I've been reading this post over the last few days telling myself not to get involved... But I find a few points here I need to address.

First off, let's drop the education issue. I don't find it relevant here at all. First hand knowledge and reading of books can make people, degree or not, educated. Plus -- how many of us have degrees in hunting, yet we share a wealth of information on this board!

Second:
In a time of turmoil for our country, I think you make an excellent point. This country was founded as "One nation, under God..." and over the past year, we have made court rulings to remove the God part. Lets do our best to preserve the "One Nation" part. [soapbox]I'm sick of all the bellyaching of different cultures in this country. If you don't like it, you're free to leave -- so don't complain![/soapbox] I've done service projects through my church to help fix houses on Native American reservations in South Dakota. Talk about an eye opening. I got the impression that the "Natives" were no more Native American than I (1/16th by best guess). And yet, they have totally different rules and laws within the reservation. I was there no more than a week each time, but the amount of alcoholism and other social diseases was frightening. I don't want to start a debate -- simply give my impressions. (I know. Wrong thread for that! )

And finally:
I too enjoyed the small bits of indian heritage that I found while on the reservations. I actually got to watch a rain dance -- something I feel very honored to have been able to see. And yes, while these traditions must be preserved, I think cultural societies and other such social support systems could work. It is really a difficult issue entirely.

But...

In going back to the intention of the original post, I too enjoy marveling at the image stirred up by thinking of the legends of the indians and their hunting skill. It's an interesting subject and one which I spent considerable time debating in my head while hunting yesterday, due mainly to this thread!