How Party Hunting Works

For some,­ party hunting has been a longstanding tradition. As this outdoor activity is often done in groups, then as long as they stay within the group's total limit, they see no issues with the practice. The limits, and therefore populations, have remained intact.

Hunting is often used to control overpopulation. Supporters of party hunting argue that especially in states with a high deer population, party hunting could increase the success of the group and better control the population [source: Leier].

­Johnny's just a bad shot. Grandpa's eyes are having a harder time seeing long distances. Mary's new at walleye fishing so she's not very good yet. In all of these scenarios, fellow hunters and anglers believe that their friends and family shouldn't be penalized for their various shortcomings. If you can help them out by shooting an extra buck, what's the harm in allowing them to get some game?

In addition, for some, it's even more serious. Hunting may not just be about sport but about serious nourishment. Without that meat, a family may go hungry. Supporters believe that if someone depends on the meat, it doesn't matter who makes the kill.

In other cases, it's a mere matter of convenience and timing. If your group is hunting a heavily wooded area and trying to drive out pheasants, party hunters will then set up a poster, or shooter, to get the escaping game.

Many hunters, however, find that no matter the justification, party hunting is still unethical. Read on to find out their side of the debate.

You can locate someone else's game, dress it, pack it, even eat it -- just not shoot it­. That's the philosophy of those against party hunting, and the mantra of the states in which party hunting is illegal.

­Though supporters of party hunting believe the practice will allow them to take more game, in the end, party hunting could hurt their chances of even getting a deer license. In states like North Dakota, the state issues only a limited number of certain special deer licenses [source: Leier]. Looking to tag a whitetail buck? Unfortunately, the state issued a limited number of licenses and the guy before you bought a license for himself, his wife and his two young children. The wife and children have no interest -- or plans -- to hunt, but by applying the practice of party hunting, that guy grabbed the last four licenses. You came too late, and now have no opportunity for a license until next year. Meanwhile, he's busy taking four bucks home himself.

In addition, such states issue all licenses based on how much game is out there to be hunted. If party hunters are very successful, state agencies would most likely then reduce the total number of licenses issued because the number of available game to hunt is reduced [source: North Dakota Game and Fish Department].

Groups can be made up of very different people, and one aggressive shooter may hunt for the entire party, ruining it for others. It can also be very frustrating to poor, new, or young hunters. Remember Johnny and Mary from before? Even though Johnny might be a bad shot, he'd rather go home empty-handed than have to take another hunter's kill. And Mary's frustrated by her first walleye fishing experience because the more experienced anglers caught the entire group's limit before she could even get a single bite. Unable to take her own fish, Mary grew tired of the activity instead of being given a chance to enjoy the sport.

Now that you know both sides of the issue, next time someone brings up party hunting, you'll be able to decide what's best for you.