‘I want to thank you’
Dear Mr. Gogola,
I want to thank you for being balanced in your writing, ‘Open Season’ [August 5]. You were up front regarding the hunting laws in California. Few people understand hunting as a form of conservation; nor does the general public know about [how] the funds gathered from the purchase of licenses, tags, and hunting/ fishing paraphernalia directly impact the habitat restoration, wildlife research and hunter safety education programs.
My husband and I instruct hunter education classes for the California Department of Wildlife. We emphasize both conservation and safety in our classes. Following the laws and making ethical choices out in the field is very important. When the season is open for a particular quarry, it doesn’t mean that you’re successful every time either.
California is not the only state to have “fair chase” laws. Each state does differ, but the different types of restrictions suit the needs for each region. To learn more, take a hunter’s education class.
Thank you for taking the time to read my note.
Sincerely,
—Janet P. Gookin
