What is the purpose of the mass murder of seals?

Question

I know there is an annual hunt of seals in the north of Canada...but, why? And, aren't the seals normally young, or babies? Is the killing mostly to get the animal's fur, or is there any other benefits to it? For example, food for the native people, or essential oils etc...Is it just a senseless killing spree or is there a method to the madness? I don't really know much about this aside from the brutal way in which the seals are killed. Anyone want to tell me more?

And I know seals are killed all year round for food and other reasons. I have no problem with that. Their seals are like our cows. They both serve the same purpose...food. But, why are so many killed at one time? Isn't that bad for the number of animals?

First of all, I've asked this in the most mature way I could. Obviously I've used the wrong word...murder. Okay, now I realize murder is human to human. Not human to animal. Anyways, I respect hunters. I really do. I believe there's nothing wrong with hunting for a reason. To get food, and other beneficial things from animals is wonderful. As long as it is done in a respectful way, and priveleges are not abused. Also, I don't understand how asking for more information about this matter is considered wrong. I want to know more. I want to understand this. I want to convince myself that these seals are being put to good use. Also, none of my beauty supplys contain animal products. My purses infact are synthetic, I don't wear any scents, and my makeup is made by brands that do not use animal products. I do know a lot about the treatment of animals. But, the seal hunt was something I needed more info on. PS...if this should not be in the hunting category...where should it be?

I do know a quite a bit about the Inuits and other Native tribes. I didn't make it quite clear in my post, but I meant to say that these people use all of these seals. The meat, skin, blubber...etc. And, I wanted to know if the hunters who hunt the seals did aswell. And, from the answers I have been getting, it seems that the majority of the seals are used for the fashion industry, and oils.

Answer 1

Mostly for fur, I think. If you are referring to the little harp seals (I agree they are probably one of the cutest critters on the planet) I believe their fur is only pure white when they're young, and the market wants it white. Being seals, their fur is soft and a pretty good insulator, as well as being attached to a good insulator. This makes for a warm, luxurious coat.

While the method of harvest (clubs) seems to be about as brutal as it gets, I don't believe it's illegal. As long as there is demand, people will find a way to meet the demand. I don't buy fur. I don't buy ivory (a small amount of the ivory available for sale IS still legal. And very expensive). I feel there are alternatives that are as good or better and are a lot more environmentally friendly. For most of us, that's about all we can effectively and responsibly do.

I, like you, have no problem with hunting for sustinence or survival as long as the rules are followed. I don't hunt because it's just not my thing. I am a responsible firearms enthusiast. I make my living with firearms and shoot nearly every day. Part of my career is to uphold the constitution that gives us the right to hunt, speak, worship and live as we CHOOSE as long as we do not break any laws doing it.

I am also an NRA member. Most of us are reasonable, responsible people.

Whether I agree with someone's choices or not, I will fight to ensure that they continue to have the right to choose.

I hope this has been of some help to you.

Answer 2

It helps to be informed before making judgement on issue that affect more then what the rest of world knows.ie The natives of north are called Inuit who have survive by means of seal and fish fat for heating I'm talking these people survive some hundreds of mile above treeline where your idea of heating if probably trees. They've also used the every bit of the meat even the blood is not waisted it goes to nourish their dogs on the go.And they survive where no other man kind dare to live in.The skins were their clothing and tenting material, and when hunting gets poor to the point of starvation they also ate the skin. It was only when European came they traded the seal skin for canvas tent and ammo that was introduce to them. To say that they kill off seals in mass murder is completely misinformed BLAH and you Even wrote in the north of Canada, which is northern Canada and have mixed up with the real group of people who actually mass kill seals just for fur, that is in Canada but it's thousands of miles from where these Inuit are and it is not even in the same province nor northerners period. your Talking about New found land and they are not natives, I can give you more but would take alnight.

Answer 3

This answer belongs in the hunting section as much as questions about Moby **** belong in the fishing section. I can guaranty that nobody here has ever clubbed a baby seal. That simply is not hunting, that is large quantity harvesting. You can get your bleeding heart responses in the environmental sections where the rest of the hippies whine about cruelty and big 'ol meanies who harm fuzzy wuzzy baby animals, and never actually lift a finger or spend a dollar to do anything that actually helps our ecosystems. Or maybe in the politics section. I am personally affronted that you automatically place honest hunters in with the same lot as seal clubbers, and equate us with murderers. You, My Lady, Stink of patchouli!!

