Hunter education is not optional

Inter Lake editorial

It's hard to figure the purpose of legislation that's been proposed to defer the hunter education requirement for aspiring hunters over age 16.

Sponsor Rep. Robin Hamilton, D-Missoula, apparently views the mandatory classes as a troublesome obstacle to folks who want to hunt. They should be able to go out and give hunting a whirl and then get back to take those bothersome classes only if they really liked hunting.

That's a bunch of hooey. The main purpose of the classes is to reduce the risk of accidents that result from fundamental failure to handle firearms properly. The people most likely to foul up with a gun are those who are out trying it for the first time.

Hunter education should not be regarded as a silly inconvenience.

Boy, that new governor from Idaho sure knows how to win a crowd. At a meeting with camouflage-clad hunters, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter said he would support public hunts aimed at killing all but 100 wolves in the state.

And for good measure, he said he hopes to shoot a wolf himself. The crowd went wild, but it's a good thing Montana won't be hitched to Otter's wagon.

If the governor makes good on his words, Idaho will be on a fast track to relisting wolves as a threatened species in that state.

Montana has been jumping through hoops for years to get wolves delisted, mainly to give the state and livestock owners more flexibility in managing problem packs. And yes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will have the flexibility to allow legal wolf hunts in situations where population levels allow it.

Whittling wolves down to the bare minimum recovery level, as Otter wants, won't stand up as sound management.

People who want to help make life easier for cancer patients and their families can contribute today to the annual Wings radiothon.

Until 6 p.m. today, the fund-raiser can be heard on all Bee Broadcasting radio stations and is being held at Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell. Donations may be sent directly to Wings, P.O. Box 7852, Kalispell MT 59904.

This is the 11th annual fundraiser for Wings, a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides support to cancer victims.

Using money donated from the community, Wings helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients - things such as transportation to out-of-town treatment centers, lodging and meals - that aren't covered by medical insurance.

This is a big help for those enduring cancer treatment, so it's a good chance for all of us to help Wings.