ORIGINAL: Wolfhound76
ORIGINAL: roundball
I want to ask a question and before I do, I'll firstsay that ifyou reviewed my post history, you'll see a clear trend that I do not argue, attack, etc...and Iam doing neither now...I'm simply interested in better understanding the above comment about scopes and discrimination...IE: what would be the basis for insisting that scopes be allowed in established ML seasons?
For example, scopes are notallowed on archeryequipment either...the common thread being that each season was established for use with socalled primitive weapons...short range, up close & personal style of hunting like our foire-fathers had to do...how would it be discrimination for any stateto continue those practices?
First we have to define discrimination. Merriam Webster shows this definition:
1 a : the act of
discriminating b : the process by which two stimuli differing in some aspect are responded to differently
2 : the quality or power of finely distinguishing
3 a : the act, practice, or an instance of
discriminating categorically rather than individually
b : prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment <racial
discrimination>
In this case number 3a would be the discrimination happening here. By allowing scopes during thegeneral season but not during special seasons is de facto discrimination even if it isn't de jure discrimination. You mentioned archery season, well the same thing applies there too. Archery hunters should be able to use a scope if they wish.
Of course one could make an argument that having seperate seasons is also discrimination and I agree with that. I would much rather have deer season where any legal means is used to hunt deer. If you like using a muzzleloader, then use one. If you like bow hunting then use that. If you prefer cartridge firearms then by all means use them. I have no fear of another hunting tool just because it's different than mine.
But much as it applies to the situation, TheMerraim Webster Disctionary is just a book. The definition that mattersis given by the Departement of interior.
Discrimination includes: denial of services, aids, or benefits; provision of different service or in a different manner; and segregation or separate treatment. In addition, sex discrimination is prohibited in Federally assisted educational programs.
"Segregation or Seperate treatment", that sounds a lot like number 3a above.
Like I said, de facto discrimination.
Yes, I understand about Webster...and IMOif that's where you're coming from then pure Webster definitionsapplied out of context would support the notion that those unfortunate enough to be wheelchair bound should be able to play in NFL football games, etc, when clearly that would be impractical...and fly in the face of a sport that is largely aboutphysical conditioning, speed,agility, etc.
In reallifeI think there are practical applications ofdefinitions whenimplementing somethingto preserve it in the spirit that was originally intended...IMO, there can be no mis-understanding whatsoever that the original intent & purpose of 'primitive weapons seasons' was to recognize and provideopportunities that wouldcontinue to promote the use of traditional style muzzleloaders, similarto those typically found and used backduring the early American muzzleloading era...users of which have to learn their shortcomings, typically have to become a better hunter due to the reduced distance limitations, etc.
Building radically different, modernrifles which includeall sorts of modern accessories and performance enhancements designed to eliminate the limitations that our forefathers had to learn to cope with, and still claimthey're "no different from any muzzleloader andshould be allowed to participate as well" isa blatantly obvious breechof reality.
I definitely understand there's a faction that wants to use all those modern advantages to makehuntingeasier for them...and that they then want to use those same modern advantagesto participate in the long establishedtraditional muzzleloading seasons...I just don't believe there's any practical logic that trying to keep them out is discrimination.
To insist that modernhigh performance muzzleloaders wearing state of the art scopesshould be allowed to participate in the traditional seasons is like insisting that F15 Strike Eagles should be allowedtoparticipate in a WWII Fighter Aircraft competition...just my views on the matter...not saying your view is right or wrong...I just see it differently.