Remember “Last of the Mohicans?” Whether you read the novel, saw the movie(s), or both, it occurred to me that hunters and trappers may someday face a similar fate. No, it won’t be because of being eliminated in physical battle, but rather by political, bureaucratic, economic and social actions. It won’t happen quickly, but will occur in stages, many of which we’ve already witnessed.

The latest evidence involves the voluntary Habitat-Access (H/A) Stamp program being administered by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation - primarily the result of shrinking private land access and deteriorating habitat or over-used public land. After much planning and bickering, the State agreed to the formation of a voluntary fund that would be used to improve access and also the quality of habitat. The cost per stamp was $5 and could be purchased at any agency or business selling DEC hunting, fishing and trapping licenses by anyone, and not just sportsmen and women.