Hunting has been a part of man's evolutionary history for 99 percent of his existence. The evolution, history and philosophy of hunting has been reviewed for centuries. There is abundant, descriptive, contemporary data available about hunters. Methods of hunting and laws governing hunters are varied and result from historical, political, and economic decisions. Information is lacking concerning the basic motivation for hunting and the possible influence of hunters and hunting on modern society. Although there is some truth that hunting may be atavistic, this no longer seems an adequate justification for its continuance. The proportion of hunters in the total population will continue to decline. As with some wild species that have become extinct, the availability of hunter habitat will be a critical factor in the continuance of hunting. Social, religious, economic and political decisions will play a lesser role. Hunters in nations with long-established traditions, rites and regulations related to hunting, may have the best opportunity to continue hunting as a sport.