Posted by Mark in NJ on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 4:34PM :
In Reply to: why would you hunt one? posted by Brett in AK on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 9:04PM :
Hi All,
Lively discussion with some assuming going on.
There is a difference between hunting and self defense killing. There is also risk in any activity that people embark on and should learn to take some precautions.
If you go biking in the mountains, beware. There is risk in skiing, motorcycling, living in the city or the country. Even 4 wheeling is hazardous. Just ask my friend who lost his 20 year old son when the jeep flipped over last summer.
Since many of you think that I am just a city slicker, I must take precations not to go into a neighboorhood that I know to be less than friendly. Of course, "anything" can happen anywhere.
I am 23 miles NW of Manhattan and approximately 33% of the time I see 3-8 deer as I pull in my driveway and quite often see them on the road as I drive.
I don't think of killing them. Instead, I drive slower, and use bug sprays to ward off ticks. The deer's habitat was there long before my house was.
I believe in hunting. I know where my steak, fish, chicken, and pork come from. I am not thrilled with the idea of hunting just to hang an animal head on a wall. I do have respect for someone who utilizes the whole animal. Just like the people did who used to own much of this land.
I also know that there are options and living with wildlife and preserving nature is very important.
When I pose this idea, even sarcastically, instead of people thinking about possible options, many are quick to defend their rights or put others down.
As we talk about controling animal population and animals encraoching on our properties, it seems that us humans like to take over land and populate just the same.
If we are suppossed to be smarter, we should look at the big picture and see how what we do today will effect the earth tomorrow.
We may have to modify or give up some of our "rights" to ensure a healthy enviroment for all of our offspring to enjoy.
Mark in NJ,
where most of the state is still rural
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