Regarding Mr. Young's observations/speculations about wolves; we here in the east of the country saw the ascendance of coyotes in the recent few decades and although an impact to the ecosystem is undeniable, the presence of these savvy predators is a great boon to us hunters. I would submit that wolves, if properly managed, would be a similar benefit to your sporting oportunities as well as a welcome member to the system they were always, historically speaking, an important member of. Sheep ranchers would certainly welcome safety-minded hunters onto their spreads should wolves appear...would they not?
Having written this, let me also say that I greatly appreciate the frustration you face when decisions are being weighed and slammed down your throats, in some cases, from far away by special interest groups with no regard for your particular viewpoint and those of others; that is a frustrating circumstance we here in the East also face and fight continually. Appreciate your time.
Yours truly,
G. Evans
CT sportsman
Toe Curling
Here is some information that will curl your toes. I have always tried to get in on properties that border Mount Diablo State Park in order to hunt wild pigs. While making contact with a park ranger, I found out that California, in its infinite wisdom, has allowed a professional hunter to kill hundreds of pigs on the State Park property. The first year the hunter removed several of the pigs but found that they were too hard to get out so in the past years he has been allowed to shoot the pigs and let them lay either to rot or become carrion for other critters. Makes you wonder what kind of system we have here in the Golden State.
Walt Black
California
In response to Mr. Narayan's letter regarding "trophies" taken on private vs public lands, I can't help but confess that I have had, and shared with WesternHunter readers, similar concerns. I find it unbelievable that an individual will fly to a destination, be driven to a blind never seen prior to his arrival, shoot a plantation-fed animal, and brag what a great hunt it was. We have the ability to turn off the weekend channels that show this over-and-over. No wonder the anti's have a problem with hunting. I've got a problem with it, too, if this was all there is to hunting! With that approach to hunting, why not shoot and mount cows? We can also skip over the articles and e-mails regarding the paid hunts. I choose not to read them.
Mr. Narayan's concerns are real, but a little clarification is called for. All private property is not the same. I have harvested a number of bucks on private property that I worked very hard for. The deer were not fed, and were just as wild as any found on public property. In fact, they travel in-and-out of public and private lands. Often I hunt public property that is landlocked by private. The key is that the private property is natural, not a man-made slaughter house.
We obviously can't have a category for each type of property so I have come to the conclusion that we have to search our hearts and recognize what a "trophy" means to us. My first buck with a bow was only a forked-horn but I will never forget it. It was surely a "trophy" to me. Now I spend most of my hunting days helping friends scout and find their "trophy." Mr. Narayan can set his own standards without any argument from me.
Best Regards to all,
Steve Baker
Placerville, CA
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