[capthook]

Hello all...

Wow, did I stir up a hornets nest or what?

The photo was taken by ShooterMcGavin, who is my son, while he was working as an environmental inspector on a large construction project in BC. He is a hunter and is well versed in the BC (and Alberta) hunting regulations. He came across the bear hunters camp during the course of his work and based on his observations at that time, he decided to take the photo which he subsequently sent to me. I decided to post the photo to see what people's reactions would be.

If Shooter, who was at the scene, is of the view that the bear was less than 2 years old (which is illegal in BC), I for one can find no reason to not believe him. As for the picture being distasteful, that is my view based on what I see and what my son has told me. Full stop.

I'm not asking for everyone to agree with my views but I am (was) curious about what others thought. On a practical level, I do have one serious concern and that is this: We are all, rightly or wrongly, judged as hunters, fisherman and outdoors people, based on individual and public persecption of our collective behavior. Unfortunately, we, and the sport, are tarnished by the boorish and even illegal activities of a few slob hunters. That is what I resent about the kind of behavoiur the photo depicts!!!

In the end, we can all believe what we want. But I will always have zero respect for anyone who publicly behaves in ways that can harm the positive public perception of shooting and hunting sports... After all, their behaviors are adversely affecting me, and all of you, directly or indirectly.

Take care all

Capthook