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I've duck hunted in NS (I grew up there), and never had an issue with noisy loads per se, but rather, skybusters, guys without dogs (or a decent dog) crippling birds, and having no means of retrieving them.

jack, there wasn't a moan or cry when we were using any of the 2 3/4 shells. I agree that if there's any noise difference from the 2 3/4 mag shot I can't remember it. And it isn't rural people seeking quiet. With all the forestry and agricultural activity, most would think that absurd.

DKL is pretty close to the heart of the problem. In Nova Scotia, it's still a Wild West where anything goes. Skybusting and no attempt at retrieves is only a part of it. My email to my buddy about gauge and load suggested a voluntary approach where gunners could be informed of how a majority of local gunners felt.

There's a history in Nova Scotia of commercial fishing being a lot more fun---and profitable---if some don't do things that risk ruining it for all. It's the only way where enforcement doesn't exist. In 65 years of gunning on our South, Eastern, North and Western shores, I've never encountered an officer in the field.

Can anyone tell me if the surge to heavier loads is because of the limitations of steel shot, after cost?

King: you missed my point. Folks using 2-1/2s could use the same criticisms of 2-3/4" and 3" gunners as you have the 3-1/2s. Ditto for ranging from 10ga. to 12, 16, 20, 28ga. Call it "sizism," if you will, it's the notion that anyone using a gun bigger than mine is not playing fair.

The range from 2-1/2" loads to 3-1/2" loads is a spectrum painted in shades of gray, and burdens enforcement when a conservation officer has to make a judgment before he sets out across the water to check a possible violator. A gunning ban makes it black and white.

Voluntary compliance might work when you have peer pressure from mostly local gunners, but with more and more outsiders coming in, you haven't a hope. It's just another case like skybusting and game waste: too many gunners don't give a damn.

If the gunners in KB's neck o'the woods can keep the come-heres off their backs by using using 2 3/4" shells, then problem solved. There's nothing wrong with trying to be accomodating, especially when you seem to be in the minority. How many farmers have closed off their property to rude and inconsiderate hunters? He and others can be hard-a***d about it, and for what; or, they can face the new reality and preserve what remains by the means at hand. Many of us will probably face the same thing be it a skeet range or duck marsh.

Gee King, No doubt the Liberals under Dion are attempting to make the environment the #1 political issue and the NDPs are on side as it is an issue that fits their identity and the Conservatives are attempting to man the walls. No doubt from my viewpoint that the liberal followers and supporters will make it so in the next election. No doubt the economy of Canada is in good to great shape and no doubt that our role in Afghanistan is more or less determined - just the timing of our withdrawal. If economy goes south - so to speak , jobs are lost or there is another major health crisis the environment will move to the rear seat very very quickly. I am of the opinion that prudent and diligent consideration and a long term action plan for the environment in all it's dimensions is required but I truly doubt that the noise pollution in harbour can be considered an environmentaly hazard. You are absolutely correct that the blood sports are under attack across the Nation and that urbanites and suburbanites for the most part have limited participation and very slight appreciation for the history, contribution and character of hunting. We have need to speak with eloquent tongue to the ambevolent and to demonstrate the merits of our activities. We are in the minority for sure and as such we will claim the rights of all minorities in Canada that of the pursuit of our interests unimpeded and uncondemned. Still that will not be enough without political support and practical workable policies and that sure isn't coming from the Liberals or NDPs. I didn't mean to divert your thread to a political rant but surely there is a better solution to the problem than that of restricting what shell length, gauge or load can be used for hunting. Geez we have enough unrealistic regulations now which are near impossible to police. We need to implement education, understanding and practices on the part of hunters which eliminate game hogging, game wasting, sky busting wounding and slobbism. If we don't we will all suffer the loss of our privelage to hunt.

Times are changing and the antis are getting very loud and have learned that if a direct approach does not work that they must try to get it done by the back door.

What burns me up are city people who move to the country and complain about all the country sounds and smells. We grew up in the country and know that animals smell, farmers make dust when they work the feilds, tractors make noise and hunters make noise when they hunt. Get over it people.

I have one "lady" that lives on a half acre lot, with a small house that was on the edge of one of my farm. She was Rosie O'Donnal with hemrahoids. Gave my cousin who tensd the farm greif because his equipment was loud and made dust. Gave me greif about hunting, on my own land, almost a mile from her. Called the State Police, Sherrif office, State game wardens and one time the Federal wardens. In the end I planted a strip of trees around her house that is 50 yards thick. Blocks all of her views, most of the noise and I hope any breeze that she use to have on hot Summer nights. Offered to buy her out but she refused to sell and wanted me to do what she wanted so she could enjoy her country house. Excusseeee me.

But to be fair, "slob" hunters and boaters are just as bad as city/country folk. They should respect the land and others but too often they do not. I try to do my part and keep others in line when I can. Some just do not know and others do not think, they can be corrected and helped. The one who do not care can not be helped and should be banned from the area. You are talking about a very few who ruin it for all of us.

Kingsley,
I have no real response to this post as your post has no logical merit. Gun haters and anti-hunters will keep up the attack until we actually stand together. It is there goal to segment us until we are all at each other's throats. When I first read your post, my initial response was that the "King of Brown Piles" was at it again. I still stand by that initial response.

Your argument is Bull$hit,

Loren Wilcox

Agree, slate, restrictions don't work. All my years in activism taught me that one size doesn't fit all. Agree totally with your political analysis. And agree with education and setting examples but the problem as always is leading horses to water and making them drink.

I think hunters taking more responsibility for the sport is a good way to start. I stopped a poaching and marketing ring from operating in our locales about 20 years ago by walking right up to and taking pictures of four Cape Breton ringleaders hunting whistlers and blacks in a honey spot out of season. Scary. I'm not aware of any poaching since.

All these posts have been helpful, and I thank all of you.

Ky Jon has it exactly right for those of that still live in the country and being surrounded by urban expansion.

Those anti's who complain about noise pollution should be exposed to the noise my 18 1/2 bbl Ithica pump gun makes when an intruder with malice aforethought breaks in at 3:30 AM.

It would be nice if we could get the 8 gauge legal for waterfowl again maybe even the 4.
That would really ring some ears.