I support donating a tag to be reassigned to a terminal youth, a vet or disabled person. Obviously, all persons with those classifications can also apply in the same general draw I do and draw a tag that I am also trying to draw.
I support in-season accommodations for disabled such as a crossbow being allowed if disability prevents drawing back a bow during the archery season. I do not support special seasons or extended seasons.
I do not support having any tag pulled from the general pool of tags for anyone. I want all tags to be awarded in the general draw.
Zero tags for non-profits to auction or raffle. Not a single tag for any group whether be missioned to support the terminally ill, disabled, vet, sexual assault surviver, victim of racism, wrongly incarcerated, parent of a murdered child, over 100 years of age, under 15 years of age, Eagle Scout, LEO, firefighter, EMT, physician, forester, retired game warden, Olympic gold medalist, Seal Team Six member, etc.
I was injured on my job. A job I willingly agreed to do. No one drafted me into that company. No one forced me to join up. I was offered a compensation package which was compelling though were trade-offs including more travel away from home and family. I could no longer be in recreational sport leagues as I would miss too many games. I eventually tore up my left shoulder helping load a truck as we were short-handed down in the warehouse and was a hurry-up deal. My shoulder has never been the same even after surgery and rehab. I was able to stay employed though discomfort has remained for 18 years.
Where would you draw the line? I was in the safety field and sometimes carried a concealed weapon. Do you close the door behind you once your group gets tags? Would be acceptable if every tag for a species is awarded outside the general draw? 50% off total tags then have to have a special draw since not enough tags for the qualifying preferential applicants.
What about trapping and fishing? Create extended seasons to also reduce chance encounter others pursuing the same activity?
My father, two nephews and several high school buddies served in conflict zones. I appreciate they served though only my father was going to be drafted (he volunteered to have more say in what branch). The transactional nature of the compensation and benefits by joining the armed services was a major factor for these people agreeing to join voluntarily. The lure of travel and training was a factor. Poverty in their household and a lack of an easy path to college without the GI Bill was a huge factor with all my buddies. One joined as the county judge said either jail time or could join the armed services.
Freedom is not free. Voluntarily joining up is a free choice. Injuries happen. Death happens. Sometimes at the hands of others and sometimes is a workplace hazard. War is a nasty thing but rarely avoidable if you want to remain a free country.
A lot of career paths have risk. Farming is one of the riskiest which was my career until graduated college at 22. I am glad there are people drawn to the farming career so crops and livestock are managed and things show up at my location grocery store. I am glad people are drawn to military service and to be doctors and EMTs and firefighters, too.
I just do not see how hunting tags are needed and who would be entitled as they earned that privilege and where the line is drawn. I feel the same way on reduced or free licenses and fee waivers. We choose to hunt. We also choose whether to spend funds to buy a new truck or to donate to a charity. Choices are made.
