Opinion Times Colonist
Whether or not to hunt grizzlies is not just a matter of conservation, or economics. Our society generally deems it unacceptable to maim and kill animals for sport. We don't allow bullfighting, although there are plenty of bulls, with potential for substantial revenue, as our politicians know it would be reckless to suggest a practice of such unthinkable cruelty.
How it became OK to harvest a precious resource and symbol of beautiful British Columbia is beyond comprehension. The issues are human values and respect for nature and living things. It is no valiant feat to ambush an unsuspecting animal from 100 metres with a high-powered rifle and scope and then display the carcass on your wall.
Hunters, use your prowess and nerves of steel to sneak up close to a grizzly and take a snapshot. Tip the guides handsomely, take the photo home and proudly display it in your trophy room -- and don't forget to show your friends the expensive camera you used to "shoot" this magnificent creature.
For guides who are fearful of lost business from a hunting ban, why don't you offer guiding packages, including framed photos and camera rentals? Then, go out and do it again -- anytime! There would be no season and the animals would still be there.
We don't need to end the hunt -- just change the way we hunt.
Dallas Raines
Victoria