In reply to Susan Cruttenden (Children and guns shouldn’t mix, Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, July 17), I wasn’t “raised” with firearms, though growing up I had a fascination with them, so I, as most mentally competent people do, started researching them, the origins and history, the legal requirements and, of course, the clubs and equipment required to get into shooting.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Personally, I’m not a fan of trophy hunting; I hunt for meat, and for pest control.
Sure, a round may cost up to $4 a shot, but if that $4 round will get me and my family 30kg-plus of true free-range meat, it’s not a bad investment.
What do you appreciate more - a home-made cake, or one bought from a shop?
Shooting for meat is exactly the same. You have more respect for it, and treat it accordingly.
As for pest control, $4 on one rabbit may be steep, but in a year there would be several thousand fewer rabbits.
The crop damage caused would cost a farmer a bit more than $4.
With myxomatosis, calicivirus and poisons, rabbits die slowly, painfully and cruelly and the surviving animals develop a resistance, which they don’t with instant techniques used by licensed shooters.
Contrary to popular publicity, the “gun culture” is tolerant, responsible and respectful of others and the law.
Shooters are targets for prejudice and vilification because “guns are bad”.
They (begrudgingly) accept restrictions not because they agree but because they’re peaceful, law-abiding and responsible people.
Gun sports instil a sense of community, camaraderie, respect, a desire for self-improvement and self-discipline.
If you believe that these attributes aren’t suitable for children, I have little hope for society.
Oren Burg
Batemans Bay
