Why do we shoot ourselves in the foot?
June 29, 2006
In today’s Black Bear Blog was a post from the Ithaca Journal about how Outdoorsmen maybe their own worse enemies. I would encourage you to read that and the following is my rambling thoughts on the subject.
I would agree but the problem often arrives in the ethical/ philosophical arena where many hunters have issue with each other. Bow Hunters Traditional vs Compound vs Crossbows, Muzzleloaders sidelocks vs inlines as well as scope use.
A major issue in parts of the country is the use of dogs for big game especially when it comes to property rights and dogs running over land they are not suppose to be on. That is a huge problem here in NC in counties that allow dog use for deer hunting. I know in Maine use of dogs for bears has had some issues with property owners. Then you get into the whole baiting debate for animals. I guess my question is what is the approach hunters should take?
In my situation I have issue with dog hunters running their dogs across my deer lease I’ve exhausted all other avenues. Talked to hunters asked them to release dogs away from property line they refuse, contact wardens and unless the hunters themselves are on the property there is little that can be done, we’ve attempted to kill all deer running in front of dogs or divert dogs off the deer prior to them reaching the other hunters. I feel I have little choice but to support any effort on landowners part to end dog hunting in the county I hunt. There was an effort in the past, which I did not participate in, and another one is brewing that I’m certain it will be widely supported by the typical anti groups.
I think that most of the support for Hunting and gun ownership is people on the “Right” and the animal wackos are made up of more people on the “Left” The people on the “Right” see more issues as black or white and the “Left” sees everything as gray. I’m unwilling to support someone doing something that I see as “wrong” or “cheating” and I think there are many others in our camp that think the same way and that is where our struggle is. Earlier this week the NC State Director for the Humane Society wrote an editorial opposed to the Sunday Hunting Study being conducted here in NC ( Earlier post about this in the Black Bear Blog) He basically said that 6 days a week is enough time for hunting, is he supportive of hunting? heck no!! He knows that if he takes the approach that 6 days is enough and the Sunday Hunting Prohibition remains that he has won. If the true views of his organization and the supports were put forth that they would support a total ban on hunting, that private ownership of pets be done away with, that all medical testing on animals be halted, and if necessary that terrorist acts be carried out to fulfill these goals the paper might not(it was the N&O so who knows for sure) of even printed his editorial.
This is a big dilemma for hunters and I’d be curious to hear what others think and what approaches we should take as our way of life is under attack.
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, Ill explore new places and ideas Ill learn new things and Ill teach the things Ive learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
I support your sentiments it is a dilemma.
However, if all hunters joined the NRA HSUS could not compete. The NRA supports hunters regardless of their means of taking an animal so long as it’s legal.
The anti’s are joining forces & pose a much greater threat to sportsmen than in the past. HSUS have reformed & refined their approach to influencing & changing the hearts & minds of the average American without stooping to violence. They intend to turn the non-hunting/fishing/trapping public against us.
They are making & spending money hand over fist to this effect.
HSUS recently hired NRA’s lobbyist in NC. He (McCleese)sp quit the NRA claiming their support of Sunday hunting went against his morals even though he is a hunter & is now working for the largest anti-hunting org. in the nation.
HSUS’s new CEO, Wayne Pacelle, (a vegan) was interviewed by SATYAN mag. Here’s the link:
http://www.satyamag.com/jun05/pacelle.html
Here’s a couple of quotes:
“Early this year, the Fund for Animals formally merged with HSUS, and the leadership of one of the most successful grassroots animal advocacy groups, Compassion Over Killing, joined its ranks. Tireless vegan activist MD, Michael Greger, also moved to HSUS. With an operating budget of over $95 million and roughly nine million members and constituents, people are taking notice.”
“you’ve been quoted as saying your ambition was to create “a National Rifle Association of the animal rights movement”
So I repeat, if you are truly concerned for the future of favorite pastime be it hunting, trapping, fishing, competitive shooting or anything to do with taking wildlife or guns, JOIN THE NRA!
[...] Last week in the Black Bear Blog as well as here in Moose Droppings there was postings about an editorial in the N&O from Bob Reder of the Humane Society about his opposition to the study to allow Sunday Hunting. Today’s N&O published some response letters from hunters to Mr Reder’s editorial. Mr. Reder asserted that if the Sunday Hunting ban was lifted that many families would be held hostage in their homes because it would be unsafe to go outside. Kirk Port of Raleigh in his response correctly points out some of the major flaws in Mr. Reder’s argument. Mr. Reder cited cases from outside of NC, the fatality in Maine was 20 years ago, and I know Maine did not and still does not allow Sunday Hunting. (The other Letter) [...]