ANIMAL SPECIES SOUGHT AFTER BY HUNTERS

There are various species of animals sought after by recreational hunters. Animals are basically classified as big game species and small game species, furry animals, and birds. Hunting for different species requires different gear. Hunting for land animals, for example, would require firearms and ammunition and holsters to carry the firearms in, while binoculars are compulsory in hunting for birds.

Big game species

> BEAR- Bears are dog-like carnivores. There are currently eight living species of bears and they are widely distributed in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Mainly, hunters look for black bears, which can weigh a record 687 pounds in Newfoundland, Canada.

> DEER- Deer species commonly hunted for include the moose, the caribou or the wild reindeer, the white-tailed deer and the mule deer, as well as the elk. However, deer hunting is illegal in some parts of the world, such as India, and certain species of deer, such as the blackbuck, are conserved species.

Cougars and coyotes, which are predators, are other species of big animals that are commonly hunted.

Small game species

> RABBITS AND HARES- Rabbits and hares make up the taxonomic order Lagomorpha. They have long and powerful hind legs which helps them in jumping away from predators. Rabbits and hares are commonly hunted with the assistance of dogs.

Furry animals

> MINK- Minks are of two kinds- the European Mink and the American Mink. The Sea Mink is now extinct. All three kinds of mink are, or were, semi-aquatic, dark-coloured, carnivorous creatures. Minks are valued for their fur, and for mink oil- oil which is used in cosmetics and medicines, and to treat, preserve and waterproof leather.

> FOX- Traditionally, fox hunts involve hunting a red fox, which is a vulpine creature native to almost all parts of the world, including North America, Europe, North Africa and most of Asia. It was even introduced in Australia in the 1800s. Its fur is mostly reddish-brown in colour, and it is the largest among all true foxes. On an average, they weigh between 3 kg to 7 kg.

Foxes and minks are primarily hunted for their fur.

Birds

> PHEASANTS- A pheasant is any large bird belonging to the taxonomic order of Galliformes. Male pheasants are ornate birds, with colourful plumage and long tails, but have no role in rearing their offspring. The females are considerably less attractive to the human sight but take great care of their young. There are a total of thirty-five species of pheasants, including the blood pheasant, peacock pheasants, common pheasants, turkeys, Great Argus pheasants, et al.

> DUCKS AND GEESE- Ducks, including mallard, and geese are aquatic birds. They belong to the Anatidae family of birds. Ducks are available in both freshwater and sea water.

Hunting for big game species of animals requires good gear including rifles and other firearms, along with ammunition, holsters to carry firearms, rifle scopes, ear protection, etc. Binoculars are needed for hunting birds. Camping gear and hunting boots are often needed in deer hunting, where the deer is stalked on foot and usually for several days. Hunting accessories such as knives are often needed to skin dead game.