To the editor:

I read with disgust the article in Tuesday’s Journal-World advocating expanding tourism to Kansas by issuing more hunting licenses to out-of-state residents.

What? The 164,000 hunting licenses issued in 2002 wasn’t enough for state Sen. Robert Tyson? He thinks more of our precious wildlife should be killed for Kansas profit?

I’ve seen the effect of the HUGE hunt in South Dakota, where I have relatives, and it isn’t pretty. The state is pretty much taken over by hunters during the season, and landowners are basically forced to “rent” their land to hunters so they have at least some control over what happens on their property. If they don’t, it’s simply hunted anyway.

There are better ways to make money off the land. Why not invest in a great state park system and attract gentle outdoor enthusiasts like bike riders, hikers and people who like to see wildlife LIVING in their natural habitats?

Deborah Martin,

Lawrence