I appreciate that you have taken the time
to look into "the rest of the story." As a hunter, I am concerned
about the inflammatory speculations of how this bill would effect native
bird species, and implications that the Council composition would somehow lead
to the wholesale slaughter and cruelty to game animals. Although I live in
Victoria, I was fairly certain that no NEW species of birds had been added in
the wording of the bill (and certainly not the OWL!), and that if anything, the
Bill would result in increased fines and/or controls over the licensing of
hunters, as well as control limits on the seasonal hunting of native
species.
I may be a minority of one on this mailing
list. I do object to the painting of all hunters as irresponsible and
intent on the destruction of native animals. A surprising number of us
are educated, ethical, and conservationists!
I am happy to debate the ethicality of hunting, but
do we really want to do it on this previously enjoyable listserv? After
reading the bill cover to cover (which is like chewing glass, by the way) I
don't see anything that radically alters the way hunters are hunting in NSW,
specifically with regard to birds. Lets get
back to birding!
Katie Gunther
Scientific Illustrator
Seymour, Victoria
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