- A song by Insane Clown Posse that deals with hunting racist individuals (metaphorically called “chickens”)
- An article about actual chicken hunting as a practice (hunting feral chickens or predators that hunt chickens)
I’ll focus my response on addressing both interpretations, as a user searching for this term could be interested in either one
Ever heard someone ask “who’s going chicken huntin'” and wondered what on earth they were talking about? This phrase actually has two completely different meanings depending on the context, and both are pretty fascinating. As someone who’s researched this topic extensively, I’m gonna break down both interpretations for ya – whether you’re curious about a controversial 90s horrorcore track or actual methods of hunting feral chickens.
Part 1: The Insane Clown Posse Song – Origins and Impact
In 1995, horrorcore hip hop duo Insane Clown Posse (ICP) released a track called “Chicken Huntin'” that quickly became one of their signature songs The song appears on two of their albums – first on “Ringmaster” (1994) and then as the popular “Slaughter House Mix” version on “Riddle Box” (1995)
The Origins of a Controversial Song
The inspiration behind “Chicken Huntin'” came from Violent J’s personal experiences. When stationed near Fort Bragg, North Carolina with his brother Robert (who was in the U.S. Army), Violent J witnessed firsthand the racism directed toward African Americans and minorities in the military. These disturbing experiences left a deep impression on him.
In an interview with Murder Dog magazine, Violent J clarified the song’s intent: “If you’re a redneck and you’re not a racist, then obviously you know that I’m not talkin’ about you. But [in the song] I’m talkin’ about the racist fuckin’ rednecks that fuck their daughters. It just makes me sick.”
Music Videos and Legacy
The song actually has two music videos:
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The first video was funded by Battery Records but disappointed both the group and the label. It wasn’t released until 2007 when it appeared on “Psychopathic: The Videos.”
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The second video for the “Slaughter House Mix” was filmed at Detroit’s State Theatre (now the Fillmore) during an actual ICP concert. Directed by former Cro-Mags guitarist Parris Mayhew, this video is considered a classic by fans.
What’s kinda funny is that during the filming of the second video, ICP performed the original version rather than the remix because fans weren’t yet familiar with the newer version!
Remixes and Cultural Impact
Over the years, “Chicken Huntin'” has inspired several remixes:
- The “Slaughter House Mix” on Riddle Box (1995)
- Mike E. Clark’s remix for Psychopathic Murder Mix Volume 1 (2009)
- Esham and Poe Whosaine covered the track in 2009
- Cold 187um reused the instrumental for his track “3 Brothers” in 2012
For ICP fans (known as Juggalos), the song became an explosive, cathartic anthem. It represents the raw, unfiltered early style of ICP and continues to be one of their most discussed tracks even decades later.
Part 2: Actual Chicken Hunting – Modern Motivations and Methods
Now, let’s switch gears completely and talk about literal chicken hunting. This might sound strange at first – why would anyone hunt chickens? But there are actually several legitimate reasons people engage in this activity.
Why Are People Hunting Chickens?
The motivations behind chicken hunting are surprisingly diverse:
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Feral Chicken Control: In many regions, particularly islands and areas with abandoned poultry farms, feral chicken populations have exploded. These birds can compete with native species, spread disease, and damage crops. Government agencies and landowners sometimes use hunting as a method of population control.
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Predator Management: If you own backyard chickens, you might find yourself “hunting” predators like foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and birds of prey that threaten your flock. In this context, “chicken hunting” refers to controlling animals that prey on chickens.
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Ethical Meat Sourcing: Some people hunt feral chickens as an alternative to factory-farmed poultry. They see it as a more humane and sustainable approach to obtaining meat.
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Recreational Hunting: In some specific geographic locations, particularly in the Southern United States, hunting feral chickens can be a legal recreational activity, though this is less common.
Methods of “Chicken Hunting”
Depending on the goal, several methods are used:
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Trapping: Using live traps baited with food to capture birds humanely. After capture, birds might be relocated, euthanized, or used for consumption.
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Shooting: In areas where trapping isn’t practical, shooting may be used for feral chicken control. This requires careful attention to firearm safety, local regulations, and ethical hunting practices.
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Predator Control: When protecting domestic flocks, methods focus on deterring or removing predators through trapping, relocation, or sometimes lethal means as a last resort.
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Selective Harvesting: For those raising chickens for meat, selectively choosing specific birds based on size, age, or health is a common practice.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before engaging in any form of chicken hunting, it’s crucial to consider:
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Local Regulations: Hunting rules vary widely by location. Always research and comply with applicable laws regarding licenses, seasons, and methods.
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Humane Treatment: All methods should prioritize minimizing animal suffering.
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Environmental Impact: Consider how your actions might affect native species and the ecosystem.
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Safety: Public safety is paramount, particularly when using firearms.
Common Questions About Chicken Hunting
People often have questions about this unusual activity:
Is it legal to hunt feral chickens?
This varies greatly by location. You must consult your state’s wildlife agency and local ordinances before attempting this.
How can I identify a feral chicken?
Feral chickens often exhibit characteristics of their wild ancestors – smaller size, more camouflaged plumage, and wariness around humans. But the distinction can be blurry in areas where domestic and feral chickens interbreed.
What’s the most humane way to dispatch a chicken?
Cervical dislocation, performed correctly, is considered one of the most humane methods. A swift, decisive break of the neck ensures a quick death.
How can I protect my chickens from predators without lethal methods?
Prevention is key: secure coops with sturdy wire mesh, bury the perimeter to prevent digging, use motion-activated lights, and consider guard dogs or predator-resistant breeds.
Conclusion: Two Very Different Interpretations
So there ya have it – two completely different meanings of “who’s going chicken huntin'” that couldn’t be more unrelated:
- A controversial horrorcore song by Insane Clown Posse that metaphorically targets racists
- The actual practice of hunting feral chickens or predators that threaten domestic flocks
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult local regulations before engaging in any hunting activities, and prioritize humane treatment of animals at all times.
Composition[]
The song uses funk and soul samples. The lyrics describe the narrators heading to the American South to murder racists, who they refer to as “chickens”, “rednecks” and “hillbillies”.
Release[]
The song originally appeared on ICPs second album, Ringmaster. Subsequently, ICP signed with Jive Records, and they wanted to feature it on their first national release, and Jive wanted to produce a remix. The original remix was disliked by ICP, so they did their own remix, the “Slaughter House Mix”. Musically, the remix is noted for Featuring funky live guitars and a rap-metal sound.
In 2009, Mike E. Clark produced a third remix for Psychopathic Murder Mix Volume 1.