[obol] Birders and waterfowl hunters

[peterpatricelli]

"I've never been a hunter but I still thank them for
> providing nearly all the funding for establishing the
> refuge system we have today, Federal and state."


I know this is a dangerous topic and I am NOT trying to start an argument but I am somewhat smarting today.  I just got back from checking my blind on a slough on the Columbia River and found it was vandalized to the point of being unusable for the rest of the season (which will not stop me at all from hunting that spot).   Someone went to a lot of trouble and a long walk through mud to get to the spot but I followed his tracks out and back.  Last week another hunting group nearby found their truck vandalized with a window smashed in.  A wallet with money in it WAS NOT TAKEN. Makes me think someone locally is targeting duck hunters specifically for vandalism.

Duck hunters are a rapidly diminishing breed, which some might find perfectly satisfying, but the concern is the rapidly dropping income from licenses and duck stamps.  With that will be the serious loss of concern and support for wetland preservation and even creation.  Federal and state agencies are seriously concerned and trying to encourage and eliminate the hassle factors for waterfol hunters.

Having been a duck hunter for 54 years I can testify that, given the gear, boat, decoy, and general work intensive nature of the sport and the often miserable conditions we yearn for and endure, the typical modern duck hunter is miles apart from the stereotype of the blood hungry, indiscriminate, road-hunting, and occasionally dangerous (deer)hunter.  We have to identify every bird before we shoot as to species and specifically limit the take as to species.  Personally I take 99.9% mallards and widgeon and pass on 3 times that number of divers, teal, etc..

Heck, having given the world the Labrador Retreiver should be enough to give duck hunters a hearty thanks and a pass on all levels forever.  And who else is going to save us from all these geese?

Anyway, as I said, I am currently smarting, and I appreciate the supportive, and accurate, comments about our contribution to all levels of wildlife conservation.

Peter Patricelli
www.flyfishingfotography.com 
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