In a very real sense, this "gene splicing" has allowed mankind to create new life forms. For instance, one of the first uses of this technology was to insert a gene for producing insulin into a bacterium.
As the bacterium divides over and over again, this gene is faithfully reproduced in succeeding generations.
The result is a mind-boggling army of tireless workers that can manufacture insulin. Since that time, genetic manipulations have included introducing human DNA into petunias.
Plants that glow in the dark were fabricated by combining genes from a firefly with those of a tobacco plant. Today, the capability to clone humans has become a reality.
Although this scenario is more than a little scary to some, we have been tinkering around with animals and plants since the dawn of time.
Look at a hairless cat or dachshund. Clearly, the only reason they thrive is because we protect them and perpetuate their kind. In fact, most of our domestic creatures would not survive on their own.
With this power now unleashed upon the world, you've got to wonder how long it will be before hunters and anglers get involved in the fun.
Beefalo, hybrid giant sunfish, albino trout, and a host of other neat fauna now peacefully coexist with us.
These have not involved actual genetic engineering, but it won't be far behind. In 1985, scientists in China spliced a gene for human growth hormone into carp.
Yes, in China, aquaculture of carp is big business and a source of needed protein. Now, there are carp swimming around with our genes that grow up to 40 percent larger, and do so faster as well.
In Alabama, scientists are working hard to produce a bigger, dumber (as in easy to catch) catfish. Farming of these whiskered fish brings in close to $225 million in Alabama alone. Security is supposed to be tight with these experiments, but as you might guess, sooner or later, they will start popping up in the wild. Will this be a good thing?
While big, dumb fish sound like a good thing for opening day of fishing season, one has to wonder where this will all lead.
It might sound frightening, but I think we have already fabricated some of our wildest dreams. How about big, dumb, really slow deer.
Maybe that's pretty close to what we now call cows. Well, I've got a few more ideas I'd like to submit to see if these gene splicers can follow through.
Maybe a mallard that flies only in tight circles at a constant height of 30 yards would be a good start.
Inserting genes from an ostrich into our wild turkeys could hatch a whole new season. If only a largemouth bass could be developed that would avoid all weeds and stay within one to two feet of the surface, it would get my vote.
If they could somehow get growth hormone into squirrels and pump them up to good twenty or thirty pounds, they might be worth hunting for.
Meanwhile, savor the abundance of opportunities we still have to enjoy our outdoor pursuits before we have to worry about contending with some cross between a wolverine and opossum ruining an otherwise enjoyable time spent afