I always read the hunting columns in the newspaper, I guess hoping to see much-needed changes in the laws making hunting season safer for everyone.

Instead, this week I was appalled to read, in Bob Humphrey’s column (“Hunting: If you can stand the bugs and the heat, early season can’t be beat,” Sept. 1), how he heard a noise in the dense thicket below him. And then, “A flash of reddish-brown revealed it was indeed a deer, then a hint of antler confirmed it was a buck.” And he prepares to shoot.

Stunned, I could not believe what I had just read. I looked up the writer and was surprised to see he’s a registered guide and wildlife biologist in addition to being an outdoor writer. He of all people should know better.

“A flash of reddish-brown and a hint of antler?” Seriously?

The law states that hunters need to positively identify their target, with an unobstructed view of the head and torso of the animal.

There were no deer in sight when Donald Rogerson killed Karen Wood, or when Timothy Bean killed Megan Ripley, or when Robert Trundy killed my daughter, Karen Wrentzel. All three of them heard noises, saw “a flash” of color and were convinced they were shooting a deer — none of them actually identified their “targets.”

Yes, archery season starts this week in some places, and late October will bring the start of firearm season. People should please hunt responsibly — fully identify what they’re about to shoot.

Debbie Morin, Lewiston