February 11, 2025

195: Can Hunting Foster Environmental Stewardship? Conversation with Thorsten Gieser

1 hour 40 minutes

What makes someone kill an animal and still claim to care deeply about nature? Can the act of hunting foster environmental stewardship? These somewhat provocative questions lie at the heart of my conversation with Thorsten Gieser, an anthropologist studying hunting practices and their deeper meaning in modern society.

Our discussion explores the complex emotional landscape of hunting and challenges common misconceptions about hunters taking pleasure in killing. Through personal accounts and research findings, Thorsten explains how the difficult experience of taking an animal's life, when approached mindfully, can lead to deeper environmental awareness and connection with nature. We also discuss how various factors, from hunting traditions to modern technology, influence the relationship between hunters and the natural environment.

Our conversation takes a turn when we discuss hunting rituals and their role in modern society. Rather than dismissing them as outdated customs, Thorsten explains their crucial function in creating space for reflection and processing the weight of taking life. We end the episode with a discussion about how hunters can better engage in public debates about their practice, suggesting that acknowledging the moral complexity of killing might lead to a more productive dialogue about conservation and our relationship with nature.