Here's an idea. How many of youhave ever thought about the fact that your "natural environment" is anything but that? That perhaps, the abysmally poor buck to doe ratio in many areas is the effect of many years of lopsided hunting by man? That the poor age structure of the herd that is anything but natural is the cause of unbalanced hunting? That the overpopulation issues suffered by many deer herds around the country are the direct result of man wiping out the predators that kept them in check? That your "natural" deer herds bear almost NO resemblance to what it would be if it were totally untouched by man.

What about the idea that on a large acreage, well managed high fence preserve the fence might be there not to keep thingsIN but to keep thingsOUT. Like specifically too many of the local mismanaged deer herd that is overpopulated with totally UNNATURAL herd dynamics. That the herd inside this fence may, just may, be closer to natural than what you hold so dear.

Now I'm definitely not saying this is the case everywhere, but some of you guys paint with way too broad a brush. Anything done by man can be corrupted by man. The system is undoubtably corrupt in places, and high fence does not work on small acreages, except as pens.

I'm not going to get into a debate, as I am heading out of town. It doesn't really matter to me anyways, I know that what I say will change no ones mind. Even if I changed anyones mind, they probably wouldn't admit it. But it is something to think about if you just will.

Have fun, you guys play nice now.

We sent our son to christian school for the first 8 grades. When he was there.....I used to laugh at the hardcore, "letter of the law" outlook some of the teachers had, there. They weren't supposed to listen to commercial music. They condemned any and alldrinking. You know....basic "you're going to hell for your sinning ways" kinda stuff.

But I know of one teacher who was caught cheating with a church member (church sponsored school).....and our son's homeroom and math teachers (husband and wife)were absolutely bigger than my Yukon.

I suppose it's OK to pick which sins/immorals are Ok and which aren't.....as long as you're the one picking. Seems the potential for alcoholic gluttony isn't trumped byunabridged,ABSOLUTE gluttony for food.

Some of the horse **** I read on here makes me wonder if people are really like their persona. If they are....it is "I" who feel sorry for "them" No malice intended in that. None, whatsoever.

Wake up and get your heads out of your asses, people.....you're missing life worrying about things that in the end are miniscule.

Jim,

I had two of my best friends killed by drunk drivers. I lost my father to alcohol. According to you, you support and even encourage that which has killed millions on this planet. Are you afraid to take a stand? Drinking, to me, is just wrong! I'm smart enough to know it. You play by your own rules...sad really! Yeap, double standard....

Schultzy,

I'm 1 for 9 hunting axis deer behind high fence. So where's the gaurantee? I have killed two free ranging bear using spot and stalk methods. It's doable. Yeah, sure your odds will decrease. The DNR might end up shooting them from the air at night using IR equipment. But, they'll get things in check...

LT,

Then you are with me on my crusade to stomp out alcohol (keep in mind I lost three people very close to me)? It has done more harm to humans than any man made or natural disaster-certainly more harm than any high fence operation. Are you with me? It's something to think about, if you're looking for a fight. If not, then let's just go kill an elk!

I'd bet your 2 free ranging bear were shot in the mountains or in open country as well. That won't work in Minnesota my friend! It works in the mountains, open country, small woodlots, but not in a huge big thick woods environment. I have had chances out west in Montana to shoot a bear doing spot and stalk, problem was none of the times did I have a bear license but I still snuck up on the bear anyway to see how close I could get, It was exciting as hell! My dad has shot a hand full of bear out in Colorado in the mountains doing the spot and stalk, its very doable out there, but still tough to do. Congrats on the 2 bear doing the spot and stalk by the way, my hats off to anyone that is successful doing that! Your DNR quote has to be sarcasm.

You keep hunting your fences if thats what toots your horn. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

I gotta tell ya Pope. Your vatican is nice and all.....but it don't sniff our little Church. We got a drummer n everything. Choir got a white ribbon at the fair.

Ontario...Lake of the Wood region, and Alaska actually. Come to think of it, I did shoot a black bear in the mountains (Colorado. Never recovered it though-despite an excellent shot). I also snuck up on one while deer hunting in the UP of Michigan. he was dead to rights had I the proper tag! Again, it's doable

I am simply saying "keep an open mind". Not all things are as they appear on the surface.

Those six elk, by the way, were eventually killed with the employment of a helicopter. Ten us us (five were professional hunters-meaning that's what they did for a living) had our arses handed to us. We hunted hard for three days and never once fired a shot. The oak brush cover wastoo thick (you know how that is). Was 1200 acres easy? Well, I'd say no (I hunted my ass off) and 0 for 10was nothing close to a guarantee.

I wish you the best of luck hunting bear! Kill one and let us see the pics please!

Thanks. Good luck as well huck. Looking forward to your pics as well!

Yes Will, I am with you 100%. I have to say here that I am not one bit ashamed of that either. No, I am not perfect by any means, but I do strive to do what's right in the eyes of my Creator. Have I made mistakes? You bet. Been there, done that, to all of the (sins/immorals) above. I am also against anything else that causes grief and sorrow in this world. I am sorry for your losses. I too, lost a niece last year to what I think was drug abuse. It is sad.


Get a job dude.

LT,

I am sorry for your lose as well.

I pray peace comes your way!

Hey wow what an interesting read. Many good points though.

I'll agree Bear baiting is about as canned as you can be without a fence. But I would enjoy doing it at least once.

Whats canned? Any fence, 30 acres, 10,000 acres? Geez at some point it becomes "just hunting" again right? There is water all around the US..the deer ain't swimming to Europe, does that make Mexico a natural funnel?

What level of Alcohol consumptionis tolerable..None? 3 beers, 6 beers, a shot a week? How about communion??...hmmm[:-]

Anything can be spun and argued. Pick a topic and someones gonna drill ya. You can't be so intolerant of each others views that it makes ya mad. If you are ya better find another place to waste your work-day..