Yeah...Hunting is an awesome "sport" since you can not only be an intergral part of nature, but you can compete against others. I am entered in The Conservation Buck Challenge this year out in Tennessee. It's both a nature event and a hunting event. You could get some research from their site...http://www.conservationbucksociety.com

Yes, I do call myself a "sportsman" but I also believe that I am doing my part in wildlife management. I believe that a sound wildlife management program is vital to a healthy ecosystem.
I can give you a link to an excelent website that proves many of the things that the anti groups say are lies and many of thier claims are false.

The sport vs hobby debate has come up before and probably will never be truly resolved. Here's some questions to ponder on:

1. What makes a sport a sport
2. Does hunting have these attributes.

Ultimately I think it comes down to a personal feeling - for me a sport is something I watch on TV while drinking beer and eating nachos, or maybe "play" on the weekend for amusement. For me personally hunting is much more than that. Even though I almost exclusively hunt white tail deer, and the open season is 4-6weeks max (including muzzleloading) I am involved with hunting almost year round...scouting, glassing, fitness, range practice and then the actual hunt.

To me its more than a sport.

Its more than just a sport. Its wildlife conservation, a way of life, and a way to put food on the table. Competing with other hunters is not good for the sport because it tells antis that we are going out and slaughtering deer just for bragging rights or head gear. Kill only what you or someone else plans to eat.

for me it is a tradition and a way of life. my family has hunted with hounds for hog and bear for generations, i'm carrying on the tradition and breeding and training dogs.

To me its more then a sport, i feel it gives me a way to help mother nature. even if i dont get lucky enough to harvest any i can still do what itruly enjoy--spending time outdoors, looking, watching and just plain and simple loving it!

when the good master first put pepole on the good earth he put hunting genes in them to supply food and clothes,and guees what it is still in me .