Letters To The Editor

Steel shot lacks killing power

Subject: Rich Landers’ Nov. 9 column (“Pheasant hunters …”). Mr. Landers, apparently you haven’t done a lot of waterfowl hunting since steel shot was implemented in this state.

I have hunted goose and duck for more than 30 years and have killed hundreds of both. Since steel shot, I have never had so many wounded birds get away due to the lack of killing power. In fact, I went from a lesser shot in lead to a lot more powerful shell in steel and have had an alarming number of wounded birds get away. Would you believe more than 50 percent?

So before you get any silly idea of steel shot for upland birds, where the numbers aren’t that good any way, you should rethink your ideas. Irv Groh Spokane

IFG lacks direction

I am beginning to wonder if the Idaho Fish and Game Commission hired a new director or if this was only a ghost and goblin tactic.

Director (Rod) Sando, do you have any plan in place to restore the elk herds in the Clearwater and parts of the Panhandle Region? Do you have any plans for management of predators in the state, other than more prolonged studies? How do you plan to restore the mule deer and antelope herds?

Sportsmen have had several years of neglect by the Idaho Fish and Game Department. We have low elk calf and deer and antelope fawn survival due to predators out of balance with the prey species.

We have an IDFG department that is managing for revenues, too-long hunting seasons, hunting elk in the rut, overhunting, unjustified doe and cow seasons and overcommercialization. The department solicits deer and elk tag purchases by non-residents before it is known what kind of winter the game have been through and before seasons have been set.

Director Sando, I have attended most of the F&G commissions meetings around the state and I know the commission has given you direction concerning what they would like done. You and the department seem to pay little attention to that direction. Are you leading or following? You have been on the job eight months, and I think it is time for a plan, or it is time to move elsewhere. Jim Hagedorn Viola, Idaho

A winner off the court

I had the pleasure of witnessing the State 2A girls volleyball championship match between Grandview and Lakeside (Nov. 11 in Yakima).

The match was one of the most entertaining, exciting and competitive I have seen. The momentum switches, incredible defense, and all-out effort by every participant on both teams was a reflection of their hard work and desire to win. In a match that could have been won by either team, Lakeside prevailed, primarily because it happened to have the momentum when the match ended.

As a proud parent, it was a moment of celebration to share with family and friends. As a spectator, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the extraordinary sportsmanship displayed by the Grandview players and coaches. As I mingled through the Grandview section congratulating players and coaches, I was in admiration of the graciousness and dignity players and coaches displayed. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did.

As we were leaving the Yakima Dome, I saw something I have never seen in my 20-plus years as a coach and athletic administrator. The entire Grandview volleyball team and coaches were applauding and cheering the Lakeside girls and coaches as they boarded their bus.

Grandview, in that moment, somehow managed to capture and display the perspective that “winning isn’t everything.” Coach (John) LaFever and his girls rose above the wins and losses and represented themselves, parents, school, and community in a manner that left an indelible impression on my daughter and family. I am convinced, “victory” was had by all! Rick Stillar Nine Mile Falls

Column Wright On Marque

Congratulations to John Blanchette for another fine article (Nov. 15, “It’s a day …”). Bjorn Luzer, Blitz Wolfer, Linus Scrimmage, Jaques Strap and the rest of the broadcast crew in his column concerning the Apple Cup and the Florida election made many cogent and laugh-provoking comments.

I always enjoy his column, but this one was outstanding. Ted McFaul Spokane

Coverage of softball confab lacking

Once again, The Spokesman-Review gives Spokane a bad name.

The Amateur Softball Association held its 69th national convention in Spokane Nov. 3-10, with 1,200 in attendance. Administrators from every state in the union attended. There was one small article in Thursday’s paper announcing the ASA convention.

Spokane turned out 25-plus volunteers to assist ASA in the day-to-day events. Spokane Amateur Softball Association commissioner C. “Fuzzy” Buckenberger Jr., the umpires association, the Spokane Softball Association, and board members of SASA donated an average of 70 to 80 hours each.

SASA has brought national tournaments, this convention (for the first time to the Northwest), and now an elite Olympic team workshop (in June 2001), two national tournaments in 2001 and another national tournament in 2002 - not to mention the many regional tournaments to Spokane, which bring in many dollars to our economy. And where’s our support? It sure isn’t the local newspaper.

Thanks to SASA volunteers for the outstanding support and dedication to Spokane softball’s present and future - you are the backbone - the heartbeat - and thanks over and over again for the outstanding support.

John Tuft Spokane