Letters

Dogging for Turkeys...
In an otherwise fine article, Douglas Tate in his “The Great Grouse of Lapland” (Jan/Feb) characterizes turkey hunting as a “springtime sport” about which he is unenthusiastic because, in his words, there is “... no dogwork to appreciate, no rigorous hiking, no wingshooting. And one other thing: Who needs a fine double for ground sluicing?”
Readers should understand that turkey hunting is also a fall activity in many states and that many fall turkey hunters use well-trained dogs to find turkey flocks, “bust” the flocks, and then remain quiet in the blind while the birds reassemble and are called in by the hunter. And where did Mr. Tate get the idea that rigorous hiking is not involved? It very often is.
As for not needing a fine double for “ground sluicing,” Mr. Tate’s point is lost on me. In any case, I note that one of the best turkey hunters I know in Virginia uses a Fox double to good effect. A strong case can be made for using a double in turkey hunting for one of the same reasons that doubles are recommended for wingshooting: The hunter has a choice of chokes for different target distances.
Mr. Tate is correct in stating that turkey hunting does not involve wingshooting, but the same is true of chasing capercaillie above the Arctic Circle—something he apparently found challenging and worthwhile.
Jim Kirkman
Annandale, Virginia

... and a Point About Capercaillie
It was interesting to read Douglas Tate’s article about hunting tjäder [capercaillie] in Sweden. I had a good laugh when he tried to explain his doubt about shooting sitting birds. I just want to mention that there are some in Sweden who hunt tjäder with pointing dogs as well. It may not be the best way to fill your freezer, but I can’t think of a more exciting form of bird hunting. I have a wonderful photo of my shorthair retrieving a cock capercaillie (just over 10 pounds) this past fall that I shot over him pointing.
Johan Lindenfors
Sweden

In Defense of Dove Shooting
I just received the May/June issue of your wonderful magazine and must respond to Ed Gray’s commentary (“Spare Us the Excess”) in Letters. I’ve dreamed about hunts all over the world after reading articles in Shooting Sportsman. After experiencing one of those trips four years ago, I have this to say to Mr. Gray: Please spare us the recriminations! Silvio Calabi (“Estancia Los Chañares,” March/April) could have expended many more rounds per day had he made a determined effort. Having gunned (it is not hunting) at Estancia Los Chañares, I feel it is important to consider the Argentine perspective. Farmers in this area lose as much as 40 percent of their crops to doves each season. In the US this would devastate one’s profit margin. The Argentines look upon these non-migratory birds as vermin to be exterminated. When I was there, the estimated density was 1,000 doves per acre for 10,000 acres. Do the math. It is nearly equivalent to grasshoppers destroying farmers’ crops in this country. Shooting there is a service as well as a revenue source. The alternative is the government poisoning program, which is totally indiscriminate.
Let’s trust the Argentines to do what is right for their country. The American model of conservation and the ethics it has inspired have served this country well. Let us not make the mistake of assuming that our model is the only correct one.
William G. Carney, D.D.S.
Omaha, Nebraska

More Stamp Support
I read the From the Editor piece in March/April on the woodcock stamp. I think it is great that Shooting Sportsman partnered with Pointing Dog Journal, Retriever Journal and Gun Dog to make people aware of what is happening with woodcock and how loss of habitat is threatening the species.
I have had the great opportunity to work with Dennis Labare in the past, as I am the Executive Director of The Woodcock Conservancy, a New Jersey-based nonprofit corporation. I am in strong support of any efforts to raise awareness and increase efforts to preserve woodcock habitat and promote increasing the woodcock population. I recently contacted Dennis to express my support as well as that of many woodcock enthusiasts in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.
As I read the first two paragraphs of your piece, I was reminded of my own introduction to woodcock and my own appreciation for (and frustration with) the challenges of woodcock hunting. Whether I am guiding or being guided in other areas, I look forward to woodcock hunting and hope that the stamp comes to fruition.
Thanks again for your support.
Jim Mascola, Executive Director
The Woodcock Conservancy
Greenwich, New Jersey

A Good Start
In July/August 2007 I wrote to you looking for advice on getting started with hunting (Letters, “A Not-So-Average Reader”). Since then my time has been filled with many hunting adventures and many kind, patient people who have been willing to show me the fine sport of hunting. Many thanks to Bob Shannon (Letters, “The Right Start,” Nov/Dec ’07) for taking the time to explain the steps I should take regarding getting started. His advice was very helpful, and by doing those things and being a little bit forward and persistent, I have managed to get out a few times with hunters who truly enjoy sharing the sport with someone new.
My first hunt was for ducks on the Housatonic River. With the expert guidance of Dave Proulx, president of the Connecticut Waterfowlers Assoc., and his black Lab, Tucker, I took a pair of mallards. I must say that it felt great to get birds on my first try, but it was equally enjoyable to see the dog do what he was meant to do. Much of my time that morning was spent watching in wonder as the dog worked. To me that was art in motion.
Later in the season we went for geese with much success. In between those trips I was able to go deer hunting on three occasions. Don’t tell, but bird hunting makes my heart race a lot more than deer hunting does...
This is undoubtedly my cup of tea. I have yet to get out for upland birds, and I am waiting with anticipation for that chance. Not every hunt ended up with birds, but every one was a success to me. Sitting on a riverbank in nice warm chest waders (correct: the right clothing is ever so important), with a shotgun on my shoulder, snow falling onto a beautiful scene and birds coming in over decoys all make for a perfect day.
Thanks to everyone who helped me get to this point. There were times when I thought I would never get out there, and I still worry about getting the opportunity next season. So remember guys: The next time you go out on a hunt, ask yourselves if there is anyone with whom you could share that experience. Take the time to introduce someone new to the sport. It is very rewarding to all involved.
Carolyn Borgman
Via e-mail