Hunting has always been a part of the Naga way of life. As such, despite laws like the Wild Life Act 1972 in place, it has always been difficult to get the message across to the masses to stop hunting. Unfortunately, there seems to be too little awareness about the law. In fact, most people who engage themselves in hunting seem not to be even aware that there is such a thing as the Wild Life Act 1972. Officially The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (as Amended in 2002) is applicable to the state of Nagaland. The Act adopts a two-pronged conservation strategy – specified endangered species are to be protected regardless of location and all species are to be protected. According to the department of Forests, Ecology, Environment & Wildlife, the object of the Act is to arrest the rapid decline and provide protection to the wildlife population. The Act also strives to regulate hunting of wild animals and birds. There is prohibition on hunting of all animals as mentioned in Schedule I-IV. The Act also regulates trade in wild animals, animal articles, and trophies. It is apparently clear that much awareness needs to be created about the law.
Traditionally, Nagas practice hunting during the ‘open season’ and almost all villages ban hunting during the breeding season which usually begins with the spring season and goes on till the end of summer season. The villagers usually follow this practice to date but remain largely unaware of the Wild Life Protection Act. These days, urban dwellers are more active in hunting than their village peers. With the arrival of new models of air guns in the market that are readily available, ‘hunting’ has become even more popular. It must be made aware to the masses that hunting with modern guns is not a traditional practice. Killing birds with pre-charged pneumatic air rifles with scope has got nothing to do with tradition. Besides, it must be made known that hunting during off season is not hunting but poaching.
Hunting, despite the prevailing laws prohibiting it, may be excused but poaching is inexcusable. Conscientious citizens should take upon themselves the task of making the difference between hunting and poaching known to the masses. Hunters themselves should speak up against poaching because poachers are giving all hunters a bad name. Genuine hunters obey the law – both natural and manmade – but poachers have no regard for law and they kill for the thrill. Hunting, although debatable, has bearing on the Naga way of life but poaching does not.
Nagas’ love for guns is a given. The predisposition of love for guns can be channelized to more positive and productive areas like competitive shooting sports. Those who love guns can still love guns without killing the birds. Besides, shooting as a game is one discipline where Nagas can excel. Therefore, efforts must be made to encourage gun lovers to take up the shooting game as a profession. Opening a privately run firing range can prove to be a viable business opportunity as well. Promoting the shooting game can actually prove to be a more effective way of stopping mass killing of birds and animals than banning hunting.
