As a longtime reader of the Tribune and an avid hunter, I take exception to the criticism of hunting and fishing in a Dec. 19 letter. Most of these bunny-huggers contribute only misguided emotionalism and hand-wringing angst. They do not speak for the majority of Americans and know nothing about preserving the very wildlife they identify with.
The ”opportunities to appreciate the outdoors” are there because of the taxes and political support of hunters and fishermen. Others who really appreciate the wild will have to contribute something besides hot air if we are going to save what little we have left.
Hunters and fishermen are the real conservationists; their dollars contribute greatly to the preservation of wildlife habitat also used (for free) by bird watchers, hikers and photographers. Taxes on binoculars, boots and telephoto lenses might buy a quarter-acre of wetlands somewhere.
I won`t make friends with John Husar for this, but I would like to see his ”Outdoors” column in the paper every day.
