coosa's observation of urban-rural divide interests me. First settlers to Nova Scotia from the Old Country made sure no more laws to keep people away, the land is for everyone. All land is open for hunting and fishing except cultivated, orchards, vineyards, active forest operations, property fenced to keep cattle in or people out.

It works well. Geo, a non-taxpayer in Nova Scotia, has the right to pass over my lands, put up a tent around our house, enjoy the flora and fauna as long as he does no damage---and I pay taxes to live where I am. Hunting regulations confer distances away from residences for public safety. Fishing, pass over any land on foot to water.

The urban-rural divide becomes apparent when mostly urban dwellers lobby government to regulate where and when and how private landowners, working to the world's most responsible sustainability standard, will cut their trees. They use our lands for recreation and want to regulate how we manage our business.

Hunter-landowner disputation is rare. Entry is often prohibited with no tresspass-no hunting signs in proscribed places above, and hunters are respectful not to get up our noses should they enter on private property, which is 75 per cent of our province's geographical area. The Golden Rule reigns.