Readers’ feedback helpful

Not all feedback is written for that purpose. Sometimes I hear from a reader who causes me to think long and hard about something I wrote. Here’s an example.

In September, a reader identified only as Steve wrote, “Seeking out water sources a key to hunting for quail? So predictable for you and so boring. Run with the story about BLM restricting everything we do on its precious ground. It’s the only thing of yours I’ve read that didn’t make my eyelids heavy.”

While I can’t understand what Steve has against a column that provided tips on quail hunting in the drought-stricken deserts of Southern Nevada, Utah and Arizona, you don’t have to hit me over the head to make me recognize this reader has a significant interest in the issue of public access to public lands. This is a topic I also feel strongly about. So does reader Joe Malone.

“I bought a motorsports store last year, because of the love of the sport. My family and I go out to the desert and go riding all the time,” Malone wrote. “I have lived in the Las Vegas Valley since 1962, and the desert was the place to go and have some free fun and stay out trouble. We would go out for hours at a time with no one bothering us. We would check out the scenery, washes, different landscapes, etc. … The youth of this valley are bored. The desert gives them something to do rather than sit in front of a TV, video game or, worse yet, get into gangs or drugs. The idea of the BLM forcing us to stay inside the city is absurd.”

I couldn’t agree more. And now, like Steve, Malone and thousands of other outdoor enthusiasts, I am waiting for Juan Palma, the local Bureau of Land Management manager, to keep his promise from the September meeting of the Nevada State Board of Wildlife Commissioners.

During a presentation to the commission, Palma acknowledged there were at least two conflicting laws governing public travel on existing roads and trails in the desert areas on the outskirts of the Las Vegas Valley. Both were created at the same time, one in the public eye and one in the not-so-public eye.

Then Palma said, “The good news is that there is a plan on what we can do in 2007. We need to have a conversation with the players. We can take a look at this closure. It’s fortunate that this has been brought to the forefront. This is not solely a BLM issue. We have to look at what’s reasonable to the public. We need to address it, and we will.”

OK, when?

I also enjoy readers’ stories. Here’s one from Dave Ramsey:

“I really enjoyed your column on your son’s recent deer hunt. It made me think back to my own experience with my father. This year was my son’s first trip deer hunting. He is still too young to hunt, but his eyes were helpful. We had some success taking two bucks, one a nice 4×2 and the other a spike that in hindsight I wish we would have let grow up. Either way, it was a lot of fun to be together with three generations in the woods.

“Many times people who don’t hunt, or have a negative image of hunting, miss out on the fact it is time well spent with family and friends. This year was my dad’s last hunting trip; he’s having trouble getting around, and his eyes are not what they used to be. I’m going to miss hunting with him. After 35 years, it’s time for a new hunting partner. I look forward to experiencing the same joy and pride that you did when my son is able to hunt alongside me. I’ll have to wait a couple of years, but it will be worth it. Thanks again for the great story, and best of luck to you and your son on future hunts.”

Amen, Dave.

Doug Nielsen is an award-winning freelance writer and a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. He can be reached at doug@takinitoutside.com.