One of our delightful surprises on this trip came early and involved Summer Lake. We had always liked the area but had spent no time there. I had read that Summer Lake had a nice camping area that was BLM, free camping, no real sites, basically dry land camping but in a beautiful setting. We really had no idea where it was but after driving way too far and turning around, we found it. What we hadn't expected was it was the opening day of duck hunting season.
You might think that was a drawback-- all those hunters. Instead it was delightful to see families, whole generations, friends and they were all out there to get their ducks. One of the people at the campsite said there were 30,000 ducks out on the lake. Now that seems sad but only if you aren't someone who raises grassfed beef and lamb for consumers. Frankly if someone likes to eat wild duck, I am all fine with it. Even more after seeing the families at this campground which probably encompassed over 100 rigs which were mostly motorcoaches and trailers with tents interspersed.
I know. I know. You are a leftie and hate the idea of hunting, but face it-- predators eat prey. When humans kill off predators, the prey end up starving. Hunting can be a good thing IF the people who kill the beautiful, delightful ducks, actually eat them. It's part of the biology of life and to be there, see all these groups and how polite and nice they were, hey it was a good feeling. A very good feeling.
When Farm Boss was out talking to campers (he's the extrovert in this team), one said-- so you're here without a gun! He said-- I didn't say that. The guy laughed. Yes, we had a gun.. .two of them but not to hunt ducks.
As for Summer Lake, I want to go back sometime but maybe not when I am wakened to the pop pop of hunting ducks :), Photos below:
11 comments:
Nice shots (ha ha) but that picture at the top is really nice.
I am a leftie, but NOT against hunting. It helps keep things healthy as long as the BLM monitors the numbers and permits. I am against being anywhere in the great outdoors with large groups of people, whether they are hunters or maypole dancers. I like the peace and quiet of the world.
I'm glad they left a few. I'm not big on "Hunting". I understand eating to live, etc.....But killing just to kill---I don't get it.
A Lovely place...and lovely pictures, dear Rain.
Thank You for the Great pictures. A long history of hunters in my family. We only take what we plan to eat, and share with others.
Have spent a number of summers with the cows in Oregon's Outback. It has a wonderful beauty all it's own.
My first taste of wild duck was at my in-laws before I married their son. I guess they didn't know how to cook it: I chewed and chewed and could hardly speak at that dinner. Wild duck has seldom been a part of our table since thanks to my mother-in-law's willy cooking skill. I am not so against shooting for duck but I wish more people would shoot the right not endangered at all geese in the Willamette Valley here. Their numbers could plague us.
Children can learn proper respect for guns and life if they are exposed to family hunting trips like at Summer Lake. Children who are limited in their experience to carnival booths and shooting ranges only learn the satisfaction of their enhansed power gaining them a temporary thrill. Worse yet they have not practiced discipline and safty in carrying a firearm.
Also a leftie but not against hunting. The hunters I know use all of what they get. My son's brother-in-law just got his first big elk. Most of it is in the freezer already. And he was hunting with his dear old Dad its really a family thing.
Hunting often is one generation following another. The camp that night was very quiet because they wanted to get up early. I do think kids who hunt learn about what a gun can do and then how it's part of providing for their family.
The fish and wildlife folks were at the gate coming out to be sure everything was properly done. Tags allow only so much and has to be the right types.
Pretty pix.I don't care what happens to ducks. I hate them. But could I say that a family that slays together stays together?
lol Hattie...
What a gorgeous pictures, Rain!
I am so glad they didn't get them all...!!
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