I agree with the recent letter writer David Comes. If I, like Bob Barker, had an extra million dollars, I would hope that I could find a better use for it than protecting pigeons. Unfortunately, I can’t agree with anything else Mr. Comes said.
I don’t see how pigeon shooting is “regarded” as a sport. Either it is one or it isn’t. And since the odds are clearly stacked for the sportsman and highly against the pigeon, I’d regard pigeon shooting as a slaughter.
He is correct to state that it was an Olympic event. However, that was only once at the Paris Olympics of 1900. It seems that the blood, feathers, noise and bodies of some 300 dead and dying pigeons alienated the spectators. Clay pigeons were used thereafter.
If he thinks he’s helping to rid communities of an unwanted pest that is a threat to public health, maybe he’ll aim to eradicate humans next. No bird has ever polluted and poisoned our world in the manner and scope that humans have.
While I’m not a sportsman, I would argue that the vast majority of sportsman ensure that they hunt with care and respect for their environment and fellow hunter. Sportsmen today make a commendable effort to provide sustainable game for not only themselves but for future generations.
But calling pigeon shooting a sport? That’s as real a sport as hunting deer at night with a search light, pickup truck and rifle.
Don Krech,
Middleburg
