Hi all

I should like to make plain one fact: it was never my intention to disparage honey hunting, where it is appropriate. Lacking resources, I expect I would hunt and gather, or else perish. However, we are promoting sustainable beekeeping. Hunting is only viable as long as the natural resources hold out. That is, unless the resources are replenished by forward looking individuals. 

Collecting swarms is fun, cheap and in some areas the most sensible way to stay in business. I could do that, never buy a hive, make honey and sell it and always show a profit. At this point in my life, I am primarily concerned with one thing: keeping my own bees alive. 

There is nothing wrong with hunting bees, or swarm collecting. I do those things occasionally, but to me it holds far less interest than the challenge of keeping the bees in my care from perishing. And I know that if they are let alone, they won't make it. The proof is simple enough: none of my colonies is over 3 years old. The others died and were replaced.

PLB

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm