Legally Blind Hunters

So, I recently discovered the essays of David Sedaris. Even though he tends to be liberal and at times extremely crass, he does tend to have a humorous take on things. Especially in his essay Six to Eight Black Men, a piece about traditions, mainly Christmas traditions. But in it, he also talks about American gun laws in relation to hunters. I wasn't quite sure whether to believe his assertion that in Michigan and Texas, you could hunt legally - even if you are blind. Apparently, in Texas, you need a sighted person with you. In Michigan, you can go it alone. Really?

Well, now I've read further proof that I think he wasn't making it up. The following is a story from the AP.

AUSTIN, Texas - A lawmaker in this firearm-friendly state wants to help more people get the chance to shoot live animals - even if those people can't see. A bill filed for the 2007 legislative session would permit legally blind hunters to use laser sights, or lighted pointing instruments.

"This opens up the fun of hunting to additional people, and I think that's great," said Republican Rep. Edmund Kuempel, the bill's sponsor. Visually impaired people are allowed to shoot now with the aid of a sighted person, he said, a requirement that would continue if the sights were legalized. "I've seen this on TV before, when they're taking target practice," Kuempel 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."

Kuempel's bill would give the state until Jan. 1, 2008, to come up with a definition of legally blind so the law could be enforced. Under existing law, the use of laser sights, spotlights and headlights is strictly prohibited in all Texas hunting. The practice can have the effect of making animals stand still as the light shines on them. Hunters using sights under the proposed legislation would have to carry proof that they are legally blind.

A couple of things come to mind. First of all, this is just the first step towards Texas becoming the new Michigan (if indeed, Michigan allows non-sighted people to hunt without a sighted companion). In our day and age of technology, I'm not sure if I should feel comforted or not, knowing that pretty soon radar, GPS and the like will replace the sighted companion. I'm not sure if those are required in Michigan, but at least it would be better than nothing.

I'm also of the opinion that this is essentially a form of blind people playing laser tag with deer. Well, maybe a slightly more deadly version.