It was truly great to see the amount of people that actually showed at the meeting on poaching.

I think the citizens should have a great respect for those watching out for our wildlife here in the Estes Valley, but it's also up to all of us to watch out and help!

Many people are distraught about Samson's useless death, but what about all the other useless deaths?

The meeting showed not only this happens all the time, but that the poachers are not fully prosecuted!

We need to support our feelings about poaching and put it in writing by asking for mandatory fines and sentences (see below addresses).

Let's send a message to prospective poachers that we won't take it!

Maybe a start would be for signs to be posted in the canyons showing the fines if caught poaching.

The police do it in some areas with speeding tickets showing fines for speeding.

You think about it when you drive by. You slow down for fear of the pocketbook being hit!

Wouldn't poachers also think about it? Wouldn't they also come to the conclusion that it might be cheaper to hunt legally?

Let's form an awareness of the problem and do something about it. Educate poachers on what happens if caught.

There has been a lot of sadness due to our recent poaching in the Estes Valley.

Like any other hero, shouldn't we give Samson the respect of a proper burial with a plaque to remind all of us that it is our community to protect!

Don't hang Samson on the wall as a trophy.

Samson was a respected member of the Estes Park family. Would you hang your family on the wall?

What happened was tragic and useless, but he is not a trophy to the community.

The "real" trophy is what was received in memories to each person!

Address your letters to Office of Judge Nelson, 606 N. Cleveland, Loveland, 80537; Linda Blair or Michelle Brickman, Larimer County District Attorney, 123 N. College, Suite 303, Fort Collins, 80524; Larimer County District Attorney, 205 E. 6th St., Loveland, 80537.

Kathy A. Ballard

Estes Park