friggin' cyclists

Oh Joy. It's warm out now for the next 4 months here in Michigan. Just got back from a drive with my black lab to the vet's office. Saw a cyclist run a stop sign/riding two abreast in the road/riding in the middle of the road/come flying past while I was getting ready to go at a green light. Way too close for comfort. There's always some moron who either isn't aware or choses to ignore the law.

I absolutely hate this time of year.

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My point is that I see some disparaging comments about a group of people and a time of year that are based on a minority. We all get pissed when we hear comments like "friggin' cyclists" on radio shows - even though those comments are likely somewhat justified by a few people on bikes being morons. Also, I get the sense from some of cerveloguy's comments that his issues aren't a 100% based on the bad hunters - much like many people's feelings about cyclists aren't based on just the bad ones.

Note that nothing I said above has anything to do with cyclists riding on a road off-limits to cycling.

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"What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind and body can achieve; and those who stay will be champions."

Here in RI, the majority of places to ride MTB are on shared use land so there are hunters during hunting season. We are required (and who wouldn't want to) wear 200sq inches of orange during the various seasons. I also stop taking my dog with me. :^)

friggin' cyclists

Oh Joy. It's warm out now for the next 4 months here in Michigan. Just got back from a drive with my black lab to the vet's office. Saw a cyclist run a stop sign/riding two abreast in the road/riding in the middle of the road/come flying past while I was getting ready to go at a green light. Way too close for comfort. There's always some moron who either isn't aware or choses to ignore the law.

Ha! Nice one, but I beat you to it.

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...t_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;

My point is that I see some disparaging comments about a group of people and a time of year that are based on a minority.

Of course. That's the problem with rotten apples. It's why we shouldn't stick up for rotten apples.

I get the sense from some of cerveloguy's comments that his issues aren't a 100% based on the bad hunters

That's true, and I don't agree with him about hunting in general, but I DO agree with him that if he's out in a nature area running with his dog, he should absolutely not have to deal with some poacher with a gun. I'd be pissed, too.

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"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."

Let's get something straight for those who pile on. 'Hunters' are not to be defined as any idiot who buys a license and enters the woods with a gun or bow. A Hunter does not disrespect property lines. A Hunter does not drink booze before handling firearms or other hunting weapons. A Hunter does not discharge weapons contrary to the laws established by the Department of Natural Resources or do anything illegal when afield.

When they do, they are not hunters, they are poachers, idiots or criminals.

Too many people have the misconception that Hunt Camp is about getting away from the wives, getting stinking drunk, not shaving, bathing, and spending evenings playing poker with cigars, beer, and porn mags in the old cabin up north. These people are not hunters- they're idiots- bubbas who are unfairly and inappropriately labeled hunters because the jerks own some orange clothing and can remember how to load grandpa's shotgun (which in all likelihood had not been practiced with, sighted and verified for proper, safe operation).

How does one expect to be a fruitful, successful hunter when deer/bear/other game can smell you a mile away and is too hung over or tired to make a well placed shot to dispatch an animal as quickly as possible? One cannot. That is not what hunters do. It is serious business that demands respect for the game we hunt and not to be abused.

Bad apples...Do us a favor and clean up your acts, learn some respect for what you're doing or stay home.

For those of you who read this, do the rest of us responsible hunters and point out the fact that these types are not hunters, they are simply idiots not to be grouped in with sober, bathed, clean shaven, law abiding, well-practiced, and respectful citizens who enjoy the outdoors.

One last thing...if it was about killing innocent animals, we'd all own chicken farms.

"Hunt Camp is about getting away from the wives, getting stinking drunk, not shaving, bathing, and spending evenings playing poker with cigars, beer, and porn mags in the old cabin up north."

LOL. Funny but true - That's what it seems deer season is all about to a fair number of them. Obviously not all, but a significant number. I don't hunt myself, but a lot of people I know do and you've just described some of them.

MY original post isn't a rant against responsible hunters. Just the idiots that you've described that make running with my dog dangerous in a supposed no hunting area.

Were it not for conservation dollars generated by responsible and irresponsible hunters buying licenses and required conservation certificates tacked on...the trails you are riding/hiking/running would be housing developments.

