely one with nature. I developed a deeper understanding of the “lust for the kill”, but I also learned to appreciate the spiritual and practical aspects of the relationship between me and the magnificent animals who lay before me with fading eyes. After my return to Austria, I slowly evolved from a hunter and consumer to an animal protector. These days, I accompany young hunters on their early expeditions.

In my opinion, a good hunter hunts with love, respect and knowledge. The hunters of the North American Indian tribes knew this, and they made a point of always asking forgiveness for taking the life of their prey.