I'd hope that the WE as hunters/sportsman/outdoorsman would think/care about what the state and federal government does, laws and rules wise. The NRA gave a lecture about how gun rights were lost in England that I attended. The government wanted to restrict handgun possession so they first went after large caliber hi-cap/semi auto pistols, the small bore/rimfire pistol target shooting clubs didn't support the need for large caliber hi-cap/semi auto pistols and the government abolished large caliber hi-cap/semi auto pistols. Guess what was on the chopping block next? Small bore/rimfire pistols for target shooting, they lost there rights shortly thereafter. My point is, we must all work and stay together for a common good. I hunt deer, hogs and would love to do a Canadian Bear hunt one day but would rather shoot at something that flies, (Doves, Ducks, Quail, Grouse, Pheasant, etc.) I support every aspect of hunting/trapping/fishing and the shooting sports whether on public or private land as I understand if I don't it could actually effect my favorite past time (Wingshooting). Also, remember the average age of a hunter today is late 50's to mid 60's. The younger generation has much to much to do other than hunting and shooting. If we don't stay together, for a common goal "Hunting/trapping/fishing/shooting sports" our young-ins may not have the same opportunties in the years to come as we enjoy today. Just my two cents and something to think about.
maybe our differences of opinion come from how/where we were raised and hunted. for me starting in N.H. then COLO, N.Y. seasons were short, bag limits low, and the rut would be within a few weeks of each other statewide. here the rut is all over the place and different rules and dates on just about all wma's and clubs/leases that run the gamut of dog clubs to no dog clubs and qdm to if it's brown it's down. guess there's a place for everyone here. just hope that the non continuity doesn't lead to an over population of a doe heavy herd of small, malnourished deer, competing heavily with hogs, with small racks that could be very susceptible to chronic wasting disease that has really hurt other states herds. I'd hope we can all agree on one thing, that is a good healthy herd and good hunting for all who stay within the law, and mutual respect regardless of how you choose to hunt.
In the mid 1990's when I was a GI stationed at Fort Drum NY I hunted a large track of private land, a dairy farm for three seasons. Season #2 I got on a huge 10 PT and thought I had him figured out. Hunted that property nearly everyday of the short general gun deer season and could never get a clear/clean kill shot at ole Bruzer. Last day of the season a large bodied 5 PT (190lb field dressed) walked the path of least resistance which I had hoped ole Bruzer would eventually use during day light hours, and never did. I made the call with no venison in the freezer and I scored a nice 2.5 year old buck. Now with about 18"-24" of snow on the ground and a 1 1/2 mile drag across the fields, I had my work cut out for me since I was all alone. Wouldn't you know it, as I'm dragging my deer down that hedge row along the field, ole Bruzer stands up at about 40 yards in the small hedge row perfectly broad side. I am standing there with the wind in my face, Bruzer doesn't smell me or see me and I could have dropped him in his tracks. I had made my call and was dragging him, I scoped ole Bruzer and his inside spread was right near the tips of his ears. I guessed that he had 16"-18" G2's, he was huge. I stood there for what seemed like an hour, probably 10-12 minutes and he eventually saw me and walked outta sight. I turned around and looked at my buck and smiled knowing I had done the right thing and he was laying in the snow behind me. It was one of my most memorable deer hunts, in 20 degree weather.
good story G.B., aint that always the way?, say HI to the fluffer for me.
