Barbarism in Skagit Valley?

[Jane Millar]

A flock of Canada geese, an eagle soaring overhead, little birds at my feeder – they all bring the terror back: the horrible sight of a magnificent snow goose falling to the ground, falling from the white cloud only a hundred feet or so overhead. I’d only heard about the migration through the rich Skagit Valley. I’d never been fortunate enough to witness it firsthand. Driving with friends through Mt Vernon and La Conner, through those verdant fields this past Sunday, I absolutely thrilled at the sight of these magnificent birds, snow geese and swans, hundreds, thousands, on the ground and some, rising as a cloud to some unseen trigger. Then, shocked, sickened, outraged to hear pops, rifle shots, see dogs running with white bundles dangling from their jaws, the “hunter” loosely aiming his rifle into the flock and the results. Across the street, a lone individual, rifle carried casually at his side, walked across the field toward a white flock on the ground. Sport? Survival? Barbarism? Do your communities really support this action? I can only hope that your families are nourished by the flesh of these totally defenseless and unsuspecting creatures.

[wow]

You sound truly hurt by this incident. Perhaps if you researched a little more into the sport, tradition, lifestyle, etc of the waterfowl hunter you might not see it as "barbarism" but maybe a practiced art or honed skill. The preparation, practice of calling, trial of decoy spreads, steady of shot, training of dog, precise location and timing is a process is an arduous process. To then make it seem effortless to you, they were a good and responsible hunter, especially so late in the season when birds have grown wary. If you cannot appreciate or respect other's lifestyle maybe you should stay in Seattle, at least during the months of October through January 31st.

[wow]

The short answer, yes. Our county is rich in this tradition.