big game

Big game refers to large animals hunted for sport. Historically, this included megafauna like mammoths and bison, hunted by ancient North American cultures such as the Clovis and Folsom complexes. Hunting itself, initially a necessity for survival, evolved into a sport with various methods and equipment, from spears to firearms.123

Modern big game hunting can be controversial, particularly "canned hunting," where animals are released in controlled environments for guaranteed kills, often for trophies. This practice is criticized for lacking fair chase and causing unnecessary suffering. Poaching, the illegal hunting of game, poses a significant threat to wildlife populations globally, impacting species like rhinos, elephants, and tigers. Conservation efforts and international agreements aim to combat poaching and preserve wildlife.45