What is high fence hunting and is it ethical

The definition, high fence hunting, is hunting within properties that are fenced with an 8 or 10-foot retaining fence (varies by state). These high fences are meant for keeping the deer on the property and keeping predators out.

As you can imagine, this is another “hot topic” debate amongst hunters and it’s a debate that has been going on for at least a few years now.
Take a look at this article by Craig Dougherty from October 2001, Defining Fair Chase Behind a High Fence posted in Outdoor Life.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/big-buck-zone/2011/10/hunting-high-fences-unsportsmanlike-conduct-or-sign-times

He points out some facts and views from “both sides of the fence” did you like how I did that? 

Ok, back to the point. Consider this, some hunters think fair chase hunting AND high fence hunting are ethical if the fenced in land is large enough for the animal to escape. On the other hand, there are some hunters that think that if the animal is at a disadvantage from the beginning that it simply isn’t a fair chase or ethical. I tend to agree with the latter. Would you kill an animal that is stuck in a fence or a muddy patch? I would think not. What’s the thrill in that? Well, if an animal is fenced in and protected from natural predators are you really using all of your hunting skills or is like shooting fish in a barrel? Simply put, it’s a lazy hunting style and diminishes the thrill of the hunt. In my opinion anyway.

You will always have people that are willing to throw “big bucks” (I did it again, lol) to hunt large game or an easier target so there will always be people willing to cash in on them.

So, have we decided on if it is ethical or not to hunt in a fenced in area no matter the size? I don’t think so because everyone has a different opinion of what is ethical and what isn’t. If you’re one that thinks it’s ok, you either don’t care what other people think or you don’t want to hear that what you’re doing isn’t fair to the animal. If you think it isn’t ethical, I’m sure your opinion won’t be swayed either.

One thing I hope we can all agree on is that no matter where or how you decide to hunt, make sure that the animal is killed humanely and that the meat is properly processed for human consumption.

This press release brought to you by Camochic.

#fencedinhunting #ethicalhunting #hunting #fairchase