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Gapen gets Chamber reaction by PAUL RAYNER If Dan Gapen was looking for some local reaction to his recent letter, he received in from the Boissevain & District Chamber of Commerce. Wayne Pringle brought the issue of Gapen’s letter, published in the November 11 edition of the Boissevain Recorder, to the Chamber’s attention at their November 14 meeting. He had received concerns regarding the issues raised within and whether or not the Chamber should be doing something. An American outdoor enthusiast, who has authored several books, has a syndicated column appearing in nearly 200 newspapers and host of a TV fishing show, Gapen wrote in complaining about the treatment of US hunters in Manitoba. He objected to being called an “alien” hunter, the restrictions placed on US hunters (such as restricted afternoon shooting until after October 16) and possible other changes like limiting the stay of hunters and/or requiring them to have a guide, in the future. He also said local businesses like the Red Coat Inn and the Cherry Creek Inn have suffered drops of 40% or more in business during the hunting season, and points to the less than friendly attitude towards American hunters like himself. As someone who has visited the area for 46 years, he was concerned about the effect these changes would have on other American hunters, who he felt were key to local economies. Chamber members agreed. Fall hunting has often been the forgotten part of the tourist industry, although merchants themselves seem to recognize its impact. “Can you imagine what would happen if they didn’t come?” Pringle stated. To Bill Dougall, part of the threat of the letter came from the fact it came from someone well known with a few avenues to make his opinions known to fellow US hunters. “If he says don’t come to Canada for hunting,” Dougall said, “many won’t come.” Some in attendance wanted to make sure what Gapen was saying was true. However, the issue was considered important enough to do something about. Letters were planned for Manitoba Conservation Minister Stan Struthers and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, which will be holding its AGM from November 27-30. Also, they felt it might be an issue for the Manitoba Chamber to be aware of.
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