READY!

If you want to see good sense depart

Watch man go ape when “the season” starts

Be it for spirit or macho display

They’re out to blast some poor critter away.

Wild game once was hunted to feed the fort

Man’s changed necessity into a sport

Not for defense or survival, he finds thrills

Chasing innocent quarry all over the hills.

Go forth mighty hunters with hairy chests

Full throttle on some trophy quest

They have the nerve to assure their mate

The “hunt” is for the dinnerplate.

AIM….

To outwit the prey, careful to manage

Big money spent for the hunter’s advantage

They struggle out of a Cabella’s store

With trinkets, ammo, and gadgets galore

Armed with gun, compass, and knife

Almost to automation for taking life

Artificial hardware to outwit the prey

Decoys, traps, and blinds to lead astray.

Wear the scent, imitate the call

Must get a trophy for the wall

Isn’t there a hint of ridiculousness

Adorning self in full soldier dress?

FIRE!

Hunting, yes, is here to stay

But how about sporting fair play?

There must be some governing code

Besides shoot, shoot, shoot, then reload!

A sportsman’s justice needs occur

For any pursuit of birds, fish, or fur

If the game travels on foot, so should we

No horses, trucks, or ATV

Man shoots the quarry when it is treed

And takes the glory of the dog’s good deed?

If the beast gets the hunter, all is fair

Then let’s chalk one up for the bear.

RETIRE

Might we question man’s good sense

To pay for “sport” at a life’s expense

And listen for an explanation

How killing can be recreation

Thus ends my verse, be not I sorry

To make a defense for guiltless quarry

Might any event we label sport

Keep our contests on turf or court.

Of these magnificent animals running wild

How do you explain hunting to a child?

Don Aslett of McCammon is the founder of The Museum of Clean, 711 S. 2nd Ave., Pocatello, and still enjoys giving tours to all visitors. Check out the museum’s website at www.museumofclean.com.