At one time or another, most hunting state politicians will hold a gun on camera to try to connect with “ordinary Joes.” And, at one time or another, most hunters will be accused of being cruel to animals.

Like many hunters, I dislike both of these things. Irritatingly, they came together last week when Sarah Palin posed with a rifle on her television show.

Public figures have a way of looking ridiculous when they pose with guns on TV, and this was no exception. In her case, when she was handed a loaded rifle, she immediately put her finger on the trigger of a weapon with a live round in the chamber.

This kind of thing happens, of course, with people of all political persuasions. Who, for example, can forget Democratic presidential contender Michael Dukakis spinning along in that tank?

Unfortunately, the negative response to the episode was more about wanton killing than poor shooting technique. Repeatedly, comments revolved around the idea that hunting is cruel and unnecessary in a society in which food is readily available in stores.

This is a hollow argument. I have killed and eaten animals. I have also worked on cattle ranches, and I have seen animal processing plants. There’s no doubt in my mind which method of getting meat on the table is more humane.

Yes, some people do kill animals irresponsibly. Because of them, America has laws that regulate limits on and methods of hunting, and people who break game laws should be punished. But ethical, law-abiding hunters are among the least of America’s troubles when it comes to animal cruelty.

Reeling ’em in

Jeff McNew shot me a text Saturday afternoon that filled up my screen with a whopping crappie he caught on the Middle Bosque while fishing with his son Matt and Matt’s friend Riley Allen of Robinson.

They were fishing curly tailed jigs in 10 feet of water, and at press time, they had hauled in nearly a dozen big crappie and largemouth bass.

Check photos of the winter crappie action at www.centexoutdoors.com.

Safari expo in Dallas

Outdoor enthusiasts from across the country will make their way to Dallas on Jan. 6-9 for the Dallas Safari Club’s annual convention.

A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected to pass through the gates of the four-day expo, which will be held at the Dallas Convention Center and Hyatt Regency.

Visitors will find more than 800 exhibitor booths with vendors from around the world, as well as seminars, wildlife displays and live and silent auctions featuring sporting equipment and wilderness experiences.

The expo is geared toward both big- and small-game hunters, as well as those who just want to see what’s on the market. Vendor booths will include American and international lodges and outfitters, hunting vehicles, weapons, technology, cooking equipment, rescue and survival gear, taxidermy, artwork, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, food and hunting gear.

For more information, go to www.biggame.org.