I agree with Dana: the group currently at Dead Creek aren't good
advertisements for responsible hunting. Two years ago, I led a GMC beginning birding trip
to Dead Creek during duck hunting season, and the hunters we met were
excellent. They took the time to show dead ducks to those in my group who wanted a
close look at the plumage,   they were knowledgeable about the ducks' habits, and
they gave us all good tips about identifying ducks on the wing. Both groups
of hunters had fairly young children with them and were taking a lot of time to
teach the kids about safety and nature. (Needless to say, they weren't drunk.
I   sort of expect the presence of kids to modify the behavior of groups of
adults, but unfortunately the current group at Dead Creek has had small
children with them.)

Maeve Kim
Jericho Center