Free Press backs hunting

The Burlington Free Press, in an editorial, addressed the problem in Vermont, shared by many other states, of declining hunter numbers, and stressed the benefits of reversing the trend. In the Opinion published Wednesday, August 16, the paper pointed to the fact that in 1987, Vermont sold about 91,000 resident hunting licenses; last year, that number dropped to 69,757.

As would be the case in other states, less hunters in Vermont, the paper points out, mean less money injected into the economy, less help managing wildlife populations and a less healthy ecosystem. "Just as important is the growing disconnect between Vermonters and their natural environment," states the editorial. "It would be a shame if the next generation grew up believing all food springs from the frozen section of the local grocery store."

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com