published 10/10/01
written by Frank Carbone Jr.
We all continue to extend our condolences, sympathies and prayers to all who have lost loved ones, friends and heroes in the disasters of “9-11.” We wait patiently for the rescue and recovery of all who may be trapped or have perished. And hopefully all of the right decisions will be made with respect to bringing those responsible to justice, neutralizing them and making the world safe, whole again and back to business as usual.
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A political scientist and SUNY College Professor was recently quoted, in an on-line publication, that “laws requiring background checks and waiting period to buy a gun are defensible as a way to keep the very terrorists Americans fear from easily getting them." I think that this professor has been sheltered in SUNY New Paltz campus for far too long. Reports such as this would have the public believing a disconnected, college professor when he says that a terrorist or criminal, for that matter, would actually be going through the paper work, NICS computer checks and waiting period to legally buy a firearm. This is the mentality of certain nitwits who are in the position to further contribute to the "dumbing down America." This is exactly the thinking that we as pro-2nd Amendment, pro-Bill of Rights folks have been battling for many years -- just initiate all kinds of laws, rules and regulations -- and the criminals and terrorists will just sit back and laugh at law-makers and the people who are bogged down and restricted by ineffective “feel-good legislation” and laws to control firearms in this country. I do see a sudden change in the thought process of many folks -- especially since “9-11.”
Firearms and ammunition sales
are up between 15% and 50% depending who you talk to and what you read. Folks
who may not have given any thought to owning a firearm before “9-11” are
now taking firearm safety courses. More women than ever are buying firearms
and taking courses in proper firearm safety.
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“ To sin by silence, when they should protest, makes cowards of men.” Abraham Lincoln
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If you regularly fish the NYC Reservoirs you may know by now that the DEP properties and waters are off limits to hunting, fishing and hiking. This action is due to the recent attacks by terrorists and the stepped up security measures that are taking place around the country and the World. A rumor is circulating that all fishing boats must be removed from the DEP Property and reservoir shorelines. I spoke to three reps of the DEP, on 10/5/01, and they all stated that owners of boats do not have to remove their boats -- they can be left in place as in the past. According to the DEP spokes person, Natalie Milner, if a boat owner still wants to remove their boat they can, but they first must contact their local DEP office as in the past.
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“If guns, ammunition and
knives are outlawed -- only outlaws, criminals and terrorists will have guns,
ammunition and knives.”
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I received a great “opening day” report from friend, and fellow hunter, Ray Carney.
Ray wrote that he and two of his hunting buddies (yes Ray does have friends who walk on two feet) as well as his four rabbit hounds (who I might add are treated very much like family). “Jessie“, “Maggie“, “Cassie” and “Zipperhead,” Ray and buddies ventured out on opening day from about 0900 to 1200 and were very successful in their pursuits. Ray’s “kids” ran about 10 rabbits and flushed 8 pheasants in about 3 hours of a very enjoyable day in the field. They were successful in that they bagged 4 cockbirds and one hen pheasant -- they were even more successful enjoying each other’s company and a later lunch feast. They didn’t take any of the cottontails (they didn‘t even fire one shot at a cottontail). Ray says it’s too early in the season for taking cottontails. Many hunters feel that rabbits are best when harvested after the first killing frosts.
I must say that after seeing Ray Carney together with his four hunting dogs last year, at his camp in the Catskills -- this is a man who has a true love affair with his dogs. Ray also loves the outdoors and is one of the most patriotic folks you could ever meet.
The highlight of Ray’s opening day outing with family and friends was to sit down for a great lunch of sopresato, imported cheese, cappicola and merlot (his friends must be Italian). I’m sure that the pheasants will also make for a great dinner.
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A SPARC Fund Raiser -- “The
Great Harvest Hoedown” is planned for October 12th from 8PM to 11PM and will
be held at the American Legion Post 1420, 1169 Union Ave in the Town of
Newburgh. It will be an Old-fashioned Country, Contra and Square Dances --
with live music by Eric Hollman and Friends. Beginners are welcome and no
partners are needed. This will be a great event -- last year’s dance was a
lot of fun. The donation is $12.00 per person with free refreshments. Call
564-3018 for more information or email sparc@frontiernet.net -- hope to see
you there.
Small Game Hunting season is pretty much underway in our region. Please hunt safely, be sure of your target and beyond. Wear hunter orange as much as possible. And treat every firearm as though it were loaded even if you know that it is unloaded. If you post your property or your club property -- please consider posting the “safety Zone” even though it is on your own property. This will go a long way in demonstrating that you are practicing “the good neighbor policy.” If you or your club operate a shooting range, practice the “good neighbor policy” there also.
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Have a safe and successful hunting season. If you can share some of your venison please consider contributing to the “hunters feeding the hungry” program in Orange County. Contact Bob Ewald (845-361-5069) for more information.
