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Hunters respect species at risk:[Final Edition] |
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Author(s): |
Brian
Greco |
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Article
types: |
Letter |
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Dateline: |
ST. CATHARINES |
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Section: |
Viewpoint |
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Publication
title: |
Standard. St.
Catharines, Ont.: Jun 8, 2001. pg. A.7 |
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Source
Type: |
Newspaper |
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ISSN/ISBN: |
08373434 |
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ProQuest
document ID: |
265685791 |
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Text
Word Count |
303 |
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Article
URL: |
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Abstract (Article Summary) |
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What I don't
appreciate is your reference to aggressive hunting and fishing as a culprit
in the plight of this particular species. I would safely speculate that the
hunters and anglers of Niagara spend more time outdoors than any volunteer
group. Some of us even belong to conservation and environmental reclamation
organizations. Yet, in your article we are first in your list of culprits. |
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Full Text (303 words) |
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(Copyright The Standard (St. Catharines) 2001) I appreciate
anyone who volunteers their time to participate in the reclamation and
conservation of our natural resources. It's fantastic that The Standard
recognizes the very under-appreciated efforts of people trying to help
snakes. Generally, people see Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes as unpleasant;
they don't associate them as a relevant part of our ecosystem. What I don't
appreciate is your reference to aggressive hunting and fishing as a culprit
in the plight of this particular species. I would safely speculate that the
hunters and anglers of Niagara spend more time outdoors than any volunteer
group. Some of us even belong to conservation and environmental reclamation
organizations. Yet, in your article we are first in your list of culprits. Maybe the fact
is most hunters and anglers in Niagara are not the snakeskin, boot-wearin',
hell-bent-on-blasting-anything-that-moves, keep-anything-you-catch
stereotype, like some of our vacationing visitors. I've seen those types in
action and on occasion had the satisfaction of correcting them. Niagara
hunters and anglers contribute profusely of our time and money. Contributions
through licences and charitable donations aid to conserve and populate
Niagara's wildlife. The major
issues at hand are pollution and urban encroachment and their impact on
at-risk and endangered species. Including hunters and anglers as a primary
culprit in your article is unfounded and unfair. I do not hunt or fish with
anyone who takes an endangered species or is ignorant of our dwindling
natural resources. Your article
helps reinforce a negative stereotype and is prejudicial. The ignorance of
your article qualifies for an apology. If the reference was meant to be used
in relation to unregulated hunting practices or past hunting practices, then
the article should have specified that. One species no one is concerned about
is the narrow-minded writer/weekend eco-warrior. We seem to have plenty of
those. Brian Greco Vine Street St. Catharines |