Re: "Hunting-rights deal saves bears," Sept. 19
I have never shot a bear for trophy or food, although I did shoot one once when attacked as a young man in northern Quebec.
The experience has left me wondering these past three decades what, if anything, I could have done better to forestall the attack, and I still wish it could have been otherwise.
Since then I have had numerous, more peaceful experiences with bears over the years.
Having said this, I am a hunter of upland game birds, and I fully support the use of a well-managed hunt as a tool for animal conservation in that given a stable population, removing a few animals by hunting reduces the number that die of starvation, disease, accident, exposure or predation.
Of all the groups I have ever encountered that oppose hunting, I must say the Raincoast Conservation Foundation has earned my greatest respect. They have actually "put their money where their mouth is," and eschewed the oft-times questionable lobbying and public awareness practices by which less upstanding organizations and individuals attempt to force others to their way, and at others' expense.
I applaud the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and wish their members the best of luck as they pursue their efforts. I may not agree with them 100 per cent, but I do most certainly respect them that much. I will even donate to their cause.
M.J. Ackermann
Sherbrooke, N.S.
