I am in favor of reducing the ability of money to monopolize outdoor opportunities and I am in favor of fair chase and ethical hunting. As such I am in favor of a law that successfully prohibits commercial advance scouting. I prefer this sport to remain "hunting" and not just turn into "shooting" with live targets. But that is not to say I am enamored with this particular approach to the problem.
I am sure each person whose post suggested non-support has their own reason and I cannot, and will not, speak for them. I do though have concern in any discussion when we can't understand that others have a different view. It doesn't mean we have to share their view, but to suggest their view is unthinkable just shows we haven't thought about the issue in a well rounded manner.
One post questions why any hunter wouldn't full support the bill, another suggests that it is just petty jealousy and a third goes with the "love it or leave" it approach.
I offer several logical reasons someone might disagree to round this discussion out. I am not advocating any particular one, but offer in support of the notion that there is not just one "true hunter" answer to this (or possibly any) question.
- Some might read the bill and realize that as written it has possible enforce-ability problems, but they would support a tighter draft.
- Some might view the bill as insufficient given the large "licensed outfitter" loophole, but would support it without this exception.
- Some might view this as giving even more control and money to the existing outfitters who are not always the friend of the fair chase public land hunters, while doing little for the animals and other hunters.
- Some might generally object to the continued scope-creep of our governmental licensing/regulation systems that seem to find no activity too minor to not fully regulate, even if they don't like $$-based pre-scouting.
- Some might view this as a personal beef that has turned political.
- Some might be tiring of the resident/non-resident chasm in costs and regulations that seems to be growing every year - hurting all of us in the long run.
On the surface any of these are logical and reasonable views. They may not be my preference, and I may view some as flawed or wrong, but to hear another person voice one does not surprise me or cause me to label them stupid, ill-willed, jealous, petty or clueless.
