Today, more than ever before, the sport that we hold so dear (hunting and fishing) and the traditional use of public land, is under siege! It often seems that so many things combine to challenge our way of lift here in the West that it is almost insurmountable. Four to six thousand new residents move to Clark County a month, most of whom have never driven a jeep trail or taken a horse on an elk hunt. Without an understanding of what life in the West is about, they often are quick to embrace the environmentalist's "save the world" attitude which means to lock up the public lands; and the animal rights advocates' campaign to eliminate hunting and fishing. It's almost as if they believe that we who live here don't care about our environment and without some kind of intervention we would build condos on every mountain top and kill off all of our fish and game. We need to educate those who have this belief as to the difference between conservation and preservation; the wise use concept to management of our renewable resources. 1 believe that these traditions are worth fighting for, but that equates to winning the hearts and minds of those who are uninformed! With increased numbers we can amass the political strength we need to maintain reason in these areas. Which brings me to the point of this article. We all need to vote in a unified manner to support candidates who support as. Hunters and fishermen tend to be loners who do not relish fighting these battles or even recognizing the threat that surely exists. However, today we cannot afford the luxury of inaction. And don't think your vote doesn't count. With voter apathy so prevalent, each ballot cast has real significance. The most recent example being Assembly District 1 where the margin was so close that in the primary 3 special elections had to be held to determine a winner. Voting is the simplest and most direct way we can ensure that our interests are protected. November 5th is the day that we should all make the small effort that can mean so much. If we don't we may well have to explain to our grandchildren why they cannot enjoy the sport that we made such a large part of our lives as children and that we continue to cherish as adults.