The peace and serenity of a morning's walk along a lagoon was shattered by gunfire.  A few moments later two mallards glided to the safety of the wildlife refuge.  It seemed bizarre that on the other side of the hills ducks fell prey to the killing frenzy that is duck shooting season, yet only metres away the birds were safe.  As these birds flew in to land I was struck by their grace and agility and wondered, not for the first time, how anyone could take pleasure from killing and maiming these beautiful creatures in the name of sport and teaching their children that is it good to do so.