I was disappointed in the article by Tom Roth titled “Local deer hunters have varied techniques” in the “Hunting In Maine” section Sept. 17. I am a hunter safety instructor. Several of the techniques described in this article go against what we teach as safe practices.

What Mr. Roth describes as “pushing” is, in fact, driving deer as described by this excerpt from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Web site: “Driving deer is an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who are part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.”

Driving deer is extremely dangerous for the hunters involved, and has led to many “mistaken for game” shooting incidents over the years. By its nature, the practice places those pushing the deer in the line of fire behind the deer being pushed. Why the state allows this dangerous practice for three hunters, but not four or more defies logic.

Shooting at game in excess of 300 yards is also a questionable practice. In Maine, it is rare to find areas where these long shots could be taken safely. It is generally accepted that shots within 100 yards are more prudent.

Hunters interested in protecting our privilege to hunt statewide should make every effort to ensure that their desire to take game does not interfere with their responsibility to hunt safely and ethically.

Douglas S. Beck,

North Monmouth

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