Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:39 PM CST
Tempers remain in check at lake hunting meeting
By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — Elmer Smith finally got his say before the City Council on waterfowl hunting rules at Lake Mattoon.
“We have in place a good system. It has worked for 30 years,” said the retired educator and designated authority during a special council meeting Wednesday night. “Folks, there’s nothing broke here so it don’t need fixing.”
Last week, Smith was shouted down in Mattoon City Hall by hunters alleging that Smith’s “good ole boy” system prohibits fair access to hunting blinds on the city-managed lake. But rules were set at Wednesday’s meeting for providing an orderly process for presenting opinions and recommendations on the hunting rules for ducks and geese at Lake Mattoon.
The council will eventually decide on the best route for regulations on Lake Mattoon waterfowl hunting.
Smith said some “malcontents” wanted blind locations with “instant gratification,” which is impossible with only a dozen spaces available, he said. He said he has been fair to those who follow the rules to make sure they have eventual access for hunting.
Smith also criticized city officials for trying to change the system. He questioned the wisdom of others writing up rules without consulting those on the scene.
“Part of this mess we’re in is the city’s fault,” Smith told council members.
But Brad Metcalf, a Mattoon hunter, calmly told city officials in the Burgess-Osborne Auditorium that the current blind designation system is unfair. He recommended it be changed.
“Everyone should have a fair and equitable chance to hunt on the lake,” said Metcalf, who asked why no lottery system is in place for setting hunting blind use. “People hold blinds there year after year.”
Under the current system, Smith sets up an informal rotation so that hunters get access to blinds on the lake each hunting season. There are about a dozen blinds on public property available at the lake.
Bruce Daniell, another Mattoon hunter, questioned the idea of how tradition is always considered fair. He said history has shown that some established practices have shut out people from participation.
“We hear a lot of how it has been. That doesn’t make it fair,” he said.
John Spitz of Mattoon praised Smith for his efforts in support of hunting on the lake through the years.
“There have been no major incidents. He has had no compensation. Elmer Smith deserves a plaque for what he has done out there,” Spitz said.
Brian Meyerscough of Charleston also asked if new regulations take into consideration disabled hunters like himself. He said he could see it being especially beneficial to veterans coming back from war with disabilities or elderly hunters using walkers or wheelchairs.
Bill Bosler of Charleston recommended Mattoon officials consult state regulations on duck and geese hunting for guidance on new regulations pertaining to Lake Mattoon. He also added a personal note during his comments.
“This is a very important issue to me due to my 13-year-old son. He loves to hunt and will be a key to keeping this sport alive,” Bosler said.
Smith has drawn criticism for allegedly prohibiting some youths from hunting on the lake earlier this year. Spitz countered those charges.
“To make such a comment is absurd. He has encouraged kids to hunt at the lake. He has offered equipment and boats to them,” Spitz said.
Chris Benge of rural Neoga later seconded that assessment. The hunter told how Smith took Benge’s grandson under his wing for hunting opportunities on Lake Mattoon. And later, Benge was offered hunting opportunities as well.
“Never once was I ever shut out. This has all been blown out of proportion,” Benge said.
Now, city officials will consider the recommendations and comments presented during the special meeting; there were several submitted during the comment period Wednesday. The initial decision rests with the Mattoon Public Works Advisory Board. It will make recommendations to the city council for the final decision on any regulation changes.
Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.
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whatswrong wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:31 PM: