Letters: November 12, 2009

Nov 12, 2009

Re: Bear Shock, Diane Cuddy

Re: Bear Shock, Sarah Sproule

Memory Lane, Sydenham, Joannne Ankers

Re: Bear Shock, Marcie Webster

Re: Bear Shock, Margaret Fewer

First Alarm: Ticks, Mel Good

Re: “Bear Shock”, Frontenac News, Nov. 5/09

I agree that the blatant display of large hanging dead animals is quite repulsive and unnecessary. I have no issues with hunters taking a few animals for subsistence but to kill them for a supposed good time is disgusting. In this day and age when wildlife has so many difficulties facing it (habitat loss and fragmentation, a burgeoning human population, climate change and so on), it really makes little sense to go out and shoot animals for a “hobby”.

Hunting has significantly changed from the pioneer days when people often hunted reluctantly just to get food to survive. They had few tools other than traps and basic guns. Today, the modern hunter uses sophisticated weapons, trail cameras; scent attractants, game calls, camouflage, ATVs, boats, chase dogs and so on ad infinitum. The wildlife really has little chance of escape due to the numbers of hunters out there.

Many of our hunted wildlife is almost tame; ducks that nest within metres of homes and deer that feed in fields close to habitation during spring and summer are then blasted come fall. They have no warning that such impending danger is about to unfold. Many hunters now entice animals with food lures for weeks before hunting season and then blast them with shot or arrows when the killing seasons begin. It’s difficult to consider this as any kind of sport for there is no fairness involved. It’s all a very one-sided activity.

I would hope that so called “sport hunters” will seriously think about what they are doing. There is no machismo related to this shooting of unsuspecting animals. If it is the thrill of the chase that hunters seek, wildlife can be sought and viewed without killing them. You can even learn something about their behaviours and habits when they are still alive and walking and rearing their young. Taking really good photographs of animals is much more difficult than shooting them and so that avenue offers plenty of challenge.

Diane Cuddy, Verona

Re: “Bear Shock”, Frontenac News, Nov. 5/09

Sarah Sproule with her husband Nicholas and a 500 lb. bear she harvested in 2003.

In response to the “Bear Shock” article written by Andrea Dickinson for the November 5 Frontenac News, I would like to say that not only is the hanging of animals to tenderize their meat a part of our Canadian heritage but also a cultural, family tradition for most people in our area. After harvesting and field dressing an animal, it is necessary to hang them up in order to finish processing the meat (just as hundreds of cattle are hung in slaughter houses before being butchered). Finally, this is not some ‘poor guy’ (as Andrea referred to the bear hanging up); for many, this may be their winter’s meat for their family. Hanging an animal in a tree should not be seen as disrespectful but is rather the symbol of a successful hunt; the only way to disrespect an animal would be to harvest it and leave it in the bush. When we see animals hanging in a tree we should be happy to know that the hunters are taking time to look after the meat in a proper, respectful manner. We should not have to “hide” our animals where people cannot see them; this is something to be proud of, not ashamed. Furthermore, the hanging of an animal in a tree has always been a part of my childhood and will continue to be part of my family’s for years to come.

Sarah Sproule, hunter and conservationist

Memory Lane, Sydenham

Memory Lane Flowers and Gifts in Sydenham is to be commended for their lovely Remembrance Day window display. It was beautifully and tastefully done and even had a framed poem of “In Flanders Fields”. What a nice tribute to see as we honor our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you, Memory Lane, for a job well done.

Joanne Ankers, Sydenham

Re: “Bear Shock”, Frontenac News, Nov. 5/09

Yes, for most families this is necessary and if you live in the country, this shouldn't come as a shock to you. To put it briefly, this is called "FOOD" to those who choose to harvest the way our families have harvested food for thousands of years. Hunters are required to buy a bear license before they harvest a bear. If this bothers you, maybe you are residing in the wrong part of the country. It is called hunting season! These animals are respected and people give thanks to them every year for providing us food. Mother Earth (Nature) and her creatures are very much respected by most people I know. Congratulations, Rick!

Marcie Webster

Re: “Bear Shock”, Frontenac News, Nov. 5/09

This is a baby. What a price to pay to be a trophy.

Margaret Fewer

First Alarm: Ticks

How come the public has not been informed on this Lyme disease? It is caused by a tick working up from the U.S.A., now as far north as North Bay. One report from Lands and Forests claim it’s killed over 150,000 deer in Eastern Ontario. One of our customers got hit by two ticks and had to have the doctor remove one, tweezers caught the other. In her case dogs brought them into the house. All our animals are at risk, as well as youngsters playing outside. Be on guard. Examine your kids.

Mel Good