Squirrel Hunt in Holley Sparks National Controversy
By: Amy Young
Updated: February 16, 2013
Squirrels are at the center of a big controversy in Holley, in Orleans County. A squirrel hunt fundraiser benefiting the village fire department has people across the nation up in arms.The issue has struck a chord with those on both sides of two hot button issues, gun control and animal rights.
The typically sleepy village of Holley is anything but these days.
At the center of all the noise...squirrels. For the seventh year in a row, the Holley Fire Department held its "Squirrel Slam" fundraiser.
"Yes, I'm all for it. It's uh, it's a way of life out here, ya know?" Holley resident Kenneth Swanger added, "That's the way we live."
Hunters as young as twelve years old can enter up to five squirrels for weighing. The biggest wins the prize.
But not everyone thinks the fundraiser is a good idea.
"It is wrong. I'm against the gun laws. They shouldn't have a gun until they are at least 21 or so," said resident Al Share. "When they are well in their mind about what they should do and shouldn't do. I think they're wrong."
Holley fire officials would not say how much they even raise from the Squirrel Slam and whether or not they'll consider a different fundraiser next year.
"Everybody has their freedom of speech. And have their own opinions and that's what our country and government is founded on," said Pete Hendrickson, Holley Fire Chief.
You didn't have to be in Holley to hear of the Squirrel Slam or the controversy surrounding it. Online petitions and opinions circulated quickly.
Despite the protests, the hunt went on, and so does the debate.
Comments
These squirrels were used for food? I think not. This was a cruel and inhumane way to kill innocent animals for the sake of the almighty dollar. Killing an animal for food is one thing, killing it for fun is another! Makes me very sad to see that in this day & age people are still so cruel to animals.
Christina K.
February 18, 2013 at 11:13 am
These squirrels were used for food? I think not. This was a cruel and inhumane way to kill innocent animals for the sake of the almighty dollar. Killing an animal for food is one thing, killing it for fun is another! Makes me very sad to see that in this day & age people are still so cruel to animals.
Christina K.
February 18, 2013 at 11:13 am
I would suggest people against people shooting squirrels for food please refrain from eating anything animal related, i.e. butter, honey, etc. Doing so would be exploiting these nice creatures. I for one have no problem with the squirrel hunt. The limit during the season is 6 and this contest limited everyone to 5. Where are these protesters on all the other days of squirrel season?
Dale D.
February 18, 2013 at 7:49 am
I raised a squirrel, it was only 7 days old when I got him. It was a blessing to experience their cunning and intelligence. We let him go in our backyard. I%u2019m sure he is dead now. What beautiful creatures they are. It's too bad they made this a sport :( I support their right to do so, but not their morals. If you ain%u2019t going to eat it, don%u2019t shoot it.
Phyliss P.
February 17, 2013 at 3:28 pm
In the long run, their evil intent will benefit the cause of Animal Advocacy. When someone says,"Your putting a Holley"... it will mean you are a narrow minded, cruel, child and animal abuser. For this day on.... that is the Legacy of Holley.
George C.
February 17, 2013 at 7:45 am
display their "prizes". In the long run, their evil intent will benefit the cause of Animal Advocacy. When someone says,"Your putting a Holley"... it will mean you are a narrow minded, cruel, child and animal abuser. For this day on.... that is the Legacy of Holley.
George C.
February 17, 2013 at 7:44 am
