Archive: Opinions

Dear Editor,

My family and I want to express our gratitude to the instructors who taught the Hunter Training Safety Course at the Lansing Rod and Gun Club last week.  Mr. Larry Sharpstein along with "Otto, Keith, Bob, and the Colonel" covered a wealth of information over the three day course.  From basic identification of game to an overview of hunting rules and regulations these individuals instilled in us the traditions of sportsmanship, respect for nature, and the ethical approach to hunting. 

Above all, the instructors emphasized that the primary responsibility of every hunter was safe and enjoyable hunting.  As in any sport, individual safety as well as the safety of everyone involved became a familiar phrase throughout the lectures and discussions.  Respect was also a repeated topic of discussion and extended not only to individual hunters, but to landowners and the animals as well.  My family and I were surprised at the amount of instruction devoted to the ethics and morals of hunting.  When these topics were presented to the class, the instructors became very serious, and made every effort to instill in us the tradition of responsible hunting.

There were over 40 individuals ranging in age from 10 to 50 years.  Some were dressed in jeans and sweats.  Others came to the class right from their workplace in business suits. We all shared one thing in common: becoming safe, ethical, and responsible hunters.  The instructors made every effort to ensure that this class of trainees succeeded.  Our community owes them a debt of gratitude for their time and effort.

Sincerely,

Matthew Binkewicz & Family
Lansing, NY 14882