Are there any former hunters and/or anglers that made the change to veganism here? What are your experiences with becoming a vegan?
Hello all,
I have been seriously considering veganism over the last couple months and I wanted to get some insight from vegans that may have been in my situation.
Here is some background about me and what made me reconsider my views. I am from the US and grew up in a Boy Scout family in the Midwest and the South, so the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, was a large part of my life growing up. I continued to hunt and fish into adulthood, but the longer I did it, the less enjoyable it became. About two months ago, I was gathering my tackle for an upcoming spring fishing trip when the realization hit me: I don't like killing things, and if I'm not willing to kill it, why should I expect others to do the dirty work for me? This threw me for a loop and sent me down a rabbit hole that I never thought I would go down.
I have made the following short term changes in my diet and lifestyle in the last two months as an experiment:
I have avoided eating animal products as best I can. The only animal product I have willingly and knowledgeably consumed has been whey protein powder, I don't have the money to waste food, so I will finish this out and replace it with a plant based alternative. I have an active lifestyle and lift weights regularly, so I aim for about 1.3-1.5g/kg of protein at my goal weight. I am also taking recommended supplements.
I have put all my leather goods in storage, with the exception of my hiking boots that I paid a lot of money for and cannot replace on a whim.
I have not gone hunting or fishing during this time despite being invited out. Catch and release fishing does not appear to be in line with vegan stances as it's still harming the fish.
Aside from my spouse, I have told a few friends that I am trying this out, but I have not said anything to my family because I'm expecting some serious ridicule from them when I bring it up. I already don't see eye to eye with most of them over politics and religion, so I can see this driving the wedge deeper.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and potentially respond, I look forward to hearing about others' experiences. Choosing to be vegan would be a major lifestyle change for me, so I'm feeling somewhat anxious about it all.
Thanks again,
Vegetable Curious
Edit for clarification: I am using a fresh account because several people know my primary account and I'm not ready to discuss this with a couple of them. Please let me know if there is any kind of verification I need to provide.
Edit: Thanks for the insight everyone! I have decided to give Veganism a genuine attempt.