Seeking Silverdale and Central Kitsap

When I wrote the story about Dennis Durbin’s 570-pound bear that he shot last month, I knew that the newsroom would likely receive some angry calls, angry emails and that I might even hear from some angry readers.

What I didn’t expect was such a significant number of reader comments. I don’t know what the total number of comments is at anymore, but the story’s been at the top of the most commented list most of the week. It also continues to hold in the top three of our most read stories each day. In fact, on election day it was the second most-read story behind our elections application.

I’ve tried to read most of the comments, but I have to admit my eyes start to glaze over around comment number 50.

What I am still trying to understand is, why is the hunting of this bear such a hot topic?

I realize there’s the whole vegetarian vs. carnivore thing, but that’s an age-old debate. I’ve noticed some biblical references being made by people trying to justify their reasoning. But why is it that so many people are against the hunting of wild animals?

I’m not a hunter. I’ve never killed anything more than a spider or insect. I consider myself neutral on the debate of if hunting is right or wrong.

When I interviewed Dennis I had to ask him to explain everything to me multiple times so I could understand his experience enough to write it in my article. I doubt I’ll ever take up hunting, but after speaking with Dennis and his family about his kill, their excitement was contagious. I was excited for them.

He loves hunting. His family loves hunting. I know some people don’t want to accept that someone could kill an animal and at the same time respect that animal. But, when I spoke with Dennis and his family, it was obvious they respect the animals they hunt and eat. They see them as blessings, as a way to feed their family for the year. Unlike most of us, they aren’t buying their meat at the grocery store. They’re finding it in the woods — much like the homesteaders and Native Americans that lived here long before all of us. They are not out in the woods blasting bullets at whatever moves. They’re hunting what they need.

I’m not going to belabor the argument because it’s been going on for a week on the comments section of the story. I think the fact that he had a bear tag, he used a gun as required by the restrictions on the property where he was hunting and that he shot a bear during bear hunting season shows he was a responsible hunter.

Also, the fact that they preserved all of the meat from the animal and have given it to family and friends, and filled their fridge with the remainder — which will last them a year — shows they respect the animal.

I’ve copied and pasted a comment Dennis left on the story below, so people can see his response to all of the attacks made against him on the Web site. Considering some of the names he’s been called by complete strangers, I think his response is pretty conservative, especially since some people have stereotyped him as a “terrible” human being.

Posted by kobelco_05 on November 5, 2008 at 4:31 p.m.: “Dennis Durbin here: Briscoe, thank you for your comment it’s all would ask for from someone who doesn’t hunt. It would be wrong to judge you for something that you do, and I don’t.

This is a magnificent animal, they all are. Taking my families food from nature is respectful, that’s my belief, to others it may not be. I understand that, and I would never invite someone in my home for dinner and serve them something they do not eat, that would be wrong.

As for placing this animal on display, that’s my choice. This bear and any other animal mounted in my home will be cherished forever. Thank you for understanding this. For anyone who thinks that I don’t respect and love nature, you’re mistaken. Every animal and fish is respected and cherished.

The smell of the woods, sounds, sights, rivers, lakes and mountains, weather it’s in seabeck, Alaska or wherever, that place will dwell within my heart forever. Every animal that I take is a blessing from GOD himself, that’s my belief so I would ask you not to judge me like some of you have. You don’t even know me.

I have read many comments about hunting and me. I will not judge the people that have said things about me that were wrong. But I will say everyone is entitled to there opinion that’s why we live in AMERICA. I know that what I do and believe will not please everyone but that’s my choice. So thank you all that were positve and for the ones that were not: long live the BEAST!!!!! — Dennis Durbin”