Like many people living in rural areas all across America, I was awakened this past Saturday morning in the same manner I have been on week-end mornings for the past few months now – by the sound of gunfire in the distance. As soon as the sun crests the horizon, men and women who have been patiently waiting in the cold since long before dawn get their first opportunity of the day to bag a duck or two, or perhaps even a goose. As an avid, long-time bird watcher, I whole-heartedly welcome the sounds of their activities.

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