This is in reply to Elaine Thompson about the buck pole that was up the opening weekend of rifle deer season. I actually do, and have, physically put my hands to any deer that I have killed and thanked it for giving up its life so that my family can eat. It is sad that you seemed to make a joke of it but you will find many more ethical deer hunters than you will not. Not all thank the animal but we also want to take the best shot we can so that the animal suffers as little as possible. Sadly, sometimes that is not how things work out. They also can die fast or slowly when hit by a vehicle as well.

Buck poles in public places have been commonplace in the northern part of Michigan for longer than I have been alive and that’s almost 50 years. I was the one that told you, in the Facebook group that you commented about it, that they are hung to bleed the meat. If you noticed those bucks were cut open to remove the organs and then they are typically hung with the neck up so that the mean can drain from the body. If you leave all the blood in any animal meant for food, it can cause it to spoil. This applies to cows (for your steak and burger), pigs (for your ham and bacon). At least that’s what my grandfather did on the farm. With the bucks on the buck pole hanging head down, I believe so that it is easier for all to get a better look at the antlers. My suggestion for future years: Avoid downtown of any town or village between Nov. 15-18 as you will see them again.

NANCY McSWAIN,

Alpena