So I think hunting isn't strictly necessary, but let the hunters have at it if they want. I do have an issue with people just littering corpses everywhere though.
Where is this happening? The littered corpses that is. If you do see an deer carcass, for instance, that has been left behind say with its antlers or head removed, that would fall under poaching as the animal is not properly tagged(harvested). Of course, state regs are different, but that one should be pretty uniform.
If people are killing for a heads, antlers, paws, whatever, they most likely are not licensed, therefore common criminals and your state's Fish and Wildlife authorities should be contacted. These type of people do give legit hunters a bad rap and should be duly punished for their illegal behavior.
--Also note that hunting organizations such as Duck's Unlimited as well as fishing organizations such as NorthWest Steelheaders and Trout Unlimited (to name a few). Are constantly working to improve our environment by organizing litter cleanups, charity benefits and take part in environmental lobbying.
- Drunken hicks wandering around in the woods firing at whatever moves are not hunters--they are drunken hicks.
As far as the PETA-types, well, most people just laugh at those extremist nonces anyways, so no biggie--best leave them to throw red paint on people wearing faux-furs.
And Kev, thank you for posting your opinions and values without pointing fingers--we all have our own view of the food web, and friendly argument is much apperciated, especially in this crowd (CE section).