Hunter's Digest [antikvár]

An EditorialDuring the past few years, hunting in America has come under intense pressure from many directions and from many factions. The opposition has even grown so loud that the future of a most traditional sport may be in doubt.Some of the opposition comes from conservationists (who are normally the hunter's allies) and their concern may be entirely sincere. But elsewhere in this Hunter's Digest we have illustrated in considerable detail that wildlifeall game species of wildlifeconstitute a renewable resource. When only surplus game is harvested scientifically, there is no need whatever for alarm. We will always have an ample supply of deer and ducks, of rabbits and doves, as long as there is suitable habitat in which these creatures can live. Regulated gunning is no threat. On the other hand, America's hunters have long paid more than their share of the total wildlife conservation bill.Perhapsand sadlythe fastest growing opposition to hunting is raised by sentimentalistsby those citizens morally against killing anything. Indeed they have a right to that viewpoint. But to this writer at least, it is unfortunate that these same sentimentalists do not also look in another direction.With equal vigor they might oppose the bulldozers and polluters, the heedless developers of wilderness, such pillagers as the coal strip miners, in fact anyone who "develops" or deliberately destroys what is left of our beautiful outdoor America. All the sustained shooting which all the sportsmen everywhere could do, without regard to any limits, could not possibly eliminate a fraction of the wildlife which follows the permanent scraping, poisoning and paving of the landscape. When the environment is wiped out, so is every living thing on it. Forever.Still more opposition originates from those who see sportsmen as hoodlums and who equate gun ownership with bad behavior. Unfortunately they have a valid point, although a minor one. A small percentage of shootersnot sportsmen, mind you are guilty of breaking assorted laws. Road signs used as targets, trespassing without permission, property damage and ignoring game laws are evidence of this.However, here is one area in which every Hunter's Digest readerin fact every conscientious outdoorsmancan contribute so much to change a common and unfair impression.First he can always set a good example by his own exemplary, sportsmanlike behavior. Second, he can cooperate with authorities when he witnesses a violation any violationof a game or gun law. Poaching is neither a prank nor something to be ignored. Finally, he can join a sportsman's club and play an active part in his community's conservation programs.The result can only be better, happier hunting for a longer time into the future.Erwin Bauer