By the time most readers see this paper, rifle season for deer will already be under way. Local hunters will join visitors from downstate or elsewhere in the region in the woods in pursuit of the elusive buck.
It's hard to imagine what our area would be like without these sportsmen and women. For one thing, if we think there's a deer nuisance now on roads and in towns, we'd be in for a big surprise if hunting suddenly ceased. Hunters continue to be a major factor in keeping deer populations at a healthy level.
We're sure many families would miss having freezers full of venison. More sorely missed would be the people served by venison donation programs.
Last year, the Otsego and Delaware chapters of the Conservation Alliance raised more than $11,000. The money went toward food programs run by Opportunities for Otsego and Delaware Opportunities.
Area business owners would miss hunters dearly. Hotels and restaurants enjoy the patronage of hunters who flock to this area each fall. Hunting season can make or break hunting supply retailers.
For all these reasons, we were saddened to hear predictions that this may be a down year.
It's not surprising, given the state of the economy, that fewer people may be making the annual trek into the woods. Hunting license fees are up, as is the cost of ammunition. Hunters used to taking vacations to the area may not be able to spare the cash for gas, food and lodging _ not to mention taking time off work to make the trip.
However, we were heartened to hear Dave Cyzeski of West End Archery say that the bow-hunting season has been a good one.
As we transition into rifle season, safety considerations become paramount. As Daily Star columnist Rick Brockway pointed out, today's rifles carry a lot farther than Grandfather's shotgun. Proper gun safety goes a long way toward preventing accidents.
Anyone going out into the woods during hunting season, hunter or not, should take care not to be mistaken for a buck or doe. Wearing blaze orange or another bright color is the best way to be seen and identified.
While solitude and communing one-on-one with nature can be a memorable part of the hunting experience, there are safety considerations here, too. Anyone hunting alone should dress for weather, drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages and, most importantly, make sure someone knows where he or she is supposed to be.
We hope all hunters in the area enjoy a safe and fruitful season.
