THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 1995 TAG: 9501120009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines
Regarding ``Hunting deaths double in Virginia'' (news, Jan. 1): I wish that reporters would take the time to learn a little about the subjects they write about. There is no such thing as a ``leather powder horn.'' Powder horns are just that - horns. If they were made of leather, they would be ``leather powder containers.''
Beyond that error, it is my understanding that more than half of the hunters killed were wearing blaze orange. The only way to explain that fact, other than true accidents, is pure stupidity.
So-called hunters who shoot at noises, movement or what they think are game animals should not be allowed in the woods with anything more lethal than a cap gun.
The first rule when hunting in the woods is ``Know your target.'' If you don't know what you're shooting at, don't shoot. It's that simple.
Punishing primitive hunting enthusiasts by making them wear orange is not the answer. Restricting the numbskulls who don't know a human from a rabbit or deer is the answer.
DAVE McNEW
Virginia Beach, Jan. 1, 1995 by CNB