Answer 4

well, i am not sure if i am right... but, i think it's because there is a market, with all those scummy sh#t who want a piece of poor animals, the rare specie the better. it's really stupid and pathetic, yet, there are huge amount of idiotic scum who still believe that eating the meat or drinking blood or keeping parts of many endangered species can be beneficial to their health and body condition or social status. (tiger and seal penis as Viagra, rhino horn and moose head and ivory and bear skin and all types of furs, you name it. =_=.) Because there are idiots who are willing to pay high price for such junk, those brainless hunters would risk their lives just to kill innocent animals for a quick sum, and that is why not only seals, but many poor animals are dying and some get extinct...

put it this way, what if the hunters who kill endangered species and scums who purchase them will all go to jail for 10 to 15 years without parole, no animal will be harm for next few hundred years. =_=.

really, the governments of every country have the responsibility in protecting animals, and we know they can do much better... =_=.

Answer 5

Ohh lord, not another quack.

Look up the definition of murder, its a term that only applies to HUMANS

Inuit tribes hunt seals as it is the only way to survive the harsh winters. If you have a problem with that might I suggest you go and live with the Inuit.

You live in a city, you dont have the slightest clue as to nature, survival, or your own origins. If you dont understand it, then MYOB

Answer 6

"Murder" is a term used to describe a human killing another human, under certain circumstances. I am not sure, but I think the killing of the seals you are referring to is for their furs. I also believe the amount of this type of killing has gone down drastically of the last few years. It is sad how it is down, but a lot of this is by foreign countries and hard to regulate. Hopefully in the near future, we can find a less brutal way to harvest animals other than clubbing them to death. I have no problem with the fur industry, but I would like it done with less brutality of this sort.

Answer 7

it serves the exact same purpose as the "mass murder" of corn, wheat, soybeans,cows.pigs,chickens & other plants & animals that takes place anywhere people live. the only difference is the seals are not yet farmed,they are just harvested from the natural environment where they are produced. they are harvested in the quickest most efficient way possible that will insure another harvest next year just the same as any other crop.

Answer 8

Vegetarians are responsible for killing millions of animals. How? Well to grow all that produce the farmer’s equipment kills millions upon millions of baby rabbits, baby birds in ground nests, moles, mice, gophers and other creatures.

This is a fact. So with each salad you buy you are contributing to animals being killed, many buried alive by farm equipment. Even organic farms kill animals. You would go broke as a farmer if you tried to not kill anything with your equipment.

So don’t give me this self-righteous attitude. For even though you may not eat meat, you are still partly to blame for this loss of life.

You just prefer some one else do the dirty work for you.

Answer 9

This question should be in environment or politics NOT in hunting.
For we are hunters and fishermen and this is our place to share ideas and information, and we should be able to do so with out duress and hostile answers and questions.
Its no different than for some one to get into the fashion area and put people down for wearing clothes and trying to promote nudism there.
I can see it now; “God will curse you who wears clothes!!”
Because nudism is a life style (edit; or subculture) not fashion.

Understand now?

Ok hows this?
What eats seals in the sea? Sharks, polar bears and Orcas eat seals. Guess what we are short on those two these days? Yep sharks, polar bears and Orcas. So what happens kids? Answer; lots of seals. Ok kids what happens if we have too many seals? Less fishies because the over population of seals due to the lack of predators causes the fish population to plummet. Now kids what happens if the seals eat so many fish they eat them selves out of a food source? Yep seals starve to death and die. What happens when the seals die off? That’s right kids; the animals and fish that prey on them die off.
Its called the food chain is out of wack so all suffer.
Man steps in and controls the populations to PREVENT disaster!
Understand class?

Answer 10

For food and fur. These seals have been hunted for hundreds of years. You might not like it but hunting does not kill the ecosystem, It keeps it in balance. Before you judge hunters maybe you need to look through your wadrobe and see how many of your shoes,purses, the ingrediants in your make-up, oils in the perfumes you wear... etc... are animal products.