Anyone who knows Scott Beckstead knows I have a special fondness for horses. The idea that a few unscrupulous individuals exploit the surplus of horses in America by having them slaughtered for human consumption abroad infuriates me. I’m working with horse protection groups and legislators to make it illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption. I also want to work with other horse lovers to address other forms of horse abuse, including at the show and racing circuits. And I support the fight against the livestock industry’s efforts to remove wild horses and burros from public lands.

In many ways, modern wildlife management still reflects the archaic frontier idea of nature as something to be conquered and destroyed. Government agencies use killing as their primary means of "managing" wild animals. They artificially boost animal populations to ensure a supply of bureaucratic revenue. They support the killing of predators who would otherwise keep animal populations naturally regulated. They bow to pressure from livestock, timber and other industry interests to continue the killing in the name of private profits. And they do all this in the face of mounting societal pressure to halt sport hunting altogether.

I grew up a hunter. I entered the wilderness and destroyed dozens, maybe hundreds of animals I found beautiful and magnificent. I saw animals fatally wounded by misplaced bullets wander off never to be found. At some point, it became clear to me that my conduct in killing animals was at odds with my affinity for them.

Many people who hunt claim they love and respect animals. They should ask themselves why they find enjoyment in causing animals to suffer and die. I did, and found the answers very compelling. Hunting did not make me a better person. Choosing not to did.

Does killing for sport make us better as human beings? Is our culture enriched by the needless suffering of wild animals at the hands of sport hunters? Do children really benefit by watching the violent deaths of animals in their natural habitat? What do we stand to gain by refusing to buy into death-based wildlife management? Once our leaders ask these questions, and are prepared for the answers, the war on America’s wildlife will finally stop.