MLB pitcher Erik Swanson kicked off hunting season with a bang by posting a photo of he and his son after a successful geese hunt, causing anti-hunters to go crazy.
In a recent post on Instagram, the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher showed both he and his son in Roseau, Minnesota with a row of Canadian Geese they had hunted. Immediately after, “blog to” highlighted the social media post on their website with the headline, “Toronto Blue Jays pitcher poses with [a] pile of dead Canada geese he shot with his kid.”
The headline forced Swanson to defend himself on social media after anti-hunters attempted to condemn him for his actions.
“I am an avid hunter/fisherman and I will always be,” Swanson explained on the social media platform, X. “For the people who are asking me why I have my son with me, I am teaching him a very important life lesson… the beef, venison, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables all come from somewhere, not just the grocery store.”
Swanson went on to explain that when individuals hunt and harvest their own food, they know exactly where it is coming from as opposed to buying it from the store.
“Next time you go to the grocery store or restaurant and order something, remember that it had to come from somewhere,” Swanson continued. “Know what you are eating! Safe Hunting to all!”
This isn’t the first time Swanson has been outspoken about being an avid hunter. Looking back at his Instagram profile Swanson has posted successful hunting trips in the past.
Here’s one post from 2020:
And this one from a year prior:
Swanson’s efforts to normalize hunting and defend his actions should be applauded. It’s also exciting to see him teach his son how to hunt ethically and safely. Hunters should continue to get their kids involved in the outdoors and teach them about a tradition our ancestors did years before our time. Not only is hunting a critical component of conservation, but you also learn valuable life lessons while hunting in the field. It’s up to us to make sure the next generation is prepared to carry on the traditions we love so dearly.
