Dear Editor:
I read Larry Bergers letter to the editor with some concern. He claims that all real hunters get far from roads to hunt. I assume his definition of real hunter is someone who is independently wealthy and can afford to care for a horse all year for no more than 10 days of use, or who can afford to hire a guide or outfitter.
What about the hunter who has to work and can only hunt on weekends? Or the hunter who is handicapped and cant walk for miles on foot? These people apparently do not count. Maybe they should just stay home?
Walking in to hunt is great if you have the time. Also, few of us are able to carry an elk out on our backs!
All Americans have the right to enjoy our public lands, whether on foot, by horse or by some type of vehicle. The forest belongs to us all, not just a few who like to walk or ride bicycles! Have you noticed the bicycle trails on Boggy Draw? They are creating ruts as deep as any I have seen made by a truck.
What the Forest Service is doing is not protecting the forest. It is attempting to take away our basic rights to enjoy public lands. Not everyone wants to picnic at a campground!
Dale Foote
Cortez
