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Angry readers respond to dove, sport fishing ban
By STEVE MERLO, Bakersfield Californian
March 12, 2003
Since last week's announcement of a possible state dove hunting ban, my e-mail has been deluged with angry and upset sportsmen calling for the quick defeat of any and all anti-recreational hunting and fishing bills in our state legislature. I've recently been notified that there are even more anti-sportsmen/anti-hunting bills slated for debate and vote.
Assembly Bill 342, if it passes, would ban the use of dogs to hunt mammals. This means that dogs would no longer be legal to use while hunting bear, raccoons, deer, rabbits and wild boar. Supported by the Humane Society and a host of other anti-hunting groups, this law will ultimately lead to a complete ban on the use of dogs for any form of hunting, including bird hunting. In other words, people can kiss their goldens, labradors and other hunting friends a profound adios forever.
Assembly Bill 602 would impose or levy a 10-cent-per-round tax on every round of ammunition sold in California. That's right, 10 cents on every rifle bullet or shot-shell sold in the state. It doesn't take much of a genius to see the implications intended or the cost involved on such an improper and illegal law obviously aimed at the complete removal of our gun-owning and hunting rights.
I believe that the passage of this bill would imply that every single and responsible gun owner in the state is a criminal by assuming their guilt and making them pay for all gun-related crimes. That's like saying that all automobile drivers in the state are to blame for the illegal antics of all drunk drivers.
Bakersfield resident John Bison wrote, "In a nutshell, they're all anti-hunting bills and if we allow just one to pass, it will open the gates for many more. It seems that they won't stop until hunting and fishing is gone forever! Remember in 1990 and 1998 when bills like these slipped under the radar and nobody thought they would pass? Well, we can't allow that again! The things that gets me," he continued, "is that everyone I've talked to says the same thing -- 'What the heck happened?' If they do pass, it'll be the beginning of the end for us. CONSERVATION THROUGH PROPER UTILIZATION!!! is the only way."
Mike Giuntolli, an active serviceman for our country, sent his own take of the proposed ban.
"I no longer live in California, as I have been in the Coast Guard for the last 13 years, but I did enjoy shooting the tasty birds in my youth. I sent a copy of your article to some of my friends in high places, one a field rep for a California Assemblyman, (and very active on gun/hunting issues), the other a lawyer for the California Department of Fish and Game. This bill will be a clean headshot."
Local PDS Group, Inc. Senior Partner R. Lee Hammett took the time to write to Assemblyman Joe Nation (D-San Rafael), the anti-dove-hunting legislation's sponsor.
"Mr. Nation, I find it hard to believe that you would consider banning dove hunting from the possible recreational choices for California hunters. What in the world is wrong with you? We already have enough other politicians trying to eliminate recreational possibilities in California under the guise of ecological, economic, moral and safety issues. Take another recreational choice from our hands and the 36-million people in this state will just feel even more cramped than they already are.
"As a native Californian, I find it despicable that politicians want to monitor and reduce my recreational choices. Active middle-class, responsible Californians should not suffer because you have a (problem) against guns and hunting! If it turns out that AB1190 is really some anti-gun legislation, the full marketing force of the National Rifle Association will have your next campaign for lunch! As a member, I find your stance indefensible! And, as a responsible hunter, conservationist and gun owner, I would immediately become active against anything and everything you stand for.
"I live in Kern County and, as you are undoubtedly aware, we enjoy our dove hunting down here! Get a grip! The doves do not flourish because they go unhunted. Study up, Mr. Nation!"
My own take on the anti-hunting group's agenda that is trying to take our rights and heritage is one of utter amazement. What in the world has caused these anti-hunting folks, whoever they are, to target the very people who are directly responsible for the growing legions of all wildlife we have in our state?
Sportsmen have long paid their dues in hard-earned money and work to promote fish and game habitat. All species, not just game animals, have benefited from the labors of love put out by California sportsmen. We are a responsible group of outdoor-loving and patriotic individuals who only want to harvest the excess populations of what is assuredly the fruits of their own labors.
Why there are so many selfish and totally uninformed people attacking our respectable, moral and already well-regulated passions is beyond the scope of my own logic. Like a terminal cancer, these individuals are out to kill all that is healthy and right with the outdoor community without regard for any of us. Their motives are what's wrong with our country, and it's time to fight back with all the legal options at our disposal.
