Would the ponies approve of monster hunting? And would you do it?

[KillerKingBakudan 702]

Hours of watching Monster Hunter World got me thinking about this. Equestria has monsters. They're dangerous. And many of them like eating ponies. So what if somebody decided to hunt them down?

Like wild animals in our own world, they can be a good source of food (for non-ponies). Skinning them can produce good clothing material. Their bones could be used to make even more weapons and armor to hunt other monsters. And above all else, fewer monsters means a safer Equestria.

Fluttershy wouldn't like it, but not every pony is able to talk to monsters, let alone see them as anything but hostile creatures that want to do them harm. With that said, do you think the rest of Equestria would accept having active monster hunters in their population?

And if so, would you do it?

[Kevin Tang 2,426]

I think rather than hunting and killing them, they'd rather keep them in a zoo-like place (Tartarus)

[DonMaguz 1,023]

Maybe some creature catchers, as in Cutie Mark Crusaders Creature Catchers, would probably be able to hunt and catch dangerous creatures and monsters, but I don't think their objective would be killing the creatures.

[Jeric 46,854]

2 minutes ago, Kevin Tang said:

I think rather than hunting and killing them, they'd rather keep them in a zoo-like place (Tartarus)

Yeah, considering that this is canon, and considering the tone presented when they were coaxed into helping to save the day, the answer to the OP's question is a hard no. 

[Oleks 1,993]

Most ponies seem too peaceful to kill someone, even monsters (although I'm with Fluttershy on this, I'd rather not call those creatures monsters).

Personally I wouldn't do it, but I know who would:

Spoiler

 

[Goat-kun 2,527]

What's the difference between a monster and a unicorn with a "tragic past" anyway? They're all kinda dumb, easily provoked, and bad at communication. Plus unicorns with "tragic pasts" tend to hurt far more creatures than non-pones. Forget Equestria. I strongly believe that the whole world would benefit from a few skilled unicorn hunters.

[Ganondorf8 11,328]

I wouldn't want to hunt those monsters. Sure, many of them have proven to be dangerous as has been seen on many an occasion, but then they are sentient creatures that deserve to live in peace despite their nature. Besides, Tartarus would make no sense if ponies hunted monsters.

[They call me Loyalty 1,948]

If I were to decide how to balance the population, in order to maintain biodiversity. I would choose a non-violent method.

Considering ponies have the magic, tools and capacity to re-locate other species.

[Monsoon 1,662]

I'd be fine with it and would most likely take part in hunting monsters

[RDDash 19,195]

Probably, I suppose they could hunt them to death. It's not like they already cartoon massacre a bunch of critters.

[BornAgainBrony 2,398]

On 12/7/2018 at 2:03 PM, Goat-kun said:

What's the difference between a monster and a unicorn with a "tragic past" anyway? They're all kinda dumb, easily provoked, and bad at communication. Plus unicorns with "tragic pasts" tend to hurt far more creatures than non-pones. Forget Equestria. I strongly believe that the whole world would benefit from a few skilled unicorn hunters.

 

Probably depends on a lot of factors. Levels of intelligence and "can it be reasoned with?" There's a difference between someone on a shooting rampage and an apex predator eating a village. One is behaving abnormally, the other is doing exactly what it is expected to do.

It's hard to find common ground in this case though because we live on a planet where no other species is talking and sharing ideas with us. What if there were werewolves who instinctively eat people, but also had the capacity to speak to us and sometimes show compassion? How would we look at them?Zootopia went pretty deep in exploring this question.

As for the question of hunting monsters for food, I doubt it, unless the Ponies started becoming more omnivorous. The closest they come to eating animal is what, dairy products and honey?

Edited January 27, 2019 by BornAgainBrony

[Goat-kun 2,527]

12 hours ago, BornAgainBrony said:

Probably depends on a lot of factors. Levels of intelligence and "can it be reasoned with?" There's a difference between someone on a shooting rampage and an apex predator eating a village. One is behaving abnormally, the other is doing exactly what it is expected to do.

It's hard to find common ground in this case though because we live on a planet where no other species is talking and sharing ideas with us. What if there were werewolves who instinctively eat people, but also had the capacity to speak to us and sometimes show compassion? How would we look at them?Zootopia went pretty deep in exploring this question.

