After reading Walt Young's column last Sunday, I felt that I needed to write to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
I find the latest crossbow decisions very troubling. The Commission's original proposal, which stated it would give it three years and then re-evaluate seemed fair enough. To now say the Commission has changed its mind, after many hunters have spent up to $1,000 or more on equipment, is unconscionable.
Luckily, I have not made my purchase yet. Now I must wait and see what the final decision will be. There's no way I can justify spending that amount of money on equipment if the original decision does not stand up.
I would hope the Commission is basing its decision on research from states that already have legalized crossbows and not from complaints from unhappy people that always seem to resist change.
I am not sure what changed from the original decision to this one. Either way you look at it, the commissioners are going to lose creditability for not doing their job right the first time or deciding to change the rules in the middle of the game.
Dennis Nevling
Altoona
Change costing hunters
This is in response to Walt Young's column on last Sunday's Outdoors page.
How can they change this after this is written in my hunting digest? This is what made me decide to buy a crossbow instead of a new bow.
Now I will have to purchase a new compound bow if this is changed back to two weeks and spend out another $700 to $1,000 just to enjoy the whole archery season. Or should I just hunt what they give me this year and save my money and quit hunting after this year and also trying to introduce any new youths to our PA hunting?
Mark Montgomery
Altoona
Pirate snubs unexcusable
It is the morning after the Major League All-Star game, and I am more than a little bit steamed.
Neither Freddie Sanchez nor Zach Duke, the two representatives of the Pirates, got in the game. Manager Charlie Manuel, though, made darn sure that all five of his players from the Phillies got playing time. I think this is inexcusable and shameful on Manuel's part.
This game is about rewarding the players, but it is also about the fans. It is meant to showcase the best each league has to offer. For not even one of the Pirates to get in is an embarrassment to Manuel, the National League and the Pirates.
If the Phillies get back to the World Series, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be rooting hard against them.
Don Ciambotti
Altoona
Giger right on PSU card
Penn State's football schedule is, in a word, "pathetic."
I congratulate Cory Giger on asking coach Paterno about it. Typical response, too.
And don't give me Appalachian State, either. That was a fluke, and Paterno knows it. Who is responsible for making up these schedules? Why can't we at least get Pitt and West Virginia on a home-and-home basis?
That's Eastern football at its finest. It's good for State College, good for Pittsburgh, good for Morgantown and great for the fans.
But, no, instead it's teams like Eastern Illinois and Indiana State so Penn State can make money and pay for all 50 [actually 29] sports. If 100,000 people continue to trek up to Beaver Stadium and pay $50 a ticket to see the likes of Coastal Carolina, then this will continue until doomsday.
Leave the stadium half empty, and they will get the message real quick.
Craig A. Diehl
Roaring Spring
Golden Games miss Tate
It is hard to believe that the celebration of the 2009 Blair County Golden Games is over.
Between June 3 and June 30, participants have enjoyed and engaged in all sorts of athletic and intellectual games. As always, there was something for everyone.
My husband and I have been fortunate to be a part of these games from the beginning. We both agree that the best part are the friendships that have developed over the years.
This year, though, there was a void created by the absence of Bob Tate, who was 90-plus years "young." He traveled from Williamsburg, and it didn't matter what his event was, Bob would be there with his ready smile and hearty handshake.
He passed away this year in the early spring. His kindness and presence were deeply missed at the Games and the closing ceremony.
Each year the enrollment continues to grow, thanks to the hard work of the faithful Blair Senior Service workers.
They were "the pluggers" this year along with chairpersons who worked tirelessly. Some of them even braved the wind and the rain. And emcee Adam Erickson did a super job of moving the closing ceremony along.
All of their efforts along with the sponsors who support these worthwhile fun times for the seniors of Blair County are appreciated.
Nancy Craig
Altoona
