Readers respond to articles about the future of hunting, the demographic divide and the aging of the workforce (the “Silver Tsunami”).
Can Jim Akenson rebrand hunting?
“There are two kinds of wildlife conservation groups: those that spend their money directly helping wildlife (habitat conservation and improvement; scientific research; species reintroduction, etc) and those that spend their money filing lawsuits against government agencies. Hunters focus their time and money on practical, boots-on-the-ground activities to help wildlife, not lawsuits. Hunters directly help wildlife by paying excise taxes on hunting equipment and paying fees for licenses and permits. If that wasn’t enough, they also contribute millions of dollars every year to habitat conservation organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Ducks Unlimited. If it wasn’t for hunters, we wouldn’t have the habitat or the robust and diverse species that we enjoy today. This doesn’t just happen by itself; it takes a lot of money and dedication. Hunters are the true conservationists, providing the money and habitat necessary for animals to thrive.
There are few things in life that are as satisfying as spending a day in the woods, accepting the responsibility of taking a life, and then honoring that life by nourishing your family at the dinner table. If you go far enough back in your family history, you will find hunters and it’s never too late to rekindle the hunting spirit for yourself. If you want to hunt and don’t know where to start, join one of the many excellent “huntervationist” groups in our state (OHA, RMEF, DU, NWTF, etc.), volunteer your time, and meet some hunters. Learn how to give give back before you take. Hunting is an honor and a privilege. Our community welcomes you and I hope you’ll join us.”
— Matt Alford
“Interesting article. As someone who used to hunt, spent a large portion of my youth in the mountains outside of Baker City, and is also a big fan of Teddy Roosevelt, I think Jim Akenson has a large task in front of him. Hunting is much a social pastime as it is practical, and most people I talk to nowadays don’t have the time, or money, to devote the resources needed to having a successful hunt.
Combine this with the dichotomous nature of conservationists (I cannot see for the life of me why someone can’t shop at both Cabelas and REI) and it will take someone’s with Mr. Akenson’s demeanor to bridge the divide.”
— Timothy Tomer
The Divide: Portland’s residential infill plan spotlights demographic divide.
“The Cully and King neighborhood residents did not vote to back Portland For Everyone. There are people from PFE on the boards of these neighborhoods. These approvals of PFE were only done by 5 or 6 people on the boards of these community groups.”
— Chris Browne
“I think you do raise the most important question in this debate. Will increasing density increase affordability? I would say that the evidence is clearly that it does not, as our most dense cities that are also the most expensive. It is also true that larger cities are more expensive to live in.”
— Bruce
“It’s happening in nearly every business sector. Especially in technical and engineering areas.”
— Kevin Sudbeck
