National Park Lands Are Not For Hunter Friendly

Dear GON,

John Trussell is right on target in outlining the concerns with the proposed Preserve in middle Georgia.

Since the establishment of the 729,000 acre Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP) in 1974, south Florida sportsmen have faced severe restrictions in hunting, fishing, ORV use and camping opportunities. The same occurred at the Mojave National Preserve in California. The NPS mission of preservation is in direct conflict with its Preserve consumptive use legal requirements. In the NPS mindset, their mission is to protect these public lands and wildlife from the public for future generations.

The NPS has a $12 billion maintenance backlog. At BCNP, we have also seen campground and area closures plus user fees to address budget and staffing shortfalls. If NPS cannot maintain what they have, why do we keep adding Parks and Preserves? If you are affected by this proposal, get involved or you may wind up like most south Florida hunters who are now hunting in north Florida, Alabama and Georgia.

Clemente Rodriguez, Miami, Florida

Thanks GON For Being Faithful To The First Amendment

Dear GON,

More than the relevant content GON keeps bringing, I think it’s pure awesome that you don’t edit out the faith aspects of the stories you include.  You know your audience, who values the First Amendment, and you have stood firm in a time when many are going the other way. You also understand that our faith is not intended to be private. If we have received the free gift of salvation in eternal life through Jesus Christ, why would we not want others to receive it also? Keep up the good work, and thanks for what you do!

Brian Wood, Opelika, Ala.

GON Social

GON Instagram: Ben Wright, of Jackson, is 86 years old and shot this Butts County last November.

GON Twitter: Mark Elliott tagged GON, “@GONMagazine, Nice 8-point buck killed by my son Luke Elliott in Jenkins County!”

GON Facebook: Katie Ingalsbe was hunting the Strut N Rut hunt club in Carroll County on Nov. 16 when she quickly tagged out.