I thought that was hilarious. I guess he never learned about ammo conservation-4 shots?

As a hunter, fishermen and general outdoorsman who tries to promote ACTIVITY in the great outdoors and who understands the heritage that encompasses the ACTIVITY, I wish Randy did not publicize his ACTIVITY at STL Today. In fact, I think he should keep his vague stories for storytelling around the campfire - this is where it belongs anyway.

GenX,

Mr. Goodman did not “publicize” the information. This was an Associated Press story, for which he agreed to be interviewed.

While this is certainly a good campfire story, it also makes for interesting news, which is why STLtoday.com and the Post-Dispatch exist.

Teak,

Okay. AP interviewed him and the story was published. Although it sounds like an accurate story, I am frustrated and disappointed over the bad publicity that is caused by stories like this - especially after I read the ignorant posts regarding this story in the non-blog areas of STL Today. It is certainly not a good example of a good day of hunting or the type of publicity that we want. In my opinion, too many people are naive about the conservation efforts and outdoor ACTIVITY that we as outdoor sportsmen support. How can STL Today and general media across the country help educate the community about the positive aspects of hunting versus the unfortunate ones? For example:

1) The money received by the conservation department for fines and licenses is redistributed to benefit Missouri residents in different ways. Hopefully, STL Today can do the research and publish it. The research will definitely make a few non-hunters and non-fishermen rethink or restate their opinions and current stance on harvesting wildlife or even hunting as a ’sport’.

2) The wealth and success of Missouri’s conservation department compared to other states, as well as, the success versus the downfall of wildlife management since the 1950’s.

3) I think one of the opinion posts mentioned something about meat going to waste. I find wasted meat hard to believe. Everyone in our family likes certain types of venison and there is a common feeling of satisfaction in eating food that was personally harvested. What’s more, I am sure there are some statistics that STL Today can research and publish to support the ’share the harvest’ program, which is another program that the majority of Missour conservationists support.

Thanks for responding - this is my first time here and I did not expect such a quick response from anyone.

Here is the negative publicity that I was referring to in my last post:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/missouristatenews/story/50D4CACE6C9E582A8625751200649574?OpenDocument

How can STL Today help to reduce the number of negative posts and opinions about hunting?

GenX,

I agree with you that it would be nice if the media would do more to explain what good hunting does. However, we must be cautious about doing any story that takes a specific stance, especially in our general news sections of the paper and website. I think if you watched over time, you’d find as many stories about the good of conservation as you would stories about the dumb things people sometimes do.

Also, we do not control the comments (save for gross violations of our commenting rules). People are free to express their opinions, which is what helps our products become more interactive and user-friendly. Some readers do not like some opinions, but all readers are free to express them.

As for specifically pro-hunting-and-fishing stories, that what this blog is for. I strive to provide a balance of news items, stories about trips and new ideas.

I like to think of it asa a sort of “safe haven” where outdoorsmen can get that information you are interested in. Be aware, though, that even people who don’t like hunting and fishing are welcome to post comments here, so long as they fit within our rules.

Thanks for taking the time to read and to comment, and feel free to contact me anytime about blog and story ideas and gripes about our coverage.

Teak,

Maybe the negative posts are more reasons to take a kid hunting or fishing. Thanks again for the responses and your support of my opinions. This is a cool blog - please keep it up.

It’s a great anywhere story, not just a campfire story. Sort of a Nature strikes back theme, don’t ya think?

Thanks for the blog Teak.
Reading the comments on the article it seems many are still ignorant (a fact of not knowing - not stupidity)of the reasons for hunting. I wish there were more articles about the benefits of harvesting deer and the positive experience of it. It also seems that there are some hunters still not versed in determining if their quarry is dead (ie: Randy). a good poke in the eye with a rifle muzzle should tell the story. 2 good shots w/a .270 and still not dead LOL. He needs more time at the range or better ammo. I’m sure Randy will empty his magazine next time - if there is a next time. Enjoy the venison.

i have heard of this before deer can be deadly im from il. where we shed monster bucks but you should always wait atleast an hour before you your stand this should be a good lesson for all hunters