Hunters formed the first "conservation" efforts in this country, raise more dollars to protect and create habitat for everyone to use, not just hunters. Most hunters I know want more people outdoors and don't mind sharing what their dollars and efforts have created or protected.

If you have not donated to your state department of wildlife or purchased a hunting license, the licensed hunter has more right to be there than you. They are only going to be there a few weeks. Wear your orange, ride/run/hike in the middle of the day when game is moving the least and you'll be OK.

Take care and enjoy what we hunters have bought you.

Were it not for conservation dollars generated by responsible and irresponsible hunters buying licenses and required conservation certificates tacked on...the trails you are riding/hiking/running would be housing developments.

Blah blah blah . . . A hunting license isn't a license to hunt in off-limits areas. Obviously.

Who loves ya, CG?

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"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."

"Who loves ya, CG? "

Thanks again Vitus.

Some people are missing my point. I'm not anti or pro hunting. I'm indifferent to it since it's not one of my hobbies. My beef is with people in conservation areas that are hunting off limits. They're breaking the law and possibly endangering other people in the area. I'd suspect the hunter I mentioned may have not been aware he was in a no hunting area, at least I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Vitus,

signs blow down, fences aren't maintained, and people just get turned around or completely lost in the woods, especially when their concentrating on an animal and not where they are going.

I make no excuses for poachers or tresspassers, both criminals IMOP, but don't disrespect the group for the actions of a few idiots.

CG, Thanks for recognizing that the guy might have been lost and is probably in the woods one weekend a year. You probably see and enjoy more wild game than he ever will and I hope you continue to do so safely. If someone fires a gun in an off limits area it is your responsibility to report it.

If anyone is really afraid of firearms discharging, look into protected hunting areas that are "Bowzones, or archery only during certain seasons." I love to hunt, but enough near misses have pushed me to Bowhunting and I have never had more fun being quiet in the woods. I have hunted within feet of hikers that had no idea that i or the deer I was stalking were just feet off the trail. Most of the trails were formed by deer or cattle that found the easiest route centuries ago. Most game use trails more than people do.

I don't understand what the thrill is in killing a living thing. I understand the love of being outside, and the thrill of seeing wild animals, but why not take a picture? That said, I realize hunting deer is necessary since we have already killed off their natural wild predators. There are so many corn fed deer here in Iowa City they hire a hunting firm to come in every year and "thin" the herd. They give the meat to a homeless shelter. It would help if we could convince hunters to take the does instead of the bucks.

signs blow down, fences aren't maintained, and people just get turned around or completely lost in the woods, especially when their concentrating on an animal and not where they are going.

All true, and depending on the specific circumstances, perhaps understandable. Gernerally, though, it's the hunter's responsibility to avoid those kinds of problems.

but don't disrespect the group for the actions of a few idiots.

Hey, I'm part of the group. I don't think anyone disprespected us because of a few idiots. Certainly CG didn't. But those few idiots shouldn't be defended, either.

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"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."

The thrill is beiing outdoors, the hunt, the sights, sounds and smells...absolutely not the kill. A successful hunt is never measured by the taking of life.

Hunters Helping the Homeless donate thousands of pounds of the most nutritious lean meat in Texas every year. The dove we hunt in Argentina feed two orphanages in Totoral, outside of Cordoba. Most hunters are really good people. Like cops, we only seem to hear about the bad ones.

When you kill your own game, at least you know what you are getting. Not some kritter that is pumped up on steroids and antibiotics.

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I'll be what I am
A solitary man

You're going to make Slowman rich if you keep this up. Care to take it to the LR?

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"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."

Count your blessings , If a few don't harvest the Deer / elk / moose ( swamp donkeys ). They will end up coming through your car windshield on the road . As Ted says " You have to Kill it ,before you can grill it ".

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Too many people have the misconception that Hunt Camp is about getting away from the wives, getting stinking drunk, not shaving, bathing, and spending evenings playing poker with cigars, beer, and porn mags in the old cabin up north.
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Never been to a real Hunt Camp before, have ya?
You forgot FARTING!!!

We do most of the above and are still ethical and successful hunters come morning. Get off your high horse, fool.

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Lewis