....Eightbore, I agree, Market hunters of the past are very much like the water-men that are still with us today. Fair chase does not enter into their business. And they were in the business of killing game to fill the market demand just like the buffalo hunters. They take, take as much as they are "allowed" and do nothing to invest the games future. They are not farming, where they invest, to improve the crop. They just harvest, harvest, harvest. There were no limits on market-hunters because in those times game was considered a bottomless resource. Just as oysters, clams, fish and crabs were. And now we have scraps that are left to us.
I enjoy historical accounts, but I don't apply my values to them, they stand alone as an interesting snapshot in time, for me. Many of the market hunting accounts that I have read, seem like huge investments by the hunters to battle weather and large distances, to scratch out a very modest living. Even punt guns had a small sporting following, well into the twentieth century, with zero intent to be lit off for the market.
I don't like loud bar, hooting and hollering, but something is wrong without some expression happiness over a recreational, sporting accomplishment. Some old timers and kids really perk up when they are describing their shot of the day.
