Public outreach
11. 2. 2025

Can hunting foster environmental stewardship?

This podcast delves into the complex emotional dimensions of hunting, challenging the common misconception that hunters take pleasure in killing. Thorsten Gieser shares personal experiences and research findings, illustrating how the difficult act of taking an animal’s life, when approached with mindfulness, can foster a deeper awareness of the environment and a stronger connection to nature. It is also explored how the various factors—from hunting traditions to modern technology— shape the relationship between hunters and the natural world.

The discussion shifts to examine the role of hunting rituals in contemporary society. Rather than dismissing them as outdated, Thorsten highlights their importance in providing a space for reflection and processing the gravity of taking a life. The episode concludes with a conversation on how hunters can engage more effectively in public debates about their practices, proposing that acknowledging the moral complexities of hunting could pave the way for more productive discussions on conservation and our connection to the environment.

See the podcast here: https://pod.fo/e/2ab356