Surprise. . . published

Traditionally, hunting in America described what Indians did to obtain sustenance, mostly from bison and cervine beasts whose pelts also provided coverings for their bodies in cold weather.  None of the prey was wasted, because Indians had respect for nature.

Today, hunting can be something else altogether.  Because we no longer need to stalk and kill our food, and Walmart will happily sell us all the Chinese-made clothing we could ever need, hunting has been downgraded to what is called a sport.  Some "sportsmen" now satisfy their blood lust by killing animals with little regard for what will become of the victims.

In the E-R sports section recently, disturbing blurbs announced two such "sporting" events.  Some descendents of the early Indians who have been seduced by Big Gambling, are, at the nearby Rolling Hills Casino, featuring some unlimited pheasant hunts. The "sportsmen" attend to kill birds that have been "released" for that purpose.  These are no wild animals that must be hunted in the traditional manner or for the original reason.  These modern hunters are seldom impoverished or hungry, because the charge for this "sport" is $85.

Other "sportsmen" may also attend a chukar partridge shoot at Clear Creek Sports Club.  These are pen-raised birds that are sent out to be slaughtered for "sport."  Here, as before. the cost is comparable, except there are prizes given for the most efficient "sports club" executions.

Now we know with whom the movie "The Hunger Games" is so popular.