As dusk fell across the countryside this evening another Pa deer season closed. Slowly life will return to normal for the deer as the winter chill deepens. Many have voiced their sentiments in comments here both pro and anti hunting. I do respect everyone’s opinion and am glad that you all feel free to share. I grew up hunting and continue to hunt although my weapon of choice today is usually a camera but not always. Hunting is a very useful tool for the modern wildlife manager to control certain wildlife populations. Hunting also generates considerable economic activity. Fees and taxes paid by hunters provide the majority of the money spent on wildlife conservation in this country.
My attitude towards many hunters or so called sportsmen has been tainted by the actions of many that I have had contact with over the years. Too many hunters disrespect the wishes of those controlling property and could not care less about infringing upon landowners rights. Frequently this type of hunter also cares very little about wildlife or the regulations that govern the taking of it.
I shot this photograph today. The hunters who were cruising a back road with the window down (temperature was below freezing) had just observed me with the camera. There is little doubt the only reason the window was down was so a rifle could be thrust out quickly if deer were sighted. This is just some of the actions that give hunting and hunters a bad name.
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The first photo of the deers nuzzling was so sweet - went right to my heart. The last photo of the renegade hunters made me shake my head. I hate when people think that the rules / laws don't apply to them!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of the two deer nuzzling. Unfortunately its the ones that don't follow the "rules" that ruin it for the ones that do, and not just in hunting.
ReplyDeleteThat guy was flipping you off??? Talk about rude. The first shot is precious.
ReplyDeleteIt's always the few bad apples that ruin it for the barrel. It's good to know there are people out there like you who can see it from both sides ... and bridge the gap.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful first picture Coy. In conservation there is unfortunately always pros and cons about most things. Our elephant culling is a prime example.
ReplyDeleteThe image is incredibly sweet.
ReplyDeleteI see the road hunter is so very mature with his finger sticking out the window.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking but have not had time to comment, the racoon photos were fantastic. That had to be a great time.
Timely post and certainly relate to your worthy comments. I never refer to hunters who intentionly violate the laws as sportsmen. Plain and simple these are poachers. Blue Skies.
ReplyDeleteThere will always be bad in every group. We have to remember that and not lump everyone together.
ReplyDeleteYour first picture is too adorable! Have a wonderful Sunday! :)
Like you, I hunt with a camera. I am not anti-hunting at all - in fact I am a supporter of hunting and come from a family where everyone hunts. However, also like you, I only support proper hunting and hunters who follow the rules.
ReplyDeleteBy the way - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that first photo - it is absolutely beautiful.
love that 1st photo.. that is way to sweet.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture of the nuzzling deer. When I say the title of this article I was a little scared, thinking it was going to be about shooting them (and I guess it was) but in a different way than what I thought.
ReplyDeleteCoy..I have to say that you and my daughter's fiance`have really educated me about being a responsible hunter and the necessity of hunting. So I thank you both for that...I still couldn't do it myself..
ReplyDeleteI assume that is illegal. I remember it was illegal to have a loaded gun in the front seat in the hunting managed areas for that same reason. This is the only hunting I am against, that and on somebody's property. Getting out and walking the woods to hunt is fine, as long as the meat is eaten and it is not just for the antlers to mount on the wall.
ReplyDeletei love the first shot....so sweet. i see nothing wrong with hunting as long as it's done right. it not only saddens me, it angers me when 'hunters' break the laws and have no respect for wildlife or nature. personally, i prefer hunting with my camera only. :)
ReplyDeleteSalty: That is what you call a beautiful photo and an ugly one. Why would the hunters think that action was necessary? The deer photo is so precious.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful deer-shame on unsportsman hunters.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments.
ReplyDeleteIllegal and unethical acts are not acts to be condoned. I totally agree with Ken that individuals who perpetrate crimes against wildlife do not deserve to be called sportsmen or hunters, they are poachers/killers and for these persons I have a zero tolerance!
During the rifle deer season illegal hunting by use of motorized vehicle becomes the method of choice for many poachers to hunt private property where they are not allowed to set foot
Right on, Salty! I have many friends that are, what I call, respectful hunters. The ones like you post about are the kind that give hunters a bad name. While I never wish good luck to my hunter friends I do try to respect their point of view.
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