Kristy Lee Cook Defends Her Hunting Habits After PETA Attacks Her Choice Of Sport

Country singer Kristy Lee Cook may be getting hit hard by PETA, but the Season 7 “American Idol” contestant knows just how to dish it back out.

The Washington state native, whose new hunting reality show, “Goin’ Country,” premiered this past weekend on Versus, has been getting an influx of bad publicity from animal rights activists who have already started a barrage of commenting on the content of the show. The eight episode series follows Kristy as she takes friends and family members on an array of hunting adventures.

A spokesperson for PETA shared with Fox411.com why the organization feels such animosity towards the 26-year-old blonde.

“Instead of angering thousands of would-be fans by killing helpless animals on camera in an attempt to get her ‘15 Minutes of Shame,’ Kristy Lee Cook’s fame crusade would be better served by following in the footsteps of fellow Idol alum-turned-country-stars Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler — as well as Simon Cowell — all of whom have used their fame and talent to speak up for animals,” the spokesperson rants to Fox411.

Kristy didn’t comment directly on PETA’s praise of her “Idol” peers (Carrie and Kellie are vegetarians and Simon advocates for animal adoption and faux fur). She instead came back to defend herself and the hundreds of thousands of hunters who are repeatedly attacked by animal rights organizations for sporting in wild lands.

“Given that hunters have done more for American wildlife conservation than any other group in history, I make no apology for being one,” Kristy said in response to FOX411.com. “Indeed, I join the ranks of millions of American hunters who celebrate our outdoor heritage and who conserve millions of acres of wild lands. These same people support more than 600,000 jobs across the country and provide a critical voice to encourage more investment in American conservation.”

On the show, Kristy (who told Fox that she understands people who oppose hunting) takes guests out hunting who have previously shown distaste for the sport. She then tries to convert them into hunting-enthusiasts.

“My sister had never hunted. She once hit a butterfly with a tennis racket and cried so I was like, this is gonna be funny. We took her hunting for her first deer, with the meat going to an orphanage, and she ended up harvesting a buck. She had a great time and said she would do it again,” Kristy admits to Fox411. “Everybody that has experienced it for the first time has enjoyed it and had a great time. It’s more about being with friends and family and having a good time.”

Kristy has also always been an advocate of organic living. She tells Fox411 that the two things combined, living organically and her love of hunting game, are not as mutually exclusive as some people would assume.

“I’m a big time organic person, and the meat we get from shooting something is as organic as it comes. If I don’t take the meat home to my family then we give it to orphanages or homeless shelters. The meat is going somewhere and it is great because I get to feed all these people,” the singer mentioned. “Whether you like hunting or not, I know I get to help people eat.”

“Goin’ Country” also touches upon Kristy’s involvement in her charity, the “Kristy Lee Horse Heaven Foundation,” which helps rescue abused or neglected horses.

“The show is serious about our hunt, but it also has my rescue horses in it. Spotlighting them is really important to me,” she said.