Correct responses to Sportsman's Poll
The Maine Sportsman monthly newspaper recently released the results of its annual opinion poll.
It's not exactly a model of scientific inquiry. Here's one question, which seems a bit biased: "Does the importance of catching coyotes in deeryards outweigh the risk of killing a few lynx?" You get the idea.
Here are some of my favorite questions, with the percentages supplied by the Augusta publication. I provide the "correct" response after The People have spoken.
Should inline muzzleloaders not be allowed during the muzzleloader season on deer? Yes, 28% No, 63%. Correct response: I don't understand the question.
Would you favor a salt-water fishing license, providing the money was used only to improve salt-water fishing? Yes, 24%, No, 74%. Correct response: No, because the money will disappear in Augusta as much revenue does. Or they might direct some of the proceeds to rebuild the "fishing jetty" at Camp Ellis, which we know is a lost cause.
Should Maine have a spring bear hunt? Yes, 54%, No, 44%. Correct response: No, there should not be a spring hunt. Just because a species appears to be making a comeback doesn't mean we've got to increase our capability to kill it.
Should commercial fishing for invasive species such as northern pike and yellow perch be allowed? Yes, 48%, No, 47%. Correct response: No, because trash fish like yellow perch are about the only ones I can catch.
Should there be a civil penalty for crashing a motor vehicle, ATV or snowmobile through the ice? Yes, 48%, No, 49%. Correct response: Good question but no. There are enough regulations relating to the outdoors - and personnel to enforce them - so we don't need another layer of law enforcement.
Should more lakes and ponds have restrictions on the maximum horsepower allowed on boats? Yes, 77%, No, 20%. Correct response: Yes, It is very annoying to have monster motor boats on small lakes. Living with the jet-skis is tough enough.
Do you believe that many hunters tag deer they didn't shoot? Yes, 54%, No, 44%. Correct response: I have no idea.
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I take offense to your comment regarding the jetty at the mouth of the Saco River. The jetty isn't there for fishing, it's there to keep the sand moving from Camp Ellis and Ferry Beach moving northward to finish closing up Scarborough. As for the Augusta folks sending money, as near as I can tell, most folks, even those who enjoy the area and are willing to travel to it to fish, swim and vacation, aren't willing to spend a dime to preserve the beach, nor raise their voice to fix the problem. Don't like the jetty, learn to fish with a 30 foot pole. A few more years without action from the same folks that built the jetty, the Army Corps, and you'll be casting from Route 1. Enjoy the summer. I will. And I'll watch for you on the "fishing jetty", just a stones throw from my home.
Posted by
Tim MuellerMay 7, 2008 10:31 PM
Dyke Hendrickson and Cabin Country have moved to 
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