Thank you for the editorial, "Sportsmen One, Girlie Gunners One" in the Friday, Feb. 16 issue of the Idaho Mountain Express.
After reading several newspaper articles and the editorial, I was sickened, appalled and not surprised at the direction the "sport" of hunting has taken. The only ones who can influence the legislators to reverse this trend and return hunting to sport are the hunters themselves, but will they?
Where have all the "sport" men gone?
Which image will we choose for our "sport"? The image of eight "sportsmen," a lover of the outdoors, with skill, knowledge, respect, and reverence for all God's creatures? Or will we choose the image of "Girlie gunners," the thrill killers who bag the game by any means that is acceptable?
What is sport hunting? Is it all about bragging rights? Or is it about the outdoor experience, the love of the hunt?
Is it "sport" to pay someone for the pleasure of shooting and slaughtering an animal that is radio-collared or in a pen? Is it "sport" to chase down and shoot or slaughter animals from an ATV or snowmobile? Is it "sport" to shoot or slaughter caged or tied animals—with a computer—a computer game where a real living creature's life is snuffed out?
What has happened to the "sport" of hunting? Where did the real sportsmen go? What image will we choose to present to the next generation? Will the next generation be "sportsmen" or "girlie gunners?"
How do we, the real "sportsmen," feel about the perversion of the sport of hunting? I hope and pray that, the real "sportsmen," those who care about the future of hunting, who respect and value the animals and birds they hunt, will be outraged.
Mr. Sportsman, will you be vocal? Will you speak out against the "girlie gunners?" Will you draw a line in the sand? Will you put an end to "girlie gunners" and slaughter in the name of hunting? Sportsmen, the future of hunting is in your hands. Call or write your legislators today.
Judy C. Harrison
Hailey
