The Editor,
Re. "Don't disturb the dikes with dev't.... or with guns" (Letters, The Tri-City News, Jan. 21).
Letter writer C. Grindley-Ferris' comments regarding hunters in the area of Pitt Meadows dikes raised my feathers. His statements about sacrificing virgins, barbaric cultural rituals, killing abandoned SPCA pets and bloodlust clearly indicate what side of the hunting issue Mr. Grindley-Ferris is on, as ill informed as it apparently is. Unfortunately, these comparisons only detract from the credibility of his original concern - noise - regarding this local issue.
These hunters are also enjoying the day with their dogs, have human safety at top of mind when discharging their shotguns (the only permitted firearm in the area) and do not wish to make others feel unsafe.
Mr. Grindley-Ferris should feel safe in knowing that these hunters are not after just any odd duck on the dike and are very specific with identifying their quarry. Many of these hunters belong to clubs that play an active roll in government and municipal environmental stewardship programs, putting their time and money into protecting these areas you and they enjoy so much. The PoCo and District Hunting and Fishing Club is a good example.
If Mr. Grindley-Ferris (a vegetarian?) is giving of time and money with respect to protecting this wetland area, then credit to him. If not, it would likely be more beneficial to his cause than his letter was.
Doug Young, Coquitlam
