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Joe Schwab · 07-22-2003, 09:25 AM

I am reading a book about Chesapeake Bay and came across this poem by an unknown author. Now I like to hunt but this one kind of gets to you. One of the reasons I quit goose hunting years ago. No I do not subscribe to the peta philosphy, just found this interesting.

A hunter shot at a flock of geese
That flew within his reach.
Two were stopped in their rapid flight
and fell on the sandy beach.
The male bird lay at the water's edge
And just before he died
He faintly called to his wounded mate
And she dragged herself to his side.
She bent her head and crooned to him
In a way distressed and wild
Caressing her one and only mate
As a mother would a child
Then covering him with her broken wing
And gasping with failing breath
She laid her head against his breast
A feeble honk.....then death
This story is true, though crudely told,
I was the man in the case
I stood knee deep in the drizzle and cold
And the hot tears burned my face.
I buried the birds in the sand where they lay
Wrapped in my hunting coat,
And threw my gun and belt in the bay
When I crossed in the open boat
Hunters will call me a right poor sport
And scoff at the thing I did
But that day something broke in my heart
And shoot again? God forbid!

Silver Hilton · 07-22-2003, 10:25 AM

Last year we were trolling near the mouth of the Cowlitz. ON the south side of the river, there was a dead goose hanging from a piling, where it had apparently gotten its foot caught. Its mate was swimming at the base of the piling, and wouldn't leave, even as we came right up to the piling to se if we could free the goose.

Sad. They really do mate for life.

Killertraylor · 07-22-2003, 02:12 PM

I know it's true too - I've doubled more than one time by dropping the first honker and then shooting the second one when it came back for it's mate. Makes me feel really sad sometimes. I really respect geese and enjoy watching them fly. I'll probably stop shooting them one of these days just because I've shot enough.

I still think that guy in the poem buried them because he didn't want to eat them....I can sympathize with that too.

Keeper · 07-22-2003, 05:13 PM

I read this poem over five years ago. After showing it to my ex...he promised no more geese. Now I have a new man in my life...who goose hunts :depressed: When I asked...he said that not ALL geese mate for life...

Thumper · 07-23-2003, 02:33 AM

I know when I hunt them I try to kill them both so they don't spend a life of tragic loneliness ....

Joe Schwab · 07-23-2003, 02:16 PM

Good replies. I wasn't trying to sway anyone just thought it was interesting. I have had remorse over elk and deer but it doesn't stop me from hunting. I worry about the hunter who has no remorse at all. Even the Indians respected the game they took. Harvest is necessary.

Gun Rod Bow · 07-23-2003, 03:10 PM

Oh for crying out loud!!

I very much respect the animals that I am allowed to take by their and my creator. I have also witnessed steers, lambs etc... bellow when they have watched their pen mates get butchered then we come for them next. They absolutely know what is coming.

I have also seen deer screem like a woman/child when coyotes ham string them then start eating without killing them first. Have you seen chimps killing and feeding on each other? They do. You know, those animals that we supposedly evolved from.

Turn your stomach? Well if you have human compassion it should.

I am in no way saying we should have no more compassion that a wild predator. Quite the opposite. Humans should be humane and in my opinion since we were given dominion over the earth and it's animals, we are REQUIRED to be responsible and humane.

It is fine to poetically lament what we see through human eyes. I give thanks whenever I have taken big game. I admit, I have been moved to tears. Does that make me want to stop hunting? NO WAY. Does it make me appreciate my place on the earth and my responsibility to care for it? YOU BET.

Archery hunting changes a person's experience greatly. I have on many occassions stood nearby and witnessed a great animals last breath. It causes great respect and deeper appreciation. (those tears I mentioned) I try to never let an animal see me while it is still alive (old Indian thing) I then care for that animal and use it to nourish my family...as it should be...as it will be again.

Besides, usually when the geese circle back, they are babies not mates [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img] Does that seem better? They mate for life until you kill one of them. :shocked: