Hunters don't want suffering

Cruelty is not a word that should be used to describe hunting. Most hunters strive to make a quick, clean kill that will not cause any suffering. I have followed my father around hunting since I could walk by his side. Hunting has taught me many life lessons, such as how fragile life is, and has given me great respect for firearms of all types. I have not, nor will I ever, practice "kill and let it lay"; that is wasteful and wrong. I won't say I need wild meat, but I enjoy the taste. Look at it like chocolate -- most people don't need it, but they enjoy it. Ducks are the ultimate free-range chicken.

For someone to say that it is mindless and requires no skill is pure ignorance. There have been many days I have come home after a full day in the field with nothing. I have also played football, golf, and softball; they are easy compared to being a successful hunter.

Every year, hunters put more money toward conservation than any other group. To help wildlife, look into joining one of the clubs I belong to, Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, California Waterfowl Association or the Mule Deer Foundation. I'm tired of people bashing hunters because of their feelings. Let's see what we can do to conserve more land for wildlife, and work to manage our wildlife populations to keep them healthy.

AUSTIN STEVENOT

Modesto