As for the question of hunting monsters for food, I doubt it, unless the Ponies started becoming more omnivorous. The closest they come to eating animal is what, dairy products and honey?

Trying to argue from a perspective of a completely different world setup is not an argument. The world of FIM would be a lot more peaceful and happy if there were unicorn hunters around. Cut that horn clean and let them squirm in their own mental issues until they figure it out. At least then those challenged ponies could go work on a rock farm without being a threat to anyone. Could likely make more friends than while throwing those magical tantrums. Just think about it: getting beaten by a unicorn hunter would be the best thing that ever happened to the likes of Luna and Starlight.

Edited January 27, 2019 by Goat-kun
Afterthoughts

[BornAgainBrony 2,398]

2 hours ago, Goat-kun said:

Trying to argue from a perspective of a completely different world setup is not an argument. The world of FIM would be a lot more peaceful and happy if there were unicorn hunters around. Cut that horn clean and let them squirm in their own mental issues until they figure it out. At least then those challenged ponies could go work on a rock farm without being a threat to anyone. Could likely make more friends than while throwing those magical tantrums. Just think about it: getting beaten by a unicorn hunter would be the best thing that ever happened to the likes of Luna and Starlight.

That was only half of what I said. Cutting off horns as a risk deterrent isn't so cut and dry. Earth Ponies use magic just as much as Unicorns or Pegusi. Every bucked tree and smashed boulder is magic-infused. It's just less flashy. A unicorn without a horn might as well be reduced to selling pencils on street corners.

Really though, there's probably no need to go that far. The Storm King had steel that could absorb magic. Strap on a muzzle of some sort that puts a 'boot' on the horn. Hannibal never got his teeth yanked out; they just put a mask on him. In the Equestria Games there was also a spell that unicorns had to submit to which nullified their magic to prevent outside interference on athlete performance. Surely there are less permanent solutions that can work. Also remember that there are VERY few Unicorns who are powerful enough to go all DragonballZ every time they get ticked off. Luna is a freaking Alicorn. Starlight is a prodigy. That she could duel Twilight hoof-to-hoof is an extreme exception to the rule.

Edited January 27, 2019 by BornAgainBrony

[Goat-kun 2,527]

42 minutes ago, BornAgainBrony said:

That was only half of what I said. Cutting off horns as a risk deterrent isn't so cut and dry. Earth Ponies use magic just as much as Unicorns or Pegusi. Every bucked tree and smashed boulder is magic-infused. It's just less flashy. A unicorn without a horn might as well be reduced to selling pencils on street corners.

Really though, there's probably no need to go that far. The Storm King had steel that could absorb magic. Strap on a muzzle of some sort that puts a 'boot' on the horn. Hannibal never got his teeth yanked out; they just put a mask on him. In the Equestria Games there was also a spell that unicorns had to submit to which nullified their magic to prevent outside interference on athlete performance. Surely there are less permanent solutions that can work. Also remember that there are VERY few Unicorns who are powerful enough to go all DragonballZ every time they get ticked off. Luna is a freaking Alicorn. Starlight is a prodigy. That she could duel Twilight hoof-to-hoof is an extreme exception to the rule.

When was the last time an earth pony or a pegasi caused extreme trouble without aid? Shoot a bolt into their flank, clip their wings, chain their ankles. It's cheap and any local blacksmith can provide the proper tools for the job.

 

Witch hunters, demon hunters, vampire hunters etc. don't just hunt a single type of quarry. The same would be true for unicorn hunters. Those who raise their magic against the world and its inhabitants are fair game and since none of the other nations seem to have an omnipresent eldritch deity that can blast everything with rainbows such a hazardous profession is required.

 

Also, our glorious writers have made all other nations miserable shitholes dipped in anarchy, so one could hardly blame such individuals for using a fast, cheap, and relatively final non-lethal solution against any powerful threat while making a profit from selling rare materials like a unicorn's horn. They can thus maintain and upgrade their much-needed equipment without government founding since there's practically no government to be had. The closest thing to an official institution would be a tavern with a quest board

 

And even if these nations would have the resources you'd still need hunters that would smack that nightmare straight and bring it before the ruler in those magical chains.

