Among the strangest sights we see on social media are photographs of people standing proudly in front of dozens of dead birds, lining them up on cars or spreading them across the ground, holding their shotguns with triumphant expressions, as though they had returned from a historic battle in which they had achieved a great victory!
More amusing still, some of them use their companions’ game, or pool the take of several hunters, and sometimes even borrow birds from other people’s refrigerators to complete the picture of heroism they seek!
It seems that, for some, heroism can now be borrowed, and even stored in refrigerators!
But what kind of heroism is this? And what kind of manhood needs dozens of carcasses to prove its existence?
Hunting is a sport of courage, patience, skill and challenge, founded on knowledge of nature and respect for it, and on an ethical code that makes hunters responsible for their actions. Sustainable hunting is a culture that protects wildlife and ensures that the sport continues for future generations.
A professional hunter is known for his experience, conduct and respect for nature. He knows his worth well and does not need to display bird carcasses to convince others of his skill.
As for our friend who needs this spectacle to feel important, perhaps he is trying to make up for a status he lacks, or gain admiration he cannot earn through a genuine achievement.
Let us imagine for a moment that the bird carries a shotgun, just like the hunter who fires at it. Would we see the same display? Would our friend stand with his chest puffed out before an opponent equally capable of fighting back?
It is very easy to manufacture heroism when the other side is unable to defend itself!
Sadly, these displays damage the reputation of respectable hunters and turn a time-honoured sport into scenes of killing and boasting, degrading life and dismissing the values of compassion affirmed by ethics and religious teachings.
Even Lebanese Law No. 580/2004, in Article 8, expressly prohibits displaying hunted game outside cars and on public roads.
What a disgrace!
Birds that have travelled thousands of kilometres and overcome storms and dangers during migration end their lives as part of an absurd spectacle, while the man behind it waits for a few likes and comments!
More ironic still, some even boast about game they did not hunt!
Gentlemen, hunting is about ethics and responsibility, and respect for one’s quarry is part of a hunter’s self-respect.
And anyone who convinces others that he is strong, brave and important should ask himself how real that strength and courage are.
Manhood is not measured by the number of birds we kill, and a hunter’s worth shows in his ethics and respect for life.
As for anyone searching for his manhood among bird carcasses, he would do better to look for it somewhere else!