Bill would allow blind people to hunt in Texas
SuzannePjam
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Bringing new meaning to ‘firing blind’
Texas legislator introduces bill to allow blind people to hunt
Updated: 7:07 p.m. CT Dec 11, 2006
AUSTIN, Texas - The blind would be able to go hunting if a Texas bill becomes law.
The bill would allow legally blind hunters to use a laser sight, or lighted pointing instrument, which is forbidden for sighted hunters, according to State Rep. Edmund Kuempel, who introduced it.
"This opens up the fun of hunting to additional people, and I think that's great," Kuempel said.
Many Texans enjoy the state's reputation for outdoor sports. The state also is where Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a friend in the face while hunting for quail earlier this year.
Blind hunters also would have to have a sighted hunter with them. They could hunt any game sighted people can hunt and otherwise use the same weapons.
The hunter would have to carry proof he or she is legally blind.
Visually impaired people are able to shoot with the aid of a sighted person, Kuempel said.
"I've seen this on TV before, when they're taking target practice," he 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."
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which regulates hunting in Texas, currently does not have a definition for what constitutes a legally blind hunter. Kuempel's bill for the 2007 legislative session would give the agency until Jan. 1, 2008, to come up with a definition so the law could be enforced.
Under existing Texas law, the use of laser sights, spotlights and headlights is strictly prohibited.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Texas legislator introduces bill to allow blind people to hunt
Updated: 7:07 p.m. CT Dec 11, 2006
AUSTIN, Texas - The blind would be able to go hunting if a Texas bill becomes law.
The bill would allow legally blind hunters to use a laser sight, or lighted pointing instrument, which is forbidden for sighted hunters, according to State Rep. Edmund Kuempel, who introduced it.
"This opens up the fun of hunting to additional people, and I think that's great," Kuempel said.
Many Texans enjoy the state's reputation for outdoor sports. The state also is where Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a friend in the face while hunting for quail earlier this year.
Blind hunters also would have to have a sighted hunter with them. They could hunt any game sighted people can hunt and otherwise use the same weapons.
The hunter would have to carry proof he or she is legally blind.
Visually impaired people are able to shoot with the aid of a sighted person, Kuempel said.
"I've seen this on TV before, when they're taking target practice," he 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."
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which regulates hunting in Texas, currently does not have a definition for what constitutes a legally blind hunter. Kuempel's bill for the 2007 legislative session would give the agency until Jan. 1, 2008, to come up with a definition so the law could be enforced.
Under existing Texas law, the use of laser sights, spotlights and headlights is strictly prohibited.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
"Where there is sacrifice there is someone collecting the sacrificial offerings."-- Ayn Rand
"Some of my friends sit around every evening and they worry about the times ahead,
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed..."-- Elvis Costello
"Some of my friends sit around every evening and they worry about the times ahead,
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed..."-- Elvis Costello
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Comments
I suppose this would be based on exactly how blind one may be. And how deep the intellect and or common sense of the assisting person.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Can you see me now
I am myself
Like you somehow
I'll ride the wave
Where it takes me
I'll hold the pain
Release me
from my window to yours
anyone with vision worse than 20/200 that cannot be improved with corrective lenses is considered legally blind. In addition, people with a visual field of less than 20 degrees diameter (10 degrees radius) are also considered legally blind [Yahoo].
I don't think you're going to have someone who can't see at all out hunting. But if someone just needs a MUCH stronger scope to see AND has someone with them to help ensure they are aiming at something appropriate there shouldn't be a big deal.
Can you imagine? "Just turn the wheel 3 cm to the left. Ok, just avoid that car..."
the way some people drive, i'm pretty sure they let blind people drive.
do you think that just b/c this law is passed now all legally blind people are gonna start setting up tree stands in their yards to start picking off anything that moves? Seriously, there is very little danger in allowing this. My guess is that any hunter who takes a blind person with them is going to be even more careful about picking spots etc...
Obviously, you've never driven in Texas
The high occupancy beaner lanes on the highway are my personal favorite...script logos on their rear windows...cracking the sound barrier at a brisk 35 miles per hour on a 70 mile per hour stretch of highway.
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hopefully they end up at the democratic convention
:eek:
What the hell?