Editor: Re: Shots exchanged about hunting on Southlands, Nov. 20 I moved back home to Tsawwassen last year after living in the Cariboo for 13 years. I remembered the Southlands debate from years ago, and l wasn't surprised it was still going on. I was, however, surprised when Delta council gave it the thumbs up.
The thing that is really shocking is the fact Sean Hodgins saw fit to let hunters shoot down snow geese on the Southlands. This has outraged many residents.
Hodgins, for once, has the upper hand in the Southlands debate and what happens? We have hunters out protecting a feed barley crop.
I could be wrong, but I don't think Hodgins is going to go under this year if his "feed barley" crop doesn't make it to market. lf this crop belongs to whomever is renting the farm on the Southlands, then maybe they might be interested in the Greenfields program offered by the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust.
The program encourages farmers, with funding provided, to plant green crops for the winter.
In doing so, there is prevention of soil erosion and some extra food is provided for migrating birds, including snow geese.
Maybe it's just me, but it would appear that doing something like hunting snow geese could end up becoming a PR nightmare, especially with the Southlands debate still so fresh in everyone's minds.
Yes, this type of hunting is allowed on a portion of the Southlands, but just because something is legal does not make it ethical.
Leslie Varga
