If you really think I meant that we shouldn' t defend the sport based on my post, then I not sure I really trust your interpretation of what Mr. Cole wrote in the article. Seems your reading comprehension is a little skewed. Either that or you went out of your way trying to insult me because I don' t agree with your approach.

What I mean is you can defend the sport much better by carefully explaining your feelings about it without being offensive. Calling someone an idiot or moron certainly does nothing to win them over to your side. Around these parts, it' s the quickest way to get a boot in the groin that I know of.

Now, you are going to write a letter to the editors. IF they elect to print it, the editors will give Mr Cole a copy of your letter and offer to let him write a response. If you just write in and say he' s an idiot, then his response will be easy. More or less, ' I told you they were brainless jerks.'

What you need to do is lay out your philosophy about bowhunting. Throw in a few facts and figures about bowhunter demographics, herd population and habitat condition. Show that compounds are needed in the pre-rut and then most everyone with a functional pair of brain cells rubbing together can see that his position is ridiculous.

First, figure out why you shoot the equipment you shoot and calmly and reasonably as possible, write it down. Take my reasons for instance - I much prefer longbows, but I shoot compounds because I' m getting older and I' m pretty seriously disabled. I can comfortably shoot 60 pound draw compounds, but no way can I handle a stickbow in a hunting draw weight any longer. Should I be denied access to the pre rut simply because I am not physically capable of shooting a stickbow accurately any more?

That' s the kind of thing you need in your reply. Serious REASONING vs hotheaded nonsense.