Unfortunately, Commissioner Valenzuela wanted a working group of handpicked campaign contributors rather than a working group with fairness and expertise. They placed a “token” hunter on the work group with over a dozen waterfront owners opposing hunting. The County could use a simple, reasonable approach to categorizing the County into less than half a dozen areas by building density and by appropriate restrictions for each density. This is still possible if the County drops this proposal and enlists a working group that is balanced and has expertise. The future of waterfowl hunting for our kids and grandkids is in the balance. -- Wm Vogel

This is not about safety – shooting away from shore will not endanger people, pets, or homes. A few wealthy, privileged people on the waterfront want to control what happens on public waters and they do not like hunting. The Sheriff’s Department and WDFW law enforcement have testified that they have had no legitimate complaints against duck hunters. WDFW has sent a letter opposing this proposal. There are over 47 no-shooting ordinances already on the books in the county (many of them illegal) and this proposal will only make it more complicated. A simple, legal system is needed.