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Deer Management Plan Working  

To the editor: Once again, the turkey and archery deer seasons have passed in the blink of an eye. Mother Nature slowed us down with inclement weather. Meanwhile, the Pa. Game Commission deer program has taken hold and is producing some real bruiser bucks in its third year. We all had our doubts as to the outcome, but it has paid off, even if the doe population is down. If everyone backs off harvesting too many does, the herd will rebuild in short order as Mother Nature takes care of herself. I have been spotlighting in southern Potter County and in Cameron County. I can't believe the rack size some bucks are carrying this fall. There are eight-pointers most everywhere you look, it seems. What really grabbed my attention were a few 10- and 12-pointers with good mass, 11-inch tines and 18- to 20-inch spreads. I know I did a few double-takes when they showed up and I hope we'll meet again in the firearms season. After this year's big buck contests, we'll see what the Game Commission's deer program really has produced. As they said, in three years it will prove itself to the skeptics. David Orlowski Austin Hunting Is A Way Of Life To the editor: It is important for those of us who enjoy hunting to communicate effectively with those who don't. In my discussions, I point out that, in hunting, I am connecting with nature on a first-name basis and taking food for my table naturally without any preservatives. In killing the animal myself and preparing the animal to be utilized for food, I take responsibility in my link to nature and continuing my existence.

Hunting is not a sport or recreation to me, but is a way of life and provides me not only with food for my body, but refreshes my soul and spirit and reconnects me with the basics of life.

The animals I hunt in no way are endangered or becoming extinct. I acknowledge that the sins of the past in market hunting and the killing of the American bison did happen. For this reason, hunting laws have been established and today we enjoy larger populations of animals than ever before, including when our forefathers reached the shores of our beloved country.

The very fact that I hunt means I buy hunting licenses and equipment for the hunt, and a portion of the revenue gained from these items goes directly to help protect the animals that I hunt.

I acknowledge and agree that hunting is not for everyone and that it is a personal choice that I defend for each person whether they choose to hunt or not. I, however, do not apologize for being a hunter. Hunting is a natural act with natural consequences in that something must die for something to live.

Yelling and losing control with the anti-hunter reinforces everything he or she has heard about us hunters. Anti-hunters for the most part are simply people who do not understand the act of hunting and are operating on things that they have heard about hunters. It is up to us to represent ourselves as calm, educated and, most of all, reasonable people.

Some people are not going to change their minds, no matter what, and we must accept this. Do your part to represent the act of hunting in the best possible way by always hunting ethically and utilizing what you kill.

When it comes to talking to anti-hunters, being reasonable in your conversation will work wonders. If they still remain anti-hunters, be at peace in knowing that you represented hunting in the best possible light as an honorable act of sustenance of the body and spirit

Bob Hendricks
Huntley, Ill

Working Together For Jesus

The Cameron County Ministerial Association, an ecumenical group of churches in Cameron County, has been actively working together to bring the "Good News" of Jesus Christ to our community.

Together we have planned and organized our annual Thanksgiving Worship Service; this year that service will take place at the First Presbyterian Church, Tuesday the 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Together we have planned the Community Christmas Service. This year it will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Friday the 15th of December.

We also plan a series of community services during the season of Lent, held each Wednesday evening, leading up to the Good Friday Cross Walk, and Easter Sunrise Services.

The CCMA is instrumental in coordinating and finding volunteers to man the Salvation Army kettles which will soon be ringing as the holiday season approaches. By the way, nearly all of the funds received in the Salvation Army kettles are used in Cameron County throughout the coming year.

The CCMA considers it a high honor and privilege to serve the residents of Cameron County in this way. During the special events we hold throughout the year, the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Community Lenten Services, we receive special offerings which go into a benevolent fund that is used to meet financial needs within our community. At the discretion of the pastors who make up the CCMA, these funds are distributed to those who may need a little extra help in times of crisis.

If you would care to help us in this ongoing ministry of the CCMA, and would like to make a financial contribution, please feel free to send your gift to: CCMA Benevolent Fund Attn: Scott Melott First Baptist Church 424 North Broad Street

Emporium, Pa. 15834

We will send you a receipt for your charitable gift.

May God be rich in your lives this holiday season! Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!

The Cameron County
Ministerial Association

Help Me Find This Thief!

To the editor:

Recently, some jerk demonstrated that he isn't just a disrespectful coward, but also a low-life, thief.

Removing the two antiques from the front seat of my truck was bad enough. It's not that they are valuable, but they were a gift from someone who is no longer here.

Then, you went above and beyond the call of duty by ripping the bulldog hood ornament off my truck, leaving two holes in my hood.

What kind of scum would do something like that? I am willing to pay to find out. I am offering a cash reward to anyone who can tell me where these missing items are, or who damaged my hood.

I'm sure that whoever did it will never see this letter. That would require the ability to read. Can anyone help me find this loser?

Tim Aikens

Emporium