By STEVE MERLO, Bakersfield Californian
March 12, 2003
Since last week's announcement of a possible state dove hunting ban, my e-mail has been deluged with angry and upset sportsmen calling for the quick defeat of any and all anti-recreational hunting and fishing bills in our state legislature. I've recently been notified that there are even more anti-sportsmen/anti-hunting bills slated for debate and vote.
Assembly Bill 342, if it passes, would ban the use of dogs to hunt mammals. This means that dogs would no longer be legal to use while hunting bear, raccoons, deer, rabbits and wild boar. Supported by the Humane Society and a host of other anti-hunting groups, this law will ultimately lead to a complete ban on the use of dogs for any form of hunting, including bird hunting. In other words, people can kiss their goldens, labradors and other hunting friends a profound adios forever.
Assembly Bill 602 would impose or levy a 10-cent-per-round tax on every round of ammunition sold in California. That's right, 10 cents on every rifle bullet or shot-shell sold in the state. It doesn't take much of a genius to see the implications intended or the cost involved on such an improper and illegal law obviously aimed at the complete removal of our gun-owning and hunting rights.
I believe that the passage of this bill would imply that every single and responsible gun owner in the state is a criminal by assuming their guilt and making them pay for all gun-related crimes. That's like saying that all automobile drivers in the state are to blame for the illegal antics of all drunk drivers.
Bakersfield resident John Bison wrote, "In a nutshell, they're all anti-hunting bills and if we allow just one to pass, it will open the gates for many more. It seems that they won't stop until hunting and fishing is gone forever! Remember in 1990 and 1998 when bills like these slipped under the radar and nobody thought they would pass? Well, we can't allow that again! The things that gets me," he continued, "is that everyone I've talked to says the same thing -- 'What the heck happened?' If they do pass, it'll be the beginning of the end for us. CONSERVATION THROUGH PROPER UTILIZATION!!! is the only way."
Mike Giuntolli, an active serviceman for our country, sent his own take of the proposed ban.
"I no longer live in California, as I have been in the Coast Guard for the last 13 years, but I did enjoy shooting the tasty birds in my youth. I sent a copy of your article to some of my friends in high places, one a field rep for a California Assemblyman, (and very active on gun/hunting issues), the other a lawyer for the California Department of Fish and Game. This bill will be a clean headshot."
Local PDS Group, Inc. Senior Partner R. Lee Hammett took the time to write to Assemblyman Joe Nation (D-San Rafael), the anti-dove-hunting legislation's sponsor.
"Mr. Nation, I find it hard to believe that you would consider banning dove hunting from the possible recreational choices for California hunters. What in the world is wrong with you? We already have enough other politicians trying to eliminate recreational possibilities in California under the guise of ecological, economic, moral and safety issues. Take another recreational choice from our hands and the 36-million people in this state will just feel even more cramped than they already are.
"As a native Californian, I find it despicable that politicians want to monitor and reduce my recreational choices. Active middle-class, responsible Californians should not suffer because you have a (problem) against guns and hunting! If it turns out that AB1190 is really some anti-gun legislation, the full marketing force of the National Rifle Association will have your next campaign for lunch! As a member, I find your stance indefensible! And, as a responsible hunter, conservationist and gun owner, I would immediately become active against anything and everything you stand for.
"I live in Kern County and, as you are undoubtedly aware, we enjoy our dove hunting down here! Get a grip! The doves do not flourish because they go unhunted. Study up, Mr. Nation!"
My own take on the anti-hunting group's agenda that is trying to take our rights and heritage is one of utter amazement. What in the world has caused these anti-hunting folks, whoever they are, to target the very people who are directly responsible for the growing legions of all wildlife we have in our state?
Sportsmen have long paid their dues in hard-earned money and work to promote fish and game habitat. All species, not just game animals, have benefited from the labors of love put out by California sportsmen. We are a responsible group of outdoor-loving and patriotic individuals who only want to harvest the excess populations of what is assuredly the fruits of their own labors.
Why there are so many selfish and totally uninformed people attacking our respectable, moral and already well-regulated passions is beyond the scope of my own logic. Like a terminal cancer, these individuals are out to kill all that is healthy and right with the outdoor community without regard for any of us. Their motives are what's wrong with our country, and it's time to fight back with all the legal options at our disposal.
