Home > Press Room > The Warwick Beacon July 1, 2004

In The News

Fishin' & Outdoor Trails

By Anna Minicucci

July 1, 2004

Many readers of this column are aware of the pioneer hunting website, www.huntri.com. Now, there’s another that caters to the hunting and fishing public, www.rihunts.com. The sites are not mirror images of the other. HuntRI.com is the first of its type to emerge and cater to hunters and outpaced the DEM website for hunter/angler information, plus. RIHunts.com, which began in November 2003, is a welcome addition for hunters and anglers locally, regionally and nationally and does not diminish HuntRI.com’s historic place among hunters and anglers.

Frankly, the prominence of these websites is an irritation for “animal rights” (AR) folks; however, most important, it demonstrates to the general public hunters are able to rally in opposition to proposed damaging, legislative changes within hunting laws and regulations.

Both sites focus upon Rhode Island’s wildlife management and fishing programs, and the gathering of information, advice, suggestions, along with their camaraderie. This is attention to the state’s hunting and fishing opportunities, along with other important features: chat forums and various categories for specific types of hunting, firearms, state rules/regulations and license information. Included, the pride of all hunters are photo/trophy galleries showing off the expertise hunters have acquired.

The most important edge for both websites is the essential interest in hunting and fishing sports so important to the essence and nature of wildlife management activities. Previously, hunters and anglers relied upon DEM for information about hearings, workshops, regulatory issues and announcements. The communication stream from DEM to the public could be painfully slow and fraught with bureaucratic bumps from DEM sources that did not understand or were not especially fond of hunting. Gratefully, changes have taken place with the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife assistance, encouragement and contributions to both websites. At www.RIHunts.com, hunters and the general public may fill out a Wild Turkey Sighting form to aid the Division’s tracking system. This cooperation has been expanded for hunters and anglers with the arrival of this website.

Much more is expected from existing licensed hunters these days, because threats to their wildlife management activities are always under siege from one anti-group or another. Today, two appropriate websites are informing and guiding hunters. Hunters now have the ability to share experiences and gather support. These avenues are a credit to both website owners, Tom Quinn of www.HuntRI.com, who had the vision and ability to create the first Rhode Island hunting website, and Mark Mingain of www.RIHunts.com, who adds to an expanded hunting information stream.

Additionally, the general public has access to these websites and able to become more knowledgeable with greater understanding of wildlife management programs and practices. That’s what hunting is all about, right?

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