World Hunting Association: A World of Shame

	HSUS

In one of the most absurd and cruel "reality" shows ever created, The World Hunting Association has mixed the unfair chase and drive-thru killing of a canned hunt with the tournament-style competition and commercialization of a contest kill.

Hunting forums have blasted the concept for months, all original sponsors have pulled out, an array of hunting groups have released statements critical of the association, and this "reality hunting" TV show is not being shown on TV.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The program consists of so-called contestants who are given the chance to run through the woods chasing a buck alongside a fence (or the scantily clad "WHA girls" who prance through the woods, apparently meant to spice up the dull program). In the case of previous tournaments' competitors, all it took to participate seemed to be a silly name, like "Hush Dog," "The Machine" or "The Hammer."

In the original concept, participants would chase after white-tailed deer in a canned hunting ranch in Gladwin, Mich., shooting tranquilizer darts at the animals, who were born inside the enclosure. However, hunters soon became infuriated with the proposition of darting live animals, so the association decided to use firearms and archery equipment instead.

WHA provoked even the condemnation of Safari Club International, a club for trophy hunting enthusiasts who scour the globe in search of heads, hides and horns of rare animals and even lobby for the hunting of endangered species.

Hunting groups and humane groups agree: This is one of the worst ideas ever.

Big Plans, Small Chance of Success

The association's name suggests that there are ambitions for going international with this absurd and cruel idea. But with hunting groups rushing to criticize it, getting sponsors is not a given.  

WHA has launched a huge recruitment effort, aimed largely at young hunters, through its "Fraternity Challenge" and pages it created on www.myspace.com.

WHA lets people shows video of previous hunts on their website, including a scene where the hunter is forced to move his tree stand because it’s too close to the fence. The website even has an aerial map with which you can view where foodplots, tree stands, blinds and collared bucks are located.

See the Video

Canned Hunts

Related Links

What Hunters Have To Say about The World Hunting Association

Stop Canned Hunts

Contest Kills Fact Sheet

Special Report: Canned Hunts—Unfair at Any Price