Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Hunting Season

At 08:47 AM 11/17/02, heidi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I'd submit that that is because they are doing a good job, and keeping
> numbers regulated to where overpopulation and subsequent stripping of
> vegetation does not occur.

Has overpopulation and subsequent stripping of vegetation occurred anywhere 
that humans do not influence the environment?  I could see perhaps this 
happening in a drought situation for instance - but then hunters should be 
out there hunting the most starved, the weakest.  Does this 
happen?  Hah!  Sure hunters are regulating population numbers, but the day 
hunters stop bragging about heavy weight and multiple points is the day 
that I believe that they're actually doing some *good*.  [Note:  again, I 
am not talking about individual, responsible hunters, but the overall 
effect that current hunting methods have.]

Besides, I believe the whole point of considering the influence of human 
hunters on the deer and other population was started because of the notion 
that they have more "rights" to public lands than other recreational users 
because they're doing a "necessary job".  I believe that only if they were 
culling the worst of the prey population would they be doing 
that.  Therefore it seems to me that there should be more and extremely 
severe repercussions for shooters who masquerade as hunters and cause 
damage, and that public lands should be made safe from hunting accidents so 
other recreational users can use those lands at *all* times without 
fear.  I think it's a sign of a big problem in our society that riders, 
hikers and others to have to retreat from a war zone occurring on public 
lands a significant portion of the year.

       _________________________________________________
           Lif Strand * Quemado NM USA * www.fasterhorses.com
                               ** You speak, I listen, We talk  **


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