Comment on FR Doc # 2011-18374

I would like to express my opposition to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife's proposed hunting of Sandhill Cranes that is scheduled to begin next December 1st. I have followed this proposal from its introduction through the comment period. I have written a letter expressing my reasons for opposing this hunt by stating that I don't see much "sport" in shooting a hard-to-miss target that passes through our state during its migration and must land for rest and feeding. I am a member of the Audubon Society along with fellow members who are hunters who express no interest whatsoever in hunting cranes. I have noticed that there is an effort to pit hunters against birders and other environmentalists when there is no reason for such an us-or-them stand-off. In truth, hunters and environmentalists are very closely allied in our interest in Kentucky's wildlife. Today I will be writing once again, just as I am now writing to you, for the main purpose of saying that I do not feel the thousands of us who have expressed our opposition have been given the respect we deserve. It is my opinion that the opinions in opposition stack up in numbers that far out number those favoring the hunt. People like me buy Nature License Plates, Boat licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and we contribute to F&W via our income tax forms donation option. It is not right that our voices are not being heard simply because we are expressing opposition. I would like to ask that you pay heed to those of us who believe that there is far greater benefit to our state from people who watch Sandhill Cranes than from the 400 whom it appears will begin shooting them on December 1st. This hunt is not good for Kentucky. Please hear and heed the voices of those of us in opposition.