Hook and bullet club

Now that we’re done with the election so we can really focus on more important things like deer hunting, it’s a good time to look back at how the two intersect at times.Especially at the end of the presidential campaign, we had the fear factor of not being able to hunt injected into the political advertisements. For many this was a good reason to start paying attention.But is there really cause for concern? Is there a movement underway to do away with hunting that we should really be worried about? Good questions that aren’t going to be answered clearly without some amount of suspicion. No matter what your political affiliation is, there should be some part of every hunter that says, “This is important enough to me that I want to make sure I can keep doing this in the future.” Now, there are a number of ways to accomplish that goal and most of us did one of those things on Tuesday: we voted. But is that enough? A clear answer: no. Hunting may not be as far up on the political hot button scale as terrorism or abortion, but it is certainly on the radar screen for some groups out there. They may just be chipping away at hunting by going after banning certain types of guns or certain methods of hunting, but make no doubt about it, there are people who are anti-what-a-lot-of-guys-like-to-do-every-fall.But there is something each of us can do about it, both directly and indirectly. In addition to voting, we can join an organization that will further our beliefs. That joining part, becoming a member does two things: first, it provides for the strength in numbers argument often needed when going to talk to politicians. Saying you represent the seven guys in your hunting camp is one thing, saying you represent 70,000 hunters is another. Second, your joining provides funding for the organization to hire the lobbyist to keep a close eye on St. Paul and Washington, D.C. to keep up on the issues. And when something comes up, to make sure your viewpoint is put on the table.Now, which organization is the right one? Well, I would put forward there may be more than one, depending on what type of hunter you are and how strong your beliefs are.For me, I belong to the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and the Ruffed Grouse Society. Although some might assume I’m a card-carrying member of the National Rifle Association, I’m not. Not that I don’t support the things they’re doing, I have just chosen not to be a member at this point.But I strongly believe in the things the MDHA and RGS do to support the sports of deer and grouse hunting. I read their publications, I have talked with their staff members and I support them with my memberships. We have local chapters of each organization right here in Ely. For the MDHA the Ely-Vermilion chapter meets regularly and works to support the organization through the collection of deer hides each season. Boxes are set up at Lucky Seven in Ely, Blomberg’s in Babbitt and Vermilion Fuel and Food in Tower. Please make sure to remove the head and legs and not to use plastic bags. On a side note, please remember to dispose of carcasses at the Transfer Station. By the way, local MDHA members can pick up a free bag of seed each year to help improve the habitat where they hunt as well. For the RGS, John Schiltz and his crew have done a bang-up job getting the Crazy Flight chapter up and running with a very nice banquet each fall.Those local chapters provide a direct connection to the statewide organization. If you have a question on why something is being done or not being done, you can start at the local chapter level and work your way up.Maybe you’re a duck hunter and if you are undoubtedly you know about Ducks Unlimited. There are similar organizations for goose and pheasant hunters as well.But as we proceed through the 2004 deer season, let’s hope there will be some discussion in deer camps about supporting the sport. For if no other reason than for changes in laws concerning ATV use, rule changes and hot button issues like permanent deer stands. Based in Grand Rapids, MN, the MDHA has been around since 1980 with a simple goal: “To achieve the best possible herd in Minnesota.” Membership is reasonable, just $10 for kids 16 and under, $20 for an adult, $40 for a family. I’ve wrote about it before and I’ll to do it again. If you hunt ducks, join Ducks Unlimited. If you hunt grouse, join the Ruffed Grouse Society. If you hunt deer, join the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. You can reach the MDHA in Grand Rapids at 1-800-450-DEER or 218-327-1103. The web site is www.mndeerhunters.com.