In a natural ecosystem, there is no need for population control, as apex predators fulfill that function. So let’s say we’re talking about deer in affluent suburbia, where there aren’t many interested in hunting for meat.
I perceive it as an empirical question. At least for cows and chickens, some things that we would find stressful they find less so. And visa versa. But more research is necessary and appropriate.
If it’s cheap and effective to shoot deer with tranquilizers rather than bullets, I don’t see a problem with it. But I suspect in practice that the tranquilizer isn’t especially more humane than a bullet to the head. In fact it might be worse. Such policy should be based upon direct evidence in my view, as opposed to speculation from an armchair.
How much more would this cost? What is the current cost of your average deer-killing round? How much more would a heroin syringe round cost? Would these new heroin rounds be compatible with existing guns or would hunters need to buy new guns?
Hunt animals for population control using standard bullets.
Hunt animals for population control, but instead of bullets, use tranquilizer darts containing a mixture of time-release euthanizing agent and heroin. This way, the animal gets to have one last sojourn in the paradise of untarnished bliss before it dies.
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Option 3 makes the assumption that the animal will get high and die happy. Not a valid assumption, IMHO.
Every hunter tries for a head shot that will drop the animal in its tracks with no suffering. Darting an animal with the intent of killing it through drugs would render the animal unfit for consumption. #3 is not a viable option.
A clean heart shot an animal usually makes it less than about 50 yards, figure 5 seconds and he is out. Much more humane than having wolves rip out your rectum while you are still standing. Most all animals suffer when they die. Death by bullet or arrow is usually far more humane than what nature would have dealt them. Hunters kick in a lot of money toward conservation and over all help most species making their lives a bit easier.
As someone who cares about the wellbeing of animals, I support the reintroduction of wolves throughout the lower 48, in order to control the deer population and prevent them from acting like IEDs on America’s highways. Damn deer are a fucking menace.