From Today's New York Times

To the Editor:

Re “Bow Hunters’ Solitary Quest: Stalking an Elk and a Record” (front page, Jan. 6):

I was disappointed that you dignified the “harvest” (a classic euphemism) with high-tech bows and arrows of tule elk in California on the front page with references to the “sport” and compliance with “an ethical code known as Fair Chase.”

Trophy hunting is not a sport, which involves two individuals or teams that follow the same rules, are similarly equipped and let the best individual or team win.

Hunting will qualify as a sport only when the hunter fairly chases the animal, on foot, without a weapon, one on one. But hunters are not likely to accept that challenge, because the animals they chase are stronger, faster and smarter.

Robert H. Aland
Winnetka, Ill., Jan. 7, 2009