Letter: Hunting isn't evil for kids

In order to be a successful hunter, a person has to know something about the habits of the animal he hunts. Where does it nest, what does it eat, when does it eat, where should he aim to make a clean kill, and how does he recognize whether it is legal game? Besides the knowledge about the game, there must be training in the use of the rifle, bow-and-arrow or shotgun. Such training includes the safety practices necessary for a safe hunt, and practice for a clean hit.

On the contrary, a youngster trained in the craft of hunting has a great deal of respect for both the animal being hunted and the gun or bow-and-arrow being used. Many young hunters go on to target practice as a sport. (Would you believe there are shooting sports in the Olympics?) The training and experience of hunting develops a much more realistic world view.

Guess what? Meat in the supermarket comes from animals, some of it from cows that have been hit in the head with a sledge hammer or pigs that have had their throats slit while hanging from a chain around a rear leg.

Let's face it, gang: We are at the top of the food chain. Our eyes give us binocular vision so that we can range on our prey. Our teeth are arranged so that we can eat meat or grains. Perhaps we need to be reminded of that.

DAVID ROLLINS

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