Humans, the Environment, and the Great Plains

People, Animals and Hunting

Background:

Game hunting is a popular sport, a boon to the economy of the land, and a unique way to maintain the animal population at the optimum survival level. This practice, on the other hand, had been criticized by animal lovers, environmentalists, and other such groups who decry hunting for game as barbaric and a violation of the laws of nature.

Objective:

The essential objective of this lesson plan is to focus on the good and the not so good aspects of hunting. The lesson will also review the reason(s) why certain animals are hunted more than others. Dwelling on these issues, the plan will also raise the following question: Are humans 'selecting' which animals should survive? How is such a choice made? What factors motivate the making of such a choice? Have we, the humans, made certain animal stereotypes in our minds which stem from factors not associated with hunting?

Plan:

1. Have students make out a quick list of animals which are mostly hunted. Next, ask them to think of reasons why each of those animals is hunted. Answers might include food, enjoyment, certain animals are hunted because they damage crops and other human property, certain others for their skins and fur, etc.
2.  Next, have students make two list: one list will have the heading "necessity" while the other will be called "pleasure." Have them place each reason for hunting they have thought in either one or the other list. Ask them to justify why one reason is in one list and not the other (for example, some students may put 'hunting for food procurement" in the 'necessity' list. Ask them whether hunting animals for food is a requirement in modern times.)
3.  Review the two lists with the class. Students discover that the "pleasure" list might have as many, if not more, entries than the other list. Humans hunt animals more and more for their entertainment and pleasure. Is this wanton killing of animals justified? Are we not interfering with the delicate balance 'mother earth' has created for herself?
4. Extermination of some animals by hunting can be justified because these creatures become pests, destroying crops and becoming a threat to human existence if their populations are not kept under control. Such animals might include deer, rabbit, mice, coyotes, and the like. But we also kill other animals for fun or for monetary gains. Examples might include the fox, wolf, tigers and leopards, elk, etc.
5. Ask students to make another list of what they think of 'good' and 'bad' animals. Why are some animals thought of as 'good' or 'gentle'? (deer, rabbit) Why are other animals considered 'bad' (wolf, snake, badger, coyote.) Are we humans preconditioned to thought processes where we grow up 'loving' and 'hating' animals?
6. Consider the role played by animated cartoons, movies, books, etc. in the development of such thought processes (Bambi the Deer and the Big Bad Wolf.) Is it fair to categorize animals on such notions? Do these preconceived notions of 'good' and 'bad' animals shape our hunting choices?

Testing, Grading, and Evaluation:

Wrap up the lesson by a brief recapitulation of the pros and cons of hunting as well as the inherent biases humans have in the choice of animals to be hunted. Emphasize the fact that some there are no 'bad' or 'good' animals. All animals are part of the environmental cycle and the food chain. Wanton killing of any species can endanger the delicate ecological balance which is vital for our existence.

Primary Course: Social Studies

Applicable Grades: 3 - 6

Materials Required: Paper, pencils

Related Courses: Language

Time Reqiured: 1 hour

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