[Cwanky 17,598]

3 hours ago, Goat-kun said:

Trying to argue from a perspective of a completely different world setup is not an argument. The world of FIM would be a lot more peaceful and happy if there were unicorn hunters around. Cut that horn clean and let them squirm in their own mental issues until they figure it out. At least then those challenged ponies could go work on a rock farm without being a threat to anyone. Could likely make more friends than while throwing those magical tantrums. Just think about it: getting beaten by a unicorn hunter would be the best thing that ever happened to the likes of Luna and Starlight.

 

That's just the tip of the iceberg though isn't it? Unicorns aren't overpowered per se. It's unicorns who possess and/or wield powerful magic that are dangerous. And I agree it that Equestrian society is ill equipped to deal with those threats, especially in terms of law enforcement. As BornAgainaBrony brought up, you also have destructive and mischievous earth ponies, pegasi and other creatures. What happens when a group of pegasi or griffons decide to terrorize and sabotage a town of creatures that can't fight back, or adequately fly to apprehend them? In post Chrysalis society, what happens if a rogue changeling goes stealing and murdering people? Remember, changelings alone are very dangerous since they BOTH feed on love, shapeshift at will, and possess magic (potentially) and flight in one package. 

Hell a lot of the magic and power in Equestria is equally derived from dangerous artifacts or manipulation. The Alicorn Amulet and the spellbook, Inspiration of Manifestation are the clearest examples of the former. In the latter case, a filly pegasi, Cozy Glow, was able to nearly bring down a whole kingdom and alter the fabric of the world. And then you have troublemakers like Flim and Flam, who despite getting caught on various occasions, never are brought to justice, pay a fine or even get scolded by local governments.

The bigger issue here is that Equestria lacks proper law enforcement, laws and regulations to manage any of this chaos. Instead you have the Mane 6 acting as the World Police, while even Celestia and Luna are useless, the Royal Guards are more decorative than functional, and the society's too pacifist. No one group is the main culprit.

1 hour ago, BornAgainBrony said:

That was only half of what I said. Cutting off horns as a risk deterrent isn't so cut and dry. Earth Ponies use magic just as much as Unicorns or Pegusi. Every bucked tree and smashed boulder is magic-infused. It's just less flashy. A unicorn without a horn might as well be reduced to selling pencils on street corners.

Really though, there's probably no need to go that far. The Storm King had steel that could absorb magic. Strap on a muzzle of some sort that puts a 'boot' on the horn. Hannibal never got his teeth yanked out; they just put a mask on him. In the Equestria Games there was also a spell that unicorns had to submit to which nullified their magic to prevent outside interference on athlete performance. Surely there are less permanent solutions that can work. Also remember that there are VERY few Unicorns who are powerful enough to go all DragonballZ every time they get ticked off. Luna is a freaking Alicorn. Starlight is a prodigy. That she could duel Twilight hoof-to-hoof is an extreme exception to the rule.

That last point bears repeating: only a few skilled unicorn are truly dangerous with magic. Cutting off horns or removing wings is too extreme. Just hold the potential offenders accountable. Keep a close eye on high level magic users, unicorn or otherwise. No one even kept tabs on Starlight in Canterlot. No she was just allowed to walk out with all that OP spell knowledge. Hell before she did it, Twilight managed to steal Starswirl's Time Spell with ease. For extreme cases, maybe just Obliviate the user's mind and keep access of powerful spells and artifacts away from them.

On the original topic of monster hunting, it's hard to say whether the ponies would approve of Monster Hunting actually. Though the society is peaceful, there are hardliners like Chancellor Neighsay that may be otherwise inclined. Hell, even imprisoning monsters, is ill advised as seen last finale. They still fill important roles in the society (population control ) and many have enough intelligence that they should have rights as creatures. Fluttershy has shown that empathy and diplomacy work just as well if not better than brute force. Even Applebloom  was able to temporarily talk down a chimera.

And what constitutes monsters? Creatures that lack speech abilities? By many regards fully grown dragons were considered monsters, but Fluttershy was able to diplomatically deal with one, and I doubt Ember would approve of such categorization. Moreover, how would said monsters be dealt with? Might as the show has shown been less than often right, especially when equally effective alternatives exist. 

