While V. Paul Reynolds in his column May 30 sees Angus King’s canoeing technique as proof of psuedosportsman status, I see King’s decision to sit in the bow seat facing the stern — if he’s solo paddling in the film — as a sign that the man knows what he is doing.

It is common — and advised — practice in canoeing to sit this way if you’re solo with no freight to speak of that would trim the craft. If you’ve ever tried sitting in the stern seat you know that this causes the front half of your canoe to ride up, out of the water, where it will be commanded by the slightest breeze.

An actual indicator of lack of canoeing skill would be someone who switches sides with every stroke to keep a straight course; you see a lot of that out there.

I share Reynolds’ hope that our next governor might end up being a bonafide outdoors person who truly understands the hunting and fishing perspective, but potshots are rarely productive, fair, or accurate.

In politician hunting, as in deer hunting, it’s best not to let one’s enthusiasm overrule common sense.

John G. Bell, Weld