Viewer Email

Received this e-mail from a viewer of Outdoor Quest TV today and below it is my response...what do you think?

"I was just watching your program Outdoor Quest. and i have to say that it was some truly terrible hunting. As someone who truly loves hunting and the outdoors, i don't believe that chasing a Bear with dogs up a tree then shooting it constitues as hunting. As someone who really likes all ur other programing, I have to say this disgusted me as I watched it."

"Hi Braden:

Thanks for the e-mail. There are many types of legal hunting in Canada and the use of hounds for numerous species is legal in several provinces and has a long tradition in this country. While I appreciate that this type of hunting may not be for you, it is important to realize that many of the types of hunting you engage in may not be for others either. Hunters must not be too quick to criticize other hunters for practices they may not be familiar with or that they may personally decide not to partake in or soon there will not be any hunting opportunities left for us. Not only is hunting with hounds legal, it falls under the definition of “fair chase” as defined by the Boone and Crockett club, and it is a practice that takes a great deal of dedication by the houndsmen. It seems with the recent proliferation of social media sites that criticizing other hunters has become fashionable and it is tearing at the very fabric of the hunting tradition. If there is one thing we strive to do in our program, it’s to expose our viewers to all types of hunting with the hopes they will gain a bit more respect for their fellow hunters that engage in different techniques and practices. Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns and I hope my reply puts some of your angst at ease. At the end of the day, we are all hunters and must stick together to support this great heritage we so cherish.

Yours truly,

T.J. Schwanky"