Other reasons to change permits

To the editor:

I would like to respond to a recent letter concerning the pilot drawing procedures at Otter Slough Conservation Area. I also would like to ask the Missouri Conservation Department to revert to the drawing system it had in 2003-2004, but for additional reasons.

By allowing each member of a hunting party to draw a pill, it makes it easier for a party of four to draw a place to hunt than it is for a lone hunter.

This brings up a couple of issues. As an avid waterfowl hunter, I enjoy hunting by myself or perhaps one buddy. By doing so, if a lone duck comes in, one can allow the duck to work the decoy spread and attempt to harvest the duck in range. With four guns eyeing one bird, it becomes tempting to shoot first, thus attempting to harvest a bird that may be out of range.

Additionally, consider a father who would like to take a youngster hunting, or perhaps wanting to take my lab out on a hunting trip when fellow hunters may not want me to bring her because she is not yet a professional retriever.

Many avid hunters that I've spoken with this season agree that, while they may not get to hunt as often with the previous drawing procedure, when they do hunt it is a more satisfying hunt in regard to birds harvested as well as the camaraderie with one's hunting buddy.

BRIAN ANDERSON, Cape Girardeau