I have talked with local, state and national leaders from both these wildlife organizations about depredation. The response these people give reminds me of the figure you can buy showing three monkeys with their hands covering their eyes, ears and mouth. The caption on the insulting figure is "See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil."

While hazing someone else's wildlife, I would also think about the fight LAND had during the 2001 Legislative session trying to keep perpetual easements at bay. During testimony by those supporting easements, The North Dakota Wildlife Society presented false information about property valuations on easement and non easement property. The scuttlebutt around the halls of the Legislature was that Ducks Unlimited had access to $100 million for purchase of conservation easements. If they have money to purchase easements, they have money to pay for damages done by the critters they protect. I am angered that these organizations and many other wildlife groups have greed to control but take no responsibility to mitigate damage caused by their wildlife.

Some hunters have accused LAND in general and me specifically of being anti-hunting. LAND is not anti-hunting but I do feel it is a responsibility of LAND and individual landowners to teach hunters what the leaders of their wildlife organizations are saying and doing. Some of these organizations have policies most offensive to property rights. It is our duty to let hunters know how the policies of their organizations affect our ability to remain profitable.

I have always felt it is a privilege to own property, and with privilege comes responsibility. Landowners are responsible to be hospitable to those who treat our property and property rights respectfully. We are also responsible to educate those whom we feel are violating our property rights.