I understand how the discussion can be uncomfortable to read and give thought to, but on a forum which is such a strong advocate for feeding a raw meat and bones diet to our dogs, to me, it seems a very appropriate topic. Additionally, all our leather leashes and harnesses come from a previously living animal...

The first time we harvested a group of extra roosters was very, very difficult on both my husband and me. We did our research and made meticulous plans so that we could ensure the birds died as humanely and as quickly as possible. It was as fast and as humane as dying could be for a bird, but there was not one moment about the entire process which came anywhere near to being enjoyable or fun.

There was satisfaction after the fact in knowing we had raised these birds very well; if chickens can be spoiled, ours are. They are fed very well and have excellent living conditions. No stress in their lives what so ever except who gets the best spot on the roost at night.

The other area of satisfaction was when feeding the carcasses to our dogs. THAT effected me in a way I had not really anticipated. The fact that I had raised the animal well and then slaughtered him humanely and then nourished another member of my family in the best possible way I know how, did bring a very tangible sense of satisfaction. Even more so then when I purchase meat for the dogs; feeding the meat we harvested ourselves has greater meaning.

Given the choice of meat purchased in the store and a partial carcass of a chicken we harvested, both of our dogs take the meat from our own chickens every single time - leaving anything else in their bowls for last. When preparing their dinner from our chickens, both dogs have a difficult time maintaining their "down" as I prepare the bowls. It smells different to them and it tastes different to them. THAT makes it worthwhile for me since I've chosen to feed them a raw diet.

Honestly, I have a hard time eating our chickens. I've only done so once. I know I will be able to if needed, but I don't need to at this point so I chose not to.

Just wanted to say that every hunter I have ever met has always had a great deal of respect and appreciation for the animals they do kill. One man I know said it is almost a spiritual moment, taking the life to feed his family. Nothing taken for granted.
I really respected what he said.

Will, Michael and Barbara, I really appreciate your insights and good posts.

 Quote: barbara schuler

I understand how the discussion can be uncomfortable to read and give thought to, but on a forum which is such a strong advocate for feeding a raw meat and bones diet to our dogs, to me, it seems a very appropriate topic. Additionally, all our leather leashes and harnesses come from a previously living animal...

And shoes and belts and meat on the table and and and and ..... I don't understand on any level how purchasing a nice white tray wrapped in plastic and containing part of a previously living creature is somehow less barbaric than actually doing the killing and understanding on almost a cellular level what it is to cause deaths so that we can live.

I'm not talking about killing for antlers or something. I'm talking about what everyone here is talking about: killing for food for our families and dogs.

Indirect killing by purchasing meat at the butcher counter --- I wonder how people picking up their tidy packages of lamb and pork have the gall to look down their noses at someone who hunts for meat.

For me, "sport" is not relevant. What IS relevant is, did the animal die so others could eat and live? What "sport" is there in a meat-processing plant?

What I care about is what Barbara mentioned: knowing that the best possible life was provided for any animal whose meat I buy for my dogs.

sigh

Just mouthing off -- and obviously not at all directed to any people on this thread, all of whom fall into Joyce's category of those who "always have a great deal of respect and appreciation for the animals they do kill."

There is a TV show that we've caught a few times recently which is pretty good, called "Wild Within". It is on the travel channel. It shows this one guy who travels around the world feeding himself off of the land. It isn't a gnarly "bush man" type of show - this guy is amazing at what he knows about hunting, foraging off the land, etc... When possible, he likes to use regional tools and traditional hunting styles. Might be worth checking out if you haven't seen it yet.

I was just going to post about that show, and his blog. I have also been thinking about ordering his books.

My son has taken a large interest in hunting lately, so my husband and him have been watching that show together in order to inform and teach him some of the values we feel to be important in regards to killing animals.

It would be very nice to supplement our food with freshly caught game that lived a happy life.