Hello tweeters

Seriously-- All this talk about the conservation license, where we need
it and where we don't.
One posted message stated the Ward lake area was for fishing only. Can't
a person with a fishing license go there, or do you have to beat the
water with a stick and string.Another posted message stated that there
are safe zones behind which the hunters can't shoot. If the hunting area
is restricted to hunters, all you need is a hunting license. You don't
need a duck stamp unless you are going to shoot ducks.

In regard to actually hunting or fishing--most hunters and fishermen
usually "scout" out an area before they
hunt or fish. That means they go there "several" times without a gun or
a fishing pole to find out what is in
the area. :-))

After reading all the posts on it, I have come to the conclusion that
the simplest (maybe not the best) way to
deal with this issue is to simply buy a hunting/fishing license.For the
cost of a dinner and movie ($29.00) you can go into a hunting area,
fishing area or conservation area.

Do we really need to play second fiddle to the hunters and fisherman. (I
used to hunt and still fish.)

It goes without saying that the birder is to be polite, courteous,
quite, considerate and all those other things that most birders usually
do anyway.

I realize that if we don't buy the conservation license we are not
making a voice to be heard. hmm. Maybe if
they (the powers to be) see that we are willing to spend the extra bucks
to get into these areas they will back
off and instead, put up a sign with about 20 rules on courtesy and
conduct, ending with "Have a nice day"
By the same token hunters and fisherman would be able to go into birding
areas following the same courtesy
rules. Hey-- maybe we would get some converts!

These are just my own ideas based on what I could glean from the "1997
Big Game Hunting Seasons and
Rules"

DISCLAIMER -- I take no responsibility for anyone using the above ideas
or suggestions. I ain't gona post
bail for nobody. :-))

BTW--Looks like I am working on making the un-Fortune-et 500 list.

Jerry Converse
Grand Coulee, WA