The forest is built upon layers and layers of humus, in other words, decaying matter.
Death is a constant and is absolutely necessary for the survival of a healthy forest.
I have taught this simple lesson to thousands of children and adults through my career.
I have witnessed wolves hunting and killing deer, otters killing muskrats and beavers, fishers killing porcupines and a host of other predators doing what they must to survive. I see a design in this, a reason for the killing. I see the forest flourish because of it.
When I see humans, decked out in the latest hunting attire and carrying the latest technology designed to make the kill easy, I see an imbalance, an unfair advantage.
I have killed, not for need of meat, but rather to end the misery of an animal which has been mortally wounded. I hold no ill-will towards human hunters as long as they follow the rules and hunt ethically.
For me, all life is sacred and should be treated with respect and compassion. We are an apex predator and as such have a responsibility to act sustainably.
When I see a blood trail from an animal in distress, I am compelled to follow. I have an innate desire to uncover the story behind the crimson writing on the forest floor.
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