To the Editor:

In response to Sound Offs “Dead Wildlife and “Proud Hunter,” North American hunters are proud conservationists, yes. Hunters are why the non-hunting public get to see wildlife in their natural habitat instead of a zoo.

Those condemning hunter harvests (not kills) must educate themselves. Read the Pitman-Robertson Act and you will better understand how hunters fund America’s wildlife conservation. It is also worth mentioning hunting has been a part of American culture handed down to every generation since our country was founded.

Most hunters would simply prefer a venison steak over a beef steak and it is a fact venison is healthier for you than beef. Every successful hunt is a trophy to a hunter whether it is a Boone & Crockett buck or a doe. We still hunt out of necessity because you cannot buy it in the store.

Bragging rights…maybe….pathetic…. I think not.

The majority here in the North Country enjoy the pictures so the authors that do not wish to see them are a minority. The least they could do is put their name to the letter. It is clear they do not comprehend or understand hunting is conservation that gives us sustainable wildlife populations. North Country Now has been a proud partner of North Country hunters showcasing our harvests (not kills).

The picture of the coyote harvest is as good as it gets. The coyote population has exploded in St. Lawrence County. The coyote over-population is big detriment to our deer herd. A recent discovery of coyote den near my home found 26 fawn carcasses. I’m not advocating coyote elimination but coyote population control. Their numbers must be reduced to balance the food chain.

Those expressing their “outrage” clearly do not comprehend the necessity of hunting as it pertains to maintaining healthy wildlife populations. Instead of criticism from the anti-hunting crowd they should be thanking our hunters who’s hunting and paid fees maintain our wildlife population.

If you don’t want to see the pictures don’t look. If you see wildlife in its natural setting thank a hunter!

Trent Porter

Morristown