Hello Wayne, Martyn and all,

I think there is a far more important angle to this discussion, than
whether or not all hunters are idiots. As a former hunter, I can confirm
that I am an idiot, but no more so than many non-hunters I know.
But seriously; I think its far more important whether or not anyone
should post an opinion or subject not directly related to bird sightings,
bird distribution, bird identification, etc. Wayne brings up the point that
hunters, as a group, do much to promote conservation of habitat. No matter
what your moral stand on hunting is, this is a fact. But then he goes on to
say that his personal preference is "that Tweeters stuck more strictly to
birds". Why the taboo against speaking about conservation? I have seen this
so many times in my local naturalist community here on Vancouver Island, at
the provincial level in both the Federation of British Columbia Naturalists,
and the BC Field Ornithologists, and nationally, in ABA's Birding magazine.
Somebody is always arguing that conservation should not be discussed, either
because its inflamatory, or because there is somewhere else where it would
be more appropriate. I strongly disagree. If we are to ban subjects that are
inflamatory, then no more posting opinions on gull identification! :-) And
where is this magical place where conservation minded birders can discuss
issues more serious than the results of the most recent Big Day? Someone
once told me that if you really want to do something for conservation, you
should join Ducks Unlimited. The crazy thing is, they were right! What does
it say about birders as a group, when they have to join a hunting
organization if they want to discuss conservation? It says that birders are
far less concerned about consevation than hunters, and that we are a
disgustingly selfish bunch of hypocrites.
There, I have made a sweeping generalization far worse than Martyn calling
hunters idiots. Have at me, and please prove me wrong. But give it a minutes
thought too. Why can't we discuss the most important issue facing our
planet. Why not?
yours in sarcasm,
Guy L. Monty
Parksville, BC