In speaking of the safety of a hunter who’s purpose is to hunt and kill an animal that’s designated “dangerous game” or “potentially dangerous”, the purpose of P1 was to show the ambiguity of such distinctions.
The point? Any wild animal, from a rat to a bull elephant is always “potentially dangerous” given a particular set of circumstances. The bite from a rat that carries rabies may become more lethal than a bull elephant at 25 yds. The designation of “dangerous game” for a few species determines their commercial value, if African safaris and Alaskan big bear hunts continue to hold the cards, because only the weathly, seeking a particular fulfillment, will afford it.
Most who could afford it, don’t . . . . . That’s because they can find their thrills elsewhere, “safely”? In an urban or suburban society the greatest challenge to their safety may be their daily commute to work and back on overcrowded streets, and if they choose to walk or bicycle it, they may get run over anyway. Seems to be an upsurge in such casualties in the GTA these days! An increase in blindness among pedestrians and drivers perhaps?
< As I contemplate such deep social intricacies, likely I’m more safe here!
But among experienced but aged safari hunters, they can see the blood-red eyes of a dugga boy at 300 yards! Or was it 50? In any case, at 300 yards/metres, that dugga boy likely doesn’t even see you, and is disinterested if he does. But wait a minute . . . or 10 seconds, because within that exceedingly short time frame he could become your worst nightmare from which you may not awake! He was only potentially dangerous at 300 metres, but now he’s deadly dangerous! See the distinction? Those cuddly bears might become “potentially dangerous” when they’ve become big mature bears, right? But what if? What if they’re fearless now? Hungry now? Want meat now?
< A juvenile bear, less than 100 lbs. It may be deadly if it attacks someone, as in Alaska where two men were recently killed by two juveniles on separate occasions!
That’s not fully unlike humans! Some human babies by the time they can stand-up in their crib, everyone knows who’s in charge in that household!
What makes some animals and humans fearless, while others faint at the thought of danger? A young woman who dashes into a burning building to save her dog? Others who will throw their dogs into a burning building!
Particular circumstances or conditions, maybe? Temperament, DNA, Spiritual forces, perhaps, or a combination of any of those? One day an animal that you raised as a pet, may bite you and run away from home!
If we knew the answers to all such questions, we could make enough money as animal psychologists to go on several African safaris!
My moto: Use MORE than enough gun, be ready long before you need to be, and learn to shoot yesterday because tomorrow may never come!
< Is a lone wolf dangerous or only potentially so?
Courage? Be surprised if you have any, and let it fully express itself before needed. . . . Go ahead, confront that Opossum on your back deck that’s eating your cat’s food!
Purposefully choosing to hunt DG or even “potentially dangerous game” under conditions that challenge your “fearless” factor is the best start to a never ending journey. In other words: The best never graduate, but they may get killed learing to survive!
Till the next . . . .
Shalom
BOB MITCHELL
Lovin' The Big Bang 