I enjoy your magazine a lot. But what were you thinking when you included the recent article about hunting wild pigs (Special section: Hunting, September issue)? And another on hunting game in the same issue?
When I was 15, my Dad showed me an article about a man who had just received one of the first few heart transplants. One of the first things this guy did — once he got on his feet — was to go hunting, and killed two deer. The paper showed him with his feet up on the carcasses in “triumph.”
My Dad couldn”t believe that this guy, having been given a second chance to live, elected to go out and kill some defenseless animals with a hi-powered rifle, as part of his “new life” agenda. What kind of gratitude was that? This question has stuck with me all my life.
I know lots of people see this killing for sport as acceptable, and eradication of “pests” may even be justified in some cases. But I”m not a sport killer… I”m a sport pilot. If I want to see pictures of dead pigs, I”ll get some other magazine.
Will you please stick to aviation… what you know best? Good job otherwise.
Bill Hoffer
Easley, S.C.
Editor’s Note: We received several letters opposing the special section on hunting as well as some positive phone calls, but the overwhelming message from our readers – pro and con – was that we should stick to aviation, and that’s just what we plan to do.
Some future special sections we”re working on include special golf deals for pilots; the gift of flight, where Southern pilots use their flying skills to help the next generation and to rescue hurricane victims; a look at type clubs; a buyer’s guide to headsets; the future of training; the best ways to cut the cost of flying; living with your plane; Sport Pilot; seaplanes; and much, much more.
We suggest that readers not place too much emphasis on any single issue of the magazine – or the single issue of hunting, for that matter. We pursue a variety of themes and subjects, and feel confident that there will be plenty to interest everyone.