Posted on 12/11/2006 1:43:53 PM PST by sonsofliberty2000
A lawmaker in this firearm-friendly state wants to help more people get the chance to shoot live animals _ even if those people can't see.
A bill filed for the 2007 legislative session would permit legally blind hunters to use laser sights, or lighted pointing instruments.
"This opens up the fun of hunting to additional people, and I think that's great," said Republican Rep. Edmund Kuempel, the bill's sponsor.
Visually impaired people are allowed to shoot now with the aid of a sighted person, he said, a requirement that would continue if the sights were legalized.
"I've seen this on TV before, when they're taking target practice," Kuempel said. "When they aim the gun, the guide tells them, aim two inches higher or two inches lower and you're on the target, and you're off and running."
Kuempel's bill would give the state until Jan. 1, 2008, to come up with a definition of legally blind so the law could be enforced.
Under existing law, the use of laser sights, spotlights and headlights is strictly prohibited in all Texas hunting. The practice can have the effect of making animals stand still as the light shines on them. Hunters using sights under the proposed legislation would have to carry proof that they are legally blind.
The Legislature convenes Jan. 9 for its 140-day session.
Interesting. I've always been against lights and lasers for hunting because it takes the sport (and challenge) out of it in most cases. However I think this should pass. I don't have a problem with a blind shooter using a laser and a partner spotter helping to aim.
It's also a crime that they can't drive cars and perform deep thoracic surgery.
Why does society hate blind people?
"OK, you can keep the deer, just let me get the saddle off it first".
LOL!!!
I'd be really surprised if this law passes. I have nothing against trying to help blind people, but if this law passes, who is going to be responsible when the first hunting accident occurs? The sighter, the blind person, or the legislators?
That was good.
"Texas Bill: Let Blind Hunters Use Lasers"
Y'all aint gonna believe this one....
"Texas Bill: Let Blind Hunters Use Lasers"
ya'll hold ma beer... I gotta go pass some bill...
The blind people are already hunting. Apparently the use of laser sights is considered "unsporting" and is banned in Texas, and someone is just trying to make it legal for blind people to use the laser sights to make it easier for them to hit their targets since they are blind.
Or more exactly, it could be that the laser will make it easier for the "blind person's helper" to be sure the blind person has the target, since the helper can't easily see through the scope. So maybe it will make it LESS dangerous. It will certainly make it easier.
It also might provide more "helpers" for the blind, as hunters sign up blind people in order to go out with laser sights ..........
Great- just great- what next? Letting the blind vote? http://sacredscoop.com
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I believe this statement is the typical of the usual crap from professional journalists because
A---coon hunters hunt at night with lights, and---
B----I don't think that the spot-lighting regulations apply to exotics, but only cover native game animals.
Also, I've heard that there are a couple of other states that have already enacted similar legislation. Perhaps, more knowledgable posters could elaborate.
This legislature is in session far too much if they have time for this mischief.
Is the spotter going to direct them in the cleaning process?
I can see it now .............. "no, that was your other thumb. Better stop now."
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