In South Dakota, hunting is not only a privilege, but a way of life for many. It disgusts me when I see the way hunters are portrayed in the sitcoms or other mass media. Usually the depiction is of a group of dimwitted, drunken fools that are careless with guns. Reality, however, paints a much different picture.

The photo above was taken at the Huron Ringneck Festival Competition Hunt near Huron, S.D. This hunt pits hunters against Rooster Pheasants with only four shells per hunter to get a limit of three birds. The goal is to showcase the quality of the hunt more so than the quantity of shooting.

Through my work, I have the opportunity to meet hundreds of hunters each year. Most every hunter I meet has the same goals when it comes to hunting:

• Enjoying the outdoors and the camaraderie that comes with the hunt.
• Following the law so that the hunter can help game officials manage wildlife and everyone has a safe hunt.
• Preserving wildlife and our hunting heritage for future generations.

So what do I say to those who would stereotype the hunter. Please don't judge us for the blaze orange or the camouflage we wear. That would be hunterism, no different than racism, sexism or any other kind of bigotry. I am proud to be a hunter and I am proud to wear that label, but bigot - is that a label you would be willing to wear?

I had a visit from some superheros this week. Funny how a store bought costume can transform my not so mild mannered boys into a couple of larger than life heros ready to save the world. In my 3 year old's mind - he really was Mr. Incredible. We'll probably still be wearing these at Christmastime, although the pumpkins have to go today.