ORIGINAL: Hokieman
But then I read the Technical Report. The entire thing; and I read it several times. And I am just appalled. It is nothing more than our game department rationalizing doing away with hunting - all hunting, and focusing instead on outdoor recreation. They're just starting with houndsmen - still hunters will not be far behind.
Many people, but mostly still hunters, may not realize that animal rights groups have been very active and effective during the entire study period. The entire Technical Report is not only anti-hunting with hounds, it is anti-hunting in general. Including bird dogs.
Maybe I just missed it here, and granted I don't know the whole history behind the UK problem, and the issues with the anti-hunting AR groups, but as I read over the report, I didn't catch much of what you are referring to Hokieman.
I saw where the reportaddressed concerns for the future of hunting in general, but I am assured, and I assure you, that the folks in charge of the Game Department are in no way interested in doing away with hunting. Absolutely not under any circumstances save only the wellfare of the species and/or the state itself.