To the editor:

As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the value of our traditions in America. Primary amongst these is that of fishing, hunting, gathering and foraging from the bounty of nature in “rural” areas, like our south/central Whidbey Island still is, right?

The Deer Lagoon area has long been a natural habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. The annual harvesting of some of this waterfowl by man has no doubt occurred since his presence here, yet the birds continue to come and go with the seasons in healthy “sustainable” numbers. Some choose to nest here, although obviously not where new homes have been allowed to encroach upon the wetlands.

Now these mostly “newcomers” to our island, many of whom have very limited, if any, personal integration with nature, complain that they are bothered by the noise associated with this long-standing tradition.

They have moved here mostly for “the view” from their armchairs and that is something that no hunter will ever take away from them.

Jerry Smith

Freeland