To the Editor,
A wannabee politician wants to divorce himself form the bear hunting issue. I would too, if I were running for MLA. It’s an issue that’s become ever more controversial and Darren DeLuca has been at it for 30 years. Should we dwell on this?
Maybe not, but we should be aware of his involvement in this loathed activity. As an MLA wouldn’t he be in an ideal position to lobby for continuation of this activity he supports and defends? So why should we ignore his involvement in it?
He labels his business as a guide outfitting service. Outfitting with what? A rifle with a scope, a guide who drives you around on old logging roads looking for a grazing bear to shoot, camouflage clothing.
Mr. DeLuca justifies it as a way he has earned a living, as a business that gives back to the community, that offers employment. Might I suggest that what you offer back to the community is pittance, compared to the financial potential of “shooting with a camera” outdoor adventures. An old argument, but can you refute it?
Look at Victoria Quay in August and September. People gawking, camera in hand, hoping to see a bear. Click, click, and I suggest in many cases such pictures are immediately offloaded to family and friends from wherever. The same holds true all summer on board the MV Frances Barkley. From Alberni, offer photo tours into Barkley Sound, into our beautiful surroundings for people with cameras, not rifles.
How many times during the summer could the same bear be shot? Only once with a rifle, but dozens of times with a camera. The same guides could be used. All the other beautiful outdoor offerings that we have would also be on display during such outings. This is the image we need to project to promote our Valley.
T. Lyman Jardin,
Port Alberni