East Texas Snipers

Well, it is getting close to deer hunting season and that means, I have to change my running habits.  I run some trails that go pretty close to several deer leases.  Getting shot while running is not on my bucket list. Actually, there is nothing in my bucket lit that involves getting shot. Drinking shots and a glamour shot, yes, but getting shot, nope.

I am not a hunter and I do not scorn those that are,, but, I am amazed and am on the border line of amused in a not funny kind of way.

• They put up feeders
• They build a deer blind that sits about 15 feet up off the ground and about 30-50 yards from the feeder
• They cut down all the trees between the deer blind and the feeder.
• They spray the blind and feeder with a chemical that eradicates the human scent.

About 5 weeks ago the hunters started showing up to fix up the blinds and stock the feeders.   When the season opens, they will get in their blinds and "hunt" for the unsuspecting deer as they come in for feed. 

I know that we have to manage the herds, have to conserve the resources and maintain our heritage / rights to hunt and ,blah, blah blah,, but seriously, is this really a sport?   I just don't get it.

From a financial part, hunters are paying for leases, feed, materials, travel costs, ammo, ATVs , food and who knows what else for about 180 pounds of meat and a wall hanging.  They are probably paying over $15.00 per pound of meat.  But, then again, I am a triathlete and have no room to be talking about the financial aspects of a hobby.