It is not so much about "divide and conquer" but more of policing our own ranks. The majority of citizens do not hunt and generally have no pro or con ideas about it. However,when they perceive ( correctly or not) that a particular method is unethical,they will back the antis in seeking legislation to stop that. It has nothing to do with the science of managing big game herds,.
It happened here in Colorado concerning leg hold traps, and spring bear hunting.
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
