Editorial Editorial (December 24, 2004)

Hunters get the call on Shoreline access

The privilege extended to duck hunters to use the salt ponds along the bay coast near the Shoreline recreation area could be restricted if the city council has its way.

The issue came up a few weeks ago when the council indicated it would not allow hunters to cross Stevens Creek Trail near Shoreline with their vehicles. Prior to the state purchase of many salt pond areas around the bay from Cargill, the company had leased access to much of the land to hunters, who were able to reach it by other routes. But closure of two large areas off Shoreline cut off that access, and now the hunters want the city's approval to cross the Stevens Creek Trail.

Without such access, hunters say they would have to carry their equipment, including bulky and heavy outboard motors, up to 1.5 miles to reach their boats, which are stored at the salt ponds.

Apparently feeling that active duck-hunting blinds, as well as hunters carrying weapons, do not mix with the recreational values of Shoreline, the council voted 4-2 to send a letter to Don Edwards Federal Wildlife Refuge officials saying the city is considering denying hunters permission to cross the trail in vehicles, but would allow them to walk or use bicycles. Matt Pear, who along with Nick Galiotto, voted against sending the letter, charged that the council was trying to work around the federal law that permits hunting on the refuge.

In this case, we believe Pear and Galiotto are right. The overriding federal law is really the key to this issue, for a number of reasons:

* Historically, the Cargill-owned salt ponds were open to duck hunting and that tradition has also been in place throughout the wildlife refuge for many years.

* As far as is known, there have not been safety issues or accidents caused by hunting in and around the salt ponds.

* By restricting vehicular access across Stevens Creek Trail, it would be much more likely for trail users to encounter hunters walking and carrying visible weapons than if they were permitted to cross in their own vehicles.

No matter how some members of the city council feel about hunting, it is difficult to imagine that restricting vehicular access to traditional hunting areas is going to get the job done. The city should agree to allow hunters to cross Stevens Creek Trail, as long as appropriate safety precautions are in place.

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