LEV193 Biblical and talmudic laws prohibit eating any animal not killed instantly and with a single stroke, in effect making hunting forbidden to Jews as a method of acquiring food. At most, biblical law does permit an Israelite to capture an animal [this verse] and then slaughter it. But to chase after an animal, often accompanied by pursuing dogs, is proscribed (Avodah Zarah 18b; see Rashi's commentary). In the words of Maimonides, "We should not kill animals… for the purpose of sport (The Guide for the Perplexed 3:17). Also, we should remember that animals are often wounded but not killed by the hunter, and die a prolonged and agonizing death.