Conclusion  

     I have learned throughout my research that the mindset of certain people will never change.  Although we are more civilized then we were 150 years ago, there will always be those who feel they need to take matters into their own hands.  The government can make laws to stop these Hunting Contests, but someone will always try and sneak through the cracks, making excuses for their actions.

     I have not found the answer to my main question; why do these events take place?  Everyone has their own side to the story and it seems most of these people’s opinions will not change.  Killing animals is in the heart of far too many people.  No living thing should have to die to fill the pockets of those who killed them.  I will continue to wonder why these hunters feel the need to carry on these events and just how far they will go in the future.  Once a species is extinct, will the eyes of the hunters open or will they just move on to the next target?  Why can’t we learn from our past mistakes when people slaughtered large amounts of animal species?  Are we able to make advancements in technology, but not find a more ethical and humane way to deal with “problem” animal species?

     Now that I have had the opportunity to learn more about this topic, more questions come to mind.  When will departments of the government, who claim to be concerned about wildlife, become leaders, rather than feeling compelled to listen to the heartless opinions of these hunters?  How will the government fix their mistakes of allowing hunters to diminish the population of these species once the species become endangered?  Do these government officials and hunters have any clue what they are doing to the ecosystem when they are attempting to eradicate a species?

     It saddens me to think of a future without these beautiful creatures.  They may seem dangerous, they may be dangerous, but so are humans.  What does that say for our future?