Letters to the Editor

Youth can hunt

free this weekend

To the Editor:

Our Disappearing Outdoor Heritage

It is no secret that this country is experiencing a precipitous decline in the number of hunters and anglers. The topic of which is addressed in an article by Matthew Teague entitled "A More Dangerous Game" in a recent issue of Sports Illustrated.

While SI is not a publication that one would expect to find insightful articles about hunting, I think most people will find this article to be well worth their time to read (no matter what your stance is towards hunting).

This letter is not intended to delve into the myriad of reasons for the decline in hunting and fishing. People who are far smarter and infinitely more well-written than I am have already expounded greatly on that topic and I would have little (if anything) new to add.

Instead, I want to take this opportunity to let you all know that this weekend (Nov. 29 -- 30) is a free youth hunting weekend in Indiana. Any resident 15 years or younger on the date of the hunt, and accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age, can take any legal game in season, in compliance with all state and federal hunting regulations during this weekend.

The youth hunter does not have to possess a hunting license, HIP number or any stamp but must comply with all other hunting regulations. The accompanying adult must be in close enough proximity in order to monitor and communicate with the youth hunter at all times and may assist the youth hunter, including calling, but may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow. The accompanying adult must possess a valid hunting license, unless exempted.

Legal game this weekend consists of deer, rabbits, quail, pheasant, waterfowl, squirrel and dove.

In other words, this weekend is an excellent opportunity to introduce a youth to hunting. To encourage participation, Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area will have doughnuts, drinks, snacks and some door prizes available at the pole barn throughout the day (5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) today for youth hunters that come through the door.

If you don't hunt at GPFWA, that's fine. This is a free weekend throughout the entire state, whether you hunt private or public land. Be sure and get permission if hunting on private land and many public lands will allocate opportunities through drawings so be sure and check with the appropriate public land office before going afield.

If this weekend doesn't work out for you, keep in mind that Indiana now offers an apprentice license. This license is good for anyone of any age and allows an individual to try out hunting without having to take a hunter education class. There are limitations to the apprentice license so be sure to check the Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide or www.wildlife.in.gov for more information.

If you're not sure hunting is your thing, it is still important get out in nature every now and then. Few things in life are as rewarding as watching the sunrise over a marsh or marveling over the subtle beauty and complexity of the great outdoors. After all, where else will one learn that water does not come from the faucet and food does not come from the grocery store?

Brad Feaster

Linton

Worthington family says thanks for the support

To the Editor:

On behalf of Jordan Murdock and his family, we would like to thank everyone for all their thoughtfulness in our time of need.

God bless each and every one of you for your e-mails, cards, prayers, words of comfort, and monetary donations.

The outpouring of love for us was just a clear reminder that there is no better place to live than our small community of Greene County.

Thank you again. The Murdocks.

Holly Murdock

Worthington