It is rather concerning that a hunting accident occurred where OWMA officials are monitoring and limiting the amount of hunters in the protected area (Regional Hunters Come to M.V. For Dove Hunt Opening: Progress Sept. 7, 2011).

Who monitors the countless hunters invading the open spaces and thick brush areas near our homes and schools? Our children walk through these areas to get to school at prime hunting times, something they have no choice in. There seems to be little to no monitoring of this or concern for public safety by officials.

When speaking with the local police department, I was told the hunters have a right to hunt in these open spaces. What about our children’s right to get to school safely? Shouldn’t that be a right worth protecting?

This is an accident waiting to happen. I’m sure there have been incidents and close calls in the past never reported. For instance, during quail season, a friend came across a hunter while on horse back and nearly was thrown from her horse when the hunter did not see or hear her coming. The brush in many areas is so thick and high you can’t see anyone around you, not even a rider on top of their horse. The hunter in the Progress story sights carelessness as the cause of the hunting accident in the OWMA. That the hunter was shooting too low to the ground rather than above eye level. Well, a horse rider would be above eye level, so there is a risk regardless.

Also, in the article it mentions people coming from all over Nevada to hunt here. Are these out-of-towners aware of the areas most traveled by our children? It is my hope that the rights of Moapa Valley residents and their children are taken into consideration and public safety given first priority by more closely monitoring hunting done near homes and schools.

Shelly Benkman