Bouquet...
To the organizers of Rock n’ Red Deer, a car show held at the Westerner Park last weekend.
The event featured about 800 hot rods, custom cars and vintage vehicles from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
As well, it raised money for the STARS Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society — a worthy charity indeed.
For a nominal entrance fee, visitors got to take in a free band concert on Saturday and/or Sunday — a nice addition to the spectacular vehicles.
Vendors displays and food booths were certainly adequate, but more than anything it was nice for the car show to actually provide entertainment — as opposed to the many trade shows that charge an admission charge but deliver little more than exhibitors trying to sell you something.
— Lee Giles
Dart..
To the three men who recently posted the unthinkable on YouTube — a video showing them blasting away with rifles at baby ducks on a rural pond, sometimes from inside a car. The also targeted adult ducks, which cannot fly at this time of the year because they are moulting.
A credit to their ignorance, the shooters boldly allowed their actions and faces to be clearly shown on the four-minute video. They will not be difficult to track down.
Also recorded on video were their voices, gleefully celebrating their marksmanship, as rifle bullets (not shotgun pellets) smashed into the ducklings. Here’s a sample, meant for adult ears and eyes only: “Dude, that ones still alive! (Gun fire is then heard in the background.) Oh yeah! I nailed him on the move.”
They then open fire on another duckling. “Get it, get it, get it — Dave, you got him! Oh, see the blood!?” one jubilant shooter hollers with glee.
It’s believed this slaughter took place in southwestern Saskatchewan or southeastern Alberta. Copies of the video have been sent to conservation officers across the Prairies.
For the benefit of those who do not handle firearms, please understand these are not actions of responsible gun owners. This trio is in serious need of psychiatric assistance.
It has often been said that those treating innocent animals in such a brutal manner hold the same disregard for a human life and are displaying early signs of potential violent outbursts later.
Reputable outdoors and conservation groups have responded to the video with disgust — to say the least.
Darrell Crabbe, executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, demands that the law treat them as harshly as possible.
“Their knuckles must be dragging on the ground,” Crabbe said. “To do it in the first place is unthinkable. But to actually put it and promote it as a YouTube video . . . I just can’t shake my head enough how ridiculous and stupid that was.”
Wildlife officials are searching for the trio, which shouldn’t be difficult to identify, thanks to the video.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Saskatchewan government’s tip line at 1-800-667-7561.
— Rick Zemanek