4salt, how is the use of hounds unsporting? Cougars, etc, still get away often times.

Is bird hunting with dogs any less "unsporting?" Obviously they give the hunter much more of an advantage over the bird. Maybe just pointers? After all, a hunter can often times almost step on birds that are pointed.

In both cases dogs can be harmed by their prey or during the hunt itself. I personally know of a brittany that lost an eye due to a rooster pheasant.

There is no difference, IMO. Hound hunting is sporting and should be allowed for preditor control.