What Would PETA Say to This?

Harlock said:
..."outing" myself as a hunter. There is a big stigma on it these days...
I think, as hunters, we have a special responsibility to put our best foot forward at all times in regards to the shooting sports. We have fewer and fewer allies as the baby boomers age and get too old to hunt. Kids just don't get out in nature like people used to ... I know one thing, both of my children will have hunting and outdoor opportnuities. Of course, we have a ranch 45 minutes away, so it's easy for me to say that. I hope though, that their friends will want to come too. This lifestyle will die out without new blood and without people having access to places to engage in it.

Thank god for people like you, is all I can say. There's many more issues, but having people who want to hold on to the hunting legacy of this country, and pass it on to their children, is the best shot all wild animals--even those that aren't hunted--have for long term survival. Almost all wildlife management--from endangered species to trophy game--is done with the dollars of hunters and anglers. Without them, many species would already be gone, and many more in serious decline.
 
You know OG, I have heard that from game wadens a lot. I know folks in my family who do not hunt or fish, but still buy a hunting and fishing license to support TPWD. I always buy a fishing license and I haven't fished in years. I know you guys and gals need the funding. I know you need volunteers and donations for those auctions. That's one thing I have always been sort of proud of with TPWD, that the hunters are actually the conservationists. I think landowners now, more than ever, are educated about wildlife and game management. It's a great thing to see.

As an aside, I meant to mention this earlier, but thank you for what you do. Yours is one of the only jobs around in which you know the people you stop will be armed. I have a lot of erspect for our county warden's. Heck, I even call the ones in the neighboring county to let them know when I am out varmint hunting on the ranch, in case they see the spotlights on the hills. Of course this does me the favor of them checking it out if I don't call. ;)
 
:) I'll pass your appreciation on--but I'm a desk jockey. I build and maintain databases, and do general computer support. My few excursions to the field are based on resolving a remote users problems, or helping with a sampling operation. :D
 
Every bit counts :)
 
In 2001 I drove from Austin to Big Bend National Park. It's like an 18 hour drive so it was dark when we got out in west Texas. The deer are so scary because your going 60-70mph and they are all standing on the side of the road. Everytime I saw a group of them I slowed down of course but still you cringe just knowing one will freak out and come through your windshield. It doesn't help that this actually happened to my uncle one night.
 
Another deer hunter here!

I live in Maine where we don't have as much of a problem with overpopulation as many states do. Many parts of the state have less than 2 deer per square mile. There are some problem areas though, in more populated areas in the southern parts of the state and also on some islands. The state's solution is giving out bonus any-deer permits in certain areas, and in some cases hiring professional sharpshooters.

We have been under attack by anti's lately. Just last year HSUS joined forces with a Maine anti-hunting organization to attempt to end bear baiting, trapping, and hunting with dogs. It was defeated at the polls, but just barely. It is only the beginning I'm afraid. Now they are trying to pass a bill that allows unqualified people to work for the department of fisheries and wildlife. They are trying to eliminate the requirement that employees must have training in wildlife resource management and a background in hunting and fishing. Their agenda is to get anti-hunters involved in the management of wildlife. Hopefully this will get thrown out, but I wonder what they will try next?
 
Who says they are unqualified just because they are from a different background? I guess I fail to see how a biology or environmental studies major less relevant that a wildlife mgt major, or how more than one perspective in a department would make it less effective.
 
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