Speaking only for me, I used to justify hunting big game as a way of saving money for quality meat. Costs have escalated to where venison, even in the cheapest of all hunts, costs more than buying beef so I no longer use the cost argument. I don't trophy hunt - never have - and for me, I have no value in that as I certainly don't need a deer head hanging on the wall to make me feel like I'm a stud. I guess I hunt big game now for the connection with nature, but more for the recreational value of it. I enjoy being outdoors in the fall. I enjoy trying to be sneaky with wildlife, and after the hunt, I enjoy eating venison - especially elk more than deer. But recreation is an important part of a life-balance that each person faces. Some find recreation in golf, playing computer games, working on cars, riding horses, four-wheeling, fishing, watching football, reading books, researching new subjects, etc..... I find that the combination of hiking, wildlife study and patterning, shooting - all combine in hunting in ways that I feel challenged and enjoy things. All recreational interests cost money - and hunting is no different. All that said - I find myself harvesting far fewer animals than I used to, and of all hunting, I'd rather hunt pheasants with my springer than chase deer around the hills. And anymore, I would rather fish on the deer rifle opener than go hunting. But again - it is pure recreation. My kids will not starve if I don't bring home a deer, and the cost per pound of wild meat is ridiculous and unjustifiable to me. But I place great value in the recreation it provides. That is why I hunt.
*disclaimer - I do not apply any of these justifications to anyone else, nor do I judge anyone else's justifications on why I do things. I speak only for me and intend no offense to anyone with a different point of view.
