Big Horn Sheep re-introduction to the Catalina Range

In an article in today’s Arizona Daily Star Columnist Tim Steller exposes what may be the ulterior motive for placing a herd of Bighorns in the Catalina’s. That motive is hunting. This program will cost hundreds of thousands. We have read about how they plan to protect the sheep by having them wear collars and thereby find one who has died. Should the perpetrator be a mountain lion then a team will be dispatched to slay the offender. However providing hunting permits for humans to take their trophies they believe to be a great achievement. How nice for the hunters. Just think of it, no more long drives. Just kiss the wife and tell her you plan to return for lunch. My main objection to this is that the Catalina’s are surrounded by a million people. Thousands hike the myriad of great trails daily. These trails go to all areas including Pusch Ridge. Do they plan to deny access during hunting season as they have for decades lambing season? Remember they admitted banning hiking when they knew sheep were non-existent. Leave the sheep where they are now and appear to be thriving. Use the money for some other useful purpose. Jack B. Walters July 7, 2013 Letter to the editor Columnist Tim Steller exposes what may be the ulterior motive for placing a herd of Bighorns in the Catalina’s. That motive is hunting. This program will cost hundreds of thousands. They plan to protect the sheep. Should the perpetrator be a mountain lion then a team will be dispatched to slay the offender. However providing hunting permits for humans to take their trophies they believe to be a great achievement. My main objection to this is that the Catalina’s are surrounded by a million people. Thousands hike the myriad of great trails daily. These trails go to all areas including Pusch Ridge. Do they plan to deny access during hunting season as they have for decades lambing season? Remember they admitted banning hiking when they knew sheep were non-existent. Leave the sheep where they are now and appear to be thriving. Use the money for some other useful purpose. Jack B. Walters July 7, 2013