The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
US trophy hunter boasts of goat kills
Television star taunts critics with new line of clothing
An American hunter who caused outrage after posting photos of goats and sheep she killed on a Hebridean island has taunted critics by launching a range of T-shirts celebrating the controversy.
TV presenter Larysa Switlyk, 33, received global criticism after she and a companion were pictured smiling with animals they shot on Islay.
But she has now unveiled a collection of T-shirts and hoodies bearing the slogans “Don’t let me get your goat,” “Eat More Goat” and “Barbaric Hunter.”
Ms Switlyk claimed a percentage of profits from the clothing range will go towards wild goat conservation.
She posted a photo of herself wearing one of the shirts and wrote on Instagram: “Due to the recent outrage over my hunting adventures I’ve decided to launch T-shirts to take a stance for what I believe in.
“A percentage of every shirt sold goes towards conservation efforts for the world’s capra species.
“Thank you for your support. We are already on our next hunt and will be in and out of service the next two weeks. Definitely on a dream hunt right now and I’m extremely blessed.
“Thank you God and again I will never apologize for being a hunter.”
The decision to launch the T-shirts, which are on sale for $29.95, was criticised on social media.
Patrick Galbraith, editor of the Shooting Times magazine, said: “Beyond distasteful that @LSwitlyk is shamelessly attempting to capitalise on a pathetic stunt that may ultimately harm fieldsports in Scotland.
“She shows no respect for the hunting community or the beautiful creatures we are privileged to pursue.”
Ms Switlyk this week called for an end to the death threats made against her.
She had described how she had spent two days hunting goat on Islay before fatally wounding one with a “200 yard shot”.
An online petition has been launched calling for the government to ban trophy hunting in Scotland.
The Scottish Government is reviewing the law on animal culling after the response to the images.
Switlyk, a former accountant, hosts the Larysa Unleashed television show in the United States.