Saturday, November 14, 2009

No Kill Zone


When a man wantonly destroys one of the works of man we call him a vandal. When he destroys one of the works of God we call him a sportsman. ~Joseph Wood Krutch

It's deer hunting season once again in NC, and I am starting to hear gunshots around our home in the woods and on the mountain. Of course the nearby State Park is off limits, but this area surrounding us is open territory, or so that's what hunters think. Now I know that not all hunters are inconsiderate and disrespectful, but some are, and they don't care whose property they go on in search of deer or turkey or whatever wildlife they are interested in shooting.

I recently heard a story of this happening from a friend who lives three miles up the road... of course the hunters left the unwanted deer parts along the side of the road where my friend and his dogs could find it and deal with it. This happens a lot around our area, and wandering dogs are often hit by cars and injured or killed because they are drawn to the smell and cross the road in search of a tasty snack. Hunters don't think about that after-effect of their sport, I suppose.

And I am also not too fond of those hunters who tempt deer by placing out deer corn or other treats to lure them into their sights. I have to say that I was quite proud and warmly drawn to my husband when he told me of the time he was out walking in the woods and came across such a stash of corn... he peed all over it, thereby giving the deer a better chance!

We have enjoyed a family of deer on our property, and in our front yard, quite a bit during the summer and fall. The above photo captured them one summer afternoon, but the little fawn has grown quite a lot over the past few months and it worries me that a hunter will catch one of these beauties in his sights one day soon. Perhaps I should put out deer corn in my yard to keep this family close by! I know the pros of hunting... keeping the deer population from getting out of control, feeding the rural folks in our area who often rely on that meat for the coming months. But I also know that I could not hunt and kill, and I do not want anyone doing it on my property or in the nearby woods, and I do not want hunters to use my property to access other areas.

So my husband suggested that I call the sherriff's department to see what needs to be done about posting legitimate No Trespassing and No Hunting signs. That way, if someone does come on the property, we can call the sherriff's office and press charges, if we so desire. Of course one would hope that the signs would be enough to ward off hunters so those kinds of measures don't need to be taken. I believe I will follow through with this on Monday, and perhaps if there are signs down on the main road at our private road and drive, hunters will think twice before coming in our direction. And perhaps with luck, we can continue to enjoy the visits of that beautiful family of deer in the coming year.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for your sharing your clove and concern for these animals, Rebecca!

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  2. While writing this, I can hear gunshots nearby. I just whispered a little prayer that our Little Buck, and the others who come to nibble on our apples, will stay safe through yet another season.

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  3. What a wonderful quote and beautiful photo. My parents had the same problem with hunters. They had such sweet deer families come up to nibble on their garden. We loved watching them. I always said prayers for the deer during hunting season. I don't understand how anyone can kill something so beautiful. I'm proud to say my husband and dad were never hunters. Good for your quick thinking "corn marking" husband! Thanks for the article and hope your little families stay safe.

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  4. I agree entirely about respect and responsibility, but I think venison is yummy!

    - Norman

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  5. I hate hunting season!! I hate that the woods are taken over by people with guns so I can't walk quietly and I take my life in my hands riding through! I know that not all hunters are inconsiderate or dangerous but I hate that I have to post my land to keep people out...why don't people have to post their land if they want hunters? And leave the rest of us alone??? And my horses are intimidated by the sound of gunshots (they are soooo smart!!)! And don't get me started on the fact that hunters take the largest and strongest and best and wolves and coyotes take the weak and old and sick!! Ok that was my vent for the day!!! Hi Rebecca!!! xo Cait

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