American history, Ike and science in today’s letters to the editor.

Pick of the day: Not poor, but hunting for food

Re: Michael A. Randall’s letter “Fox penning, deer hunting appall.” Nov. 30:

Why should “only people who can prove they live below the poverty line” be issued hunting permits? I and many other hunters whom I know live above the poverty line. We do not hunt for sport. We hunt to provide food for our families.

I kill only what my family will eat. My wife, children and I prefer venison over other meat options. I am not paid by the government to thin the deer population. I actually pay for the right to hunt. I also provide assistance to the landowner as needed in exchange for the right to hunt on his land.

It should also be noted that a program called Hunters for the Hungry exists where hunters donate the deer they kill, and, in many cases, donate the money to process the deer to help feed those less fortunate or in need. And all at no cost to the government or taxpayer.

Not everyone will agree on any given topic. Please be open-minded enough to see both sides of every issue.

CRAIG KENT

ROCKY MOUNT