The 7 deadly hunting sins. Spend more than a day in the field and you are sure to spot someone committing one of the 7 deadly hunting sins. Make sure it’s not you by reading our guide to hunting etiquette.

THE 7 DEADLY HUNTING SINS

GLUTTONY
“For drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (Proverbs 23:21)
Those with a myopic interest in galloping and jumping become dull to great joys of hunting such as houndwork.

GREED
“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched” (Proverbs 28:25)
Jockeying ferociously for position can cause nasty accidents and is one of the serious hunting sins. Some people seem to be in at the kill, metaphorically, without ever appearing to push hard across country.

SLOTH
“The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway” (Proverbs 15:19)
Getting off for a sticky gate, ensuring you give thanks and are considerate to farmers and motorists may take some effort but it helps keep country open and with no country there is no hunt.

WRATH
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1)
It’s a deadly sin for us mortals but beware also the “wrath of god”. The Master’s word is law on a hunting day.

ENVY
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (Peter 2:1-2)
There is no call for it, those who can hunt would better pity those who cannot.

PRIDE
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)
This proverb is often used in relation to riding generally but is perhaps best demonstrated out hunting, showboat at your peril. Your hunting sins will find you out.

LUST
“For this reason God gave them up to dishonourable passion” (Romans 1:26)
Never mind the hounds rioting, those galloping after them have been known to chase the wrong quarry, and get into just as much trouble.