Dear Editor: This letter is in response to Saturday’s front page story headlined “Senior wants changes to disabled angler program.”
Mr. Bullen is 83 years of age, visually impaired and depends on a walker or wheelchair to get around, yet the provincial designated angler program stipulates disabled persons must stay within 100 metres of a designated fisherperson.
This causes me to ask, do the rule makers actually believe our river surroundings and trails are paved?
I know popular fishing places that would challenge a mountain goat, let alone a disabled person. We are only talking about four fish per season, that is, if one is lucky because there are restrictions.
Any disabled person, if he/she so desires, should be permitted to stay home, if the person fishing on their behalf has in his/her possession the disabled person’s licence, tags and a note giving him/her permission.
I notice some of those who watch our waters are being laid off and no doubt that will now enable poachers to do their thing ... and you can be sure they won’t stop at four salmon.
So where is the consideration for folks who want to do things right?
No doubt Mr. Bullen has paid his dues over his lifetime and should not, at his age, have to yearn for anything, in particular a fresh wild Atlantic salmon.
All seniors should be treated fairly, in particular a disabled senior.
May I remind those who make the rules and regulations — your day will come.
Bert Coish, Steady Brook
