Agenda - 01-19-1999 - 2b - Laserfiche WebLink

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~P-~ ~~~ ~~ ~. From: <Sglad1210@aol.com> To: ocmail.SMTP-DOS("cwright@herald-sun.com","ronml@he.. Date: 1/14/99 11:49am Subject: column 1/17/99 January 1st brings a different kind of festivity to our house--a cease-fire celebration. We feel jubilant that we can walk in our fields, ride our horses, and stroll fearlessly into the woods surrounding our farm. Deer hunting season has ended. Now, let me assure you, as I did Mr. Cameron Ingram (our county Wildlife officer): I am not against hunting. I grew up in southern delta lands where most kids have a BB gun by age five, where the opening of hunting season is a religious holiday. I learned how to handle a shotgun. I know what the deer population would be without hunting. We own a gun. Nevertheless, I don't like being restricted to the near side of my yard during some of the best outdoor weather of the year. I don't like being fearful for my children and animals when we hear shots nearby.. I hate wearing blaze orange in my own pastures. Hunting season has changed character in the 18 years I have lived out here--for the better. The early years were a siege. Tensions were high. Drinking was prevalent. There were more dogs, more hunters. There was a threat (to burn our house down) when we complained. Then things got pretty quiet for many years. Still, we stayed close to the house and wore orange. We limited trail riding to Sundays--the no hunting day. Last year the tensions returned with the high deer population. In one incident several hunters with a pack of dogs headed straight for our lamb pen. My screams did not deter them, but they frightened my daughter, who called 911. The hunters left before the sheriff arrived, and nothing came of the report. That is because our land is not posted. Every year we consider putting the signs every 200 yards around the farm. But posting will not solve our problem. Our house and barns sit near the back property lines. Our neighbor's land is not posted. So, when hunters park their truck 50 yards from my horse pasture, as they did last month, and fire over my head while I sit on my porch, there is nothing I can do. They are not on my land. I am at the mercy of their judgement. And ,their judgement might be heavily clouded by alcohol. Mr. Ingram and I agree that alcohol and guns don't mix. I~ marvel that it is legal to hunt and drink. That is, in Orange County. Wander into Caswell County and you'd better leave your bottle or your gun back in Orange.. Get caught with both in Caswell and you'll face some stiff penalties. High powered rifles are not regulated in Orange County, except on some game lands. These guns can propel bullets up to two miles. Some counties and some clubs. restrict rifles to deer stands, up in trees, where missed shots hit dirt--not distant neighbors. a~