Anyone else catch this on their web browser this morning?
CMM: ATLANTA
The National Park Service announced today that the use of cloth patching for muzzleloaders will no longer be allowed on Federally controlled lands effective October 31st, 2005. Interior Secretary Terrance Holmes, speaking from Cheyenne Mountain, claimed several reasons for the decision: "We are concerned about the fire danger from smoldering patches. There is also the bacteria concern for browsing animals that may ingest the patching. Some hunters use their own spit, and that's just too icky." The NRA would not return calls, but the receptionist there stated: "No one uses cloth patching in muzzleloaders anymore, anyway. That would require an inefficient lead bullet." When asked if the Parks Service recommended a substitute for cloth patching, Mr. Holmes replied: "They are all unsafe to some degree. Plastic patches are non-biodegradable litter and a choking hazard to smaller animals. We'd much rather they just took pictures."