It was a quiet Sunday along the Ice Age Trail…until the Packer’s football game ended. “Blaze orange” jackets and shotgun blasts began to add noise mid-afternoon. Steve and I are both creeped out by the gun culture. Not that we don’t acknowledge the usefulness of procuring food and enjoying exercise. The violence that these weapons invite seems to us completely unnecessary. Is that an integral part of “hunting”? Why is hunting a social norm in the Midwest? I don’t remember fall being a time when people went hunting when I lived in California…they were mostly anticipating ski season. Anyway, here’s what I shot on my excursion:
scillagrace 
I’m with you on the hunting. Great shots! But be careful out there!
Thinking I might need to get me a “blaze orange” knit hat, like I saw some other hikers wearing….
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Ha! Nice — “Here’s what I shot…” I too don’t understand gun culture or really, hunting in general. I mean, I know how people justify it. But as a huge lover of animals, it’s always really disturbed me. Great pics!
Thanks, Doree! The only wildlife we actually saw were some woodpeckers and white pelicans (I think…coulda been an egret), but we also saw a muskrat mound.
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I don’t think I need to comment on my views regarding hunting.. I think you can guess where I stand !!
but what I do need to comment on are your gorgeous photos Scilla.. Ohhh those blues and hiow much I want to saunter along the wooden walkway
I can guess where you stand, and it’s not behind a firearm in a duck blind! Thanks for the compliments!
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wonderful images!
Thank you! I am enjoying your blog’s poetry and photo duets. The minimal words allow so much introspection.
Beautiful images, Scilla. I love those blues.
You are very kind, Karen!
Great shots Scilla ……….
But, I think I’d rather get shot than wear an orange bobble hat.
Yeah, it’s a tough call…
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Guns are very scary, and the mentality that goes along with the gun culture is even scarier. I avoid hunting grounds during hunting season, because very often drinking is a part of that scene, too. Your pictures are lovely, Scilla.
It truly is chilling, but I don’t want to relinquish my right to go hiking too easily. I think we can respect each other.
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