Stop Turkey Hunting
Sent to Knoxville, TN area papers.
A recent article in the Outdoors section announced that
applications for the spring turkey hunt are available through the Tennessee
Wildlife Resources Agency. It is tragic that the majestic birds are regarded
by some as little more than moving targets to shoot.
Before the Bald Eagle became known as the symbol of
America, the great statesman and revolutionary Benjamin Franklin put his
support behind the turkey being honored as the national bird. Franklin's
choice would have been a good one, as the North American wild turkey was
here to greet the Pilgrims as they landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has
declared war on these birds for no reason other than to provide the state's
hunters with a form of recreation. The TWRA is in the business of sell
hunting permits and collecting firearms and bow and arrow excise taxes. It
is no surprise then that managers manipulate hunted animal populations by
breeding them, clear cutting tracts of forest to increase their food supply,
and killing off their natural predators. Because the TWRA needs to sell
millions of dollars worth of hunting licenses and permits just to cover the
salaries of its employees, it will stop at virtually nothing to ensure an
overabundance of animals to hunt.
Help stop this maddening slaughter of Tennessee's native
animals. Reject the pro-hunting, anti-wildlife propaganda spewed forth by
the arrogant Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Contact the Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting at
845-256-1400 and help to eradicate the cancer of sport hunting once and for