[Goat-kun 2,527]

8 minutes ago, Cwanky said:

That's just the tip of the iceberg though isn't it? Unicorns aren't overpowered per se. It's unicorns who possess and/or wield powerful magic that are dangerous. And I agree it that Equestrian society is ill equipped to deal with those threats, especially in terms of law enforcement. As BornAgainaBrony brought up, you also have destructive and mischievous earth ponies, pegasi and other creatures. What happens when a group of pegasi or griffons decide to terrorize and sabotage a town of creatures that can't fight back, or adequately fly to apprehend them? In post Chrysalis society, what happens if a rogue changeling goes stealing and murdering people? Remember, changelings alone are very dangerous since they BOTH feed on love, shapeshift at will, and possess magic (potentially) and flight in one package. 

Hell a lot of the magic and power in Equestria is equally derived from dangerous artifacts or manipulation. The Alicorn Amulet and the spellbook, Inspiration of Manifestation are the clearest examples of the former. In the latter case, a filly pegasi, Cozy Glow, was able to nearly bring down a whole kingdom and alter the fabric of the world. And then you have troublemakers like Flim and Flam, who despite getting caught on various occasions, never are brought to justice, pay a fine or even get scolded by local governments.

The bigger issue here is that Equestria lacks proper law enforcement, laws and regulations to manage any of this chaos. Instead you have the Mane 6 acting as the World Police, while even Celestia and Luna are useless, the Royal Guards are more decorative than functional, and the society's too pacifist. No one group is the main culprit.

Yes, that's why you need unicorn hunters. I named them unicorn hunters since horned ponies are the end all be all of canon and fanon. Yeah, you'd need such folks to sniff out a changeling ripper too. The royal guard can't do it. Mane 6 couldn't go against a serial killer either. You'd need someone like a Goblin Slayer who's experienced in sneaky tactics and immune to pleas for mercy cause all canon characters would die to such a changeling. It's a hardcore dark fantasy scenario ... And you're saying how cutting horns is bad. Tsk, tsk, tsk

 

And you begin to address the problem some Bronies like to ignore: Equestria as the world cop. "Others do not need anti-magic defenses cause Mane 6 will take care of everything." So you end up with the scenario where Equestria acts as the world cop while simultaneously exporting the problems it's trying to fix by being the world cop (nightmares, unicorns, artifacts)

[Megas 27,742]

I mean, Monster Hunter is a great game so I don't see why they would look down on it

[Dreambiscuit 9,986]

I’m against hunting as a rule. Killing a living being for sport is wrong unless that being poses a threat or its meat is needed for survival. Monsters are a threat, and they’re hardly defenseless like some poor deer in the woods getting its brains blown out by a dude with a gun, looking for a trophy. So I’d say let’s go nuke those monsters and roast ‘em on a spit!  Step aside, Fluttershy! 

[EpicEnergy 23,222]

I think ponies wouldn't approve of monster hunting.

[Splashee 28,566]

Any hunting of animals or monsters would not be enjoyable for the ponies (talking about the friendly good guys here, not bad ponies)

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

Isnt scootaloos parents one of em? And theres tartarus too...someones been capturing and puttimg them to tartarus...so monster hunting is actually legit in equestria

[Scootaloo9074090 501]

On 2019-01-26 at 8:51 PM, BornAgainBrony said:

Probably depends on a lot of factors. Levels of intelligence and "can it be reasoned with?" There's a difference between someone on a shooting rampage and an apex predator eating a village. One is behaving abnormally, the other is doing exactly what it is expected to do.

It's hard to find common ground in this case though because we live on a planet where no other species is talking and sharing ideas with us. What if there were werewolves who instinctively eat people, but also had the capacity to speak to us and sometimes show compassion? How would we look at them?Zootopia went pretty deep in exploring this question.

As for the question of hunting monsters for food, I doubt it, unless the Ponies started becoming more omnivorous. The closest they come to eating animal is what, dairy products and honey?

freedom is the right of all sentient beings  Optimus prime and fluttershy would be so disappointed in this topic 

Edited October 26, 2021 by Scootaloo9074090