Wisconsin Hunting Season
LTE sent to the La Crosse Tribune – 250 wds to
9/24/07
To The Editor:
Once again we hear the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
claiming that hunting is needed to help to keep the deer population under
control, but what game managers do not mention is that the overpopulation
of wildlife is a consequence of deliberate action taken to ensure a
constant supply of animals for hunters to kill.
Former Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist Gary Alt disclosed that
the Commission "is serving the hunters. And they're paid for by the
hunters. And they feel their constituents are the hunters and little
else." (Scientists say deer hunting must increase, Philadelphia Enquirer
1/12/05) Tragically, what Mr. Alt says also applies to the Wisconsin DNR.
The DNR manipulates wildlife population densities to produce
overpopulation, which it then profits from by selling hunting licenses.
Promoting “wildlife watching” opportunities over hunting programs is an
investment in the future. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
in 2006 there were over 71 million Americans who observed, fed, and
photographed wildlife in their natural habitat, compared to only 12.5
million hunters.
Let’s replace the taxes on weapons, ammunition and hunting equipment
with similar taxes on outdoor-related equipment such as binoculars,
backpacks, and cameras used by wildlife watchers. Funds collected can be
dedicated toward the protection and preservation of wildlife and the areas
where they live, making the need to depend on hunting, weapons and
violence obsolete. To protect wildlife and the areas where they live
please visit www.wildwatch.org.
Joe Miele,
Vice President Wildlife Watch, Inc.
P.O. Box 562
New Paltz, NY 12561
201-880-4989
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http://wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7085057
Bow Deer Hunting Kicks off in Wisconsin
Hunters all around Wisconsin put on their camo and head into the woods
for the start of the bow hunting season. Deer bow hunting season
officially opened Saturday in Wisconsin.
DNR officials say hunters help to keep the deer population under
control. Too many deer can mean more damage to wildlife habitat, and
crops.
According to the DNR, the number of archery licenses purchased is up,
and there should be plenty of deer to hunt. "We're looking at pretty good
deer numbers in the area. We do have some earn-a-buck units and also some
herd control units. We don't have any non-regular units. So all of our
units are above-goal. So there should be plenty of deer out there for
folks," says Ron Lichtie, Wisconsin DNR Wildlife Biologist.
The DNR says to remember safety first. Make sure all your equipment is
working right, and of course enjoy the hunt.
