Through an entry into his Totem Board newsletter, Ernest
Thompson Seton found a way to express his ideas about hunting in a review of a
book by Adolph Shane, perhaps published in the 1940s. The book: Archery Tackle, How to Make and How to Use
It, Manual Arts Press, Peoria, Illinois. I believe it is important because
in his published articles Seton developed from a 19th century
trapping and hunting advocate to a 20th century trapping opponent
and a qualified hunting advocate. He had two concerns: causing death and
suffering to “harmless” wild animals, and fairness. That is, hunting should come
closer to being a fair contest between the hunter and the hunted. I quote it
here because it may be Seton’s final published word on the subject.
The review:
It is now over forty years since the present reviewer set about
a revival of archery.
The modern gun which displaced the bow, is a chemical explosive,
and is just as deadly if the touch be given by a baby as by a giant. The bow,
on the other hand, shoots the arrow with the exact force of the archer. As guns
have become more deadly and destructive, the game have begun to disappear, and
the logical conclusion was, ‘Why not use poison gas, and kill it all at once if
destruction is the aim?’ Alas, we came very near to this, and thoughtful men
called a halt, and asked the question, ‘What are you after, sport or
destruction?’ This question answers itself, and the rejoinder is evident. The
bow gives a maximum of sport with a minimum of destruction. Explosive weapons,
more deadly every year, will wipe out all the game in a decade.
These are the thoughts back of the bow revival. For this reason
we rejoice in the practical, sensible, clear exposition of archery by an expert
archer, Adolph Shane. Equipped only with this handy volume, each and every man
and boy can become an archer, make his own tackle and enter a little kingdom of
his own.
Ernest Thompson Seton
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