Maine has had Sunday hunting bills presented to the Legislature for consideration for as long as I can remember. They have all been defeated and for good reason.

A recent outdoor writer wrote about walking to find winter solitude. He wrote about the pristine beauty of a snowfall and the wonderfulness of walking along quiet, frozen streams. As a longtime fisherman and outdoors person, I can relate to his words.

As well, I think that is part of the issue with many of the folks who are opposed to Sunday hunting – seeking solitude – a commodity that seems to be scarce in today’s world that is driven by dollars and the endless quest for more of them.

Solitude cannot be purchased. The benefits, if any, derived by the governor’s support of Sunday hunting to add revenue do not outweigh the loss of hunting access to thousands of acres of private lands.

Sportsmen, particularly hunters, already have a landowner-relations problem and Sunday hunting will make it worse.

It is with this in mind and the solitude and peace that most people seek, oftentimes in our wilderness settings, that I support the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine and the Maine Farm Bureau in opposition to Sunday hunting.

Maine hunters who wish to continue their six-day hunting week would do themselves a favor to support the effort to retain the status quo.

The Sunday hunting monkey on their backs does not bode well with solitude.

Bill Randall, Winthrop

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