Hunting Washington in the Seattle Times Today

[Ray]

Yes that goes back to my remarks on the other topic. I believe what we have is a group of anti hunters jumping up and down and some of them might even intend to pit hunters vs. hikers and climbers.

[Ridgerunner]

There are a ton of people on that site very much against guns/hunting whenever it comes up over there it is a firestorm.  You can take money to the bank they are going to try to pit the user groups against each other, when in reality the other backcountry users are very similar to us in terms of values and appreciation for the environment, with ONE major exception:  They HATE GUNS and HUNTERS!  Ok that was two, but can be considered one. 

[MountainWalk]

Maybe we should have a
"take a hiker hunting day".. Take them off the trail and show them the places they never see from the trail, and show them what we work for. It might show them that its not all bang bang bang bang. Show them there is so much more to the sport than shooting. Most hikers love critters, teach them more about them.  I know its a pipe dream and wishfull thinking.

[Ray]

The funny thing is that the one fellow who came over here to speak up was seemingly attempting to represent "climbers and hikers". Well guess what? I've been climbing and hiking in Washington state since about 1994 when I was stationed here in the military. I don't share the same views as a lot of the loud mouths on nwhikers.net but the distinction is that people like us can be considered mebers of both of those groups and hunters as well. I know of a few people here who avidly climb and I bet most people hike as well. The message I am making is that I don't believe firley was representing the whole but maybe a section of people among them.

[huntnphool]

Up to 120 guests on right now

[Gobble]

Man, there are some nasty people over there  Did you see the post where they were saying we were taking a collection for the hiker AND the 14 yr old suspect? They didn't read it close enough and were talking about Josh Holm, good thing Dave Workman straightened them out. They just want to hate us 

[Ray]

People like that don't intend to talk about the truth. They intend to spread misinformation and negative emotion. They don't want to read close enough. They are just looking for excuses and intend to incite a mob mentality based upon their personal political goals.

[ICEMAN]

There really isn't a whole lot to be gained with arguing with any of those who are already convinced we are all evil. The battle will be to hold ourselves up, set a good example, and stay strong with our message. I am one who loves to take that "bait". I love a good fight. But I think I will really be watching my P's and Q's for a while...

[Ray]

I think the best action is to keep in close contact with legislators. We need to watch out for what comes down the pipes. Especially if you have kids who hunt then you will have a vested interest in any forthcoming changes.

[Gobble]

Be prepared for a knee jerk response

[ICEMAN]

No doubt,... my son had the hunters ed deferral for Turkey season, then my son and daughter just passed hunters ed in July. I am very interested.

[ICEMAN]

Another thought. As we prepare for attempts at legislation. We need to start digging up (researching) good statistical support for our cause, including information which contradicts the "hazardous and/or deadly" risk posed by hunters onto others. I would bet that far more hikers and climbers are lost each year in the woods, versus hunters. Fellow climbers who have died due to the negligence of team leaders. Family members who have died as ill prepared enthusiasts with GPS's decide to risk their families lives with ill conceived trips into the back country. Etc...
 I think hunters as a group tend to take the woods more serisously than do other groups. We prepare better, plan better, and perform better in the outdoors, than do these other groups. We constantly contemplate the dangers involved with outdoor pursuit. When you put a gun or bow in your hand, you understand how serious things are. When you grab a climbing axe, hiking pole or GPS you generally do not.

[huntnphool]

No doubt, this will be one upset little girl should they change anything. Notice the 10 powers around her neck!!!!

[MountainWalk]

When you grab a climbing axe, hiking pole or GPS you generally do not.

Thats kind of a blanket statement.

granola heads

Denigrating another user group will not solve matters. Remember, we dont want them denigrating us.

I believe all of us should be on our best most polite behaviour for awhile. We are a community of hunters and outdoorsmen and women, not a slander group.  We musnt stoop to their level of name calling.

[MountainWalk]

Great picture Phool! THATS the kind of image I want to convey to non hunters and hikers.