WOW! I kinda got a headache from reading all of this.

I think HCH makes valid points with his $$$ references. I know in WV hunting provides a great deal of revenue for the state and law makers are trying to expand ont his by opening seasons early. Heck, just look at the price for the license!!!![:@]. That's a lot of money to walk away from because of a special interest group has a burr up the butt over deer getting killed. Granted WV is different than some of the other states mentioned. Hunting is celebrated there, school is out, employers are flexible for time off. Gas stations open early and close late.It truely is a HOLIDAY.

In other more liberal states however, the risk is more visible I'm sure. My exposure to this kind of environment is limited so I might just be nieve.

I always find myself comparing us as hunters to any other group or organization looking for acceptance and how they have approaced gaining acceptance and one word comes to mind.............EDUCATION!

If people are educated on "what we do" and understand how valuable we as sportsman and conservationists are, our message may be better understood. I take every opportunity I get to educate non hunters and anti's when given the opportunity. Never does the blood and guts issue come up. It's most always about DEATH to the animal and why must we do it? Why should the animal die? What right do we have to kill?

It's up to us to educate them on the benefits of hunting such as revenue for the state, tradition, management, conservation. Once the big picture is understood, the "blood and guts" become a non issue IMO.