Reader: A$$holes Like Christopher Loncarich Are Why I Have to Defend Why I Hunt

Alan Prendergast's story about Christopher Loncarich, a hunting guide who received a 27-month sentence for "going to absurd lengths to insure that the slaughter of mountain lions and bobcats in Utah and Colorado," prompted a vigorous conversation, with many hunters taking care to distance themselves from Loncarich's behavior. Here's an...

By Michael Roberts

January 6, 2015

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Alan Prendergast's story about Christopher Loncarich, a hunting guide who received a 27-month sentence for "going to absurd lengths to insure that the slaughter of mountain lions and bobcats in Utah and Colorado," prompted a vigorous conversation, with many hunters taking care to distance themselves from Loncarich's behavior. Here's an example.

Dale Luginbill writes:

This story infuriated me! This is the reason I have to defend myself about why I hunt. This idiot isn't a hunter. He is a greedy bastard and would be doing unethical and illegal actions in whatever occupation he chose. I have no problem with trophy hunting, I don't. As long as it's all done in fair chase! What's the damn point of pitting your skill against the wilds if you cheat?! Just goes to show, there are assholes in every walk of life. All we can do, is be the better man.

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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