WOW!!! Corny, what an absolutely awesome thread, well done! I haven't had time to read all the replies, but from what I saw there has been some great feedback, and VERY valid concerns. When I get more time in the next day or two I am going to respond with my opinion of the current situation, the viable alternatives, and the application of said alternatives.

I feel this topic deserves extensive consideration. The key is going to be COOPERATION. That infers cooperation within stakeholder groups (hunters), cooperation between stakeholders (hunters, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiast, etc.), and joint cooperation between all stakeholders/interest groups and the state agencies responsible for implementing changes. I urge you all to read this post when I get a chance to write it.

This issue has the potential to polarize not only interest groups, pitting them against each other (hunters vs bird watchers), but it could also divide hunters. IMO, doing so would result in a universal loss for all groups involved (basically we all suffer). I'm an optimist, however, and I see an opportunity to forge new ground in responsible management of our entire ecosystem. IMO, this issue has the potential to unite groups that have long been divided, and set a national precedence for responsible, sustainable, ethical, and moral management of all wildlife. A precedent that calls for groups with different interests working side by side to reach a common goal.

Maybe what I have in mind only works in a perfect world, but IMO aiming for anything less would be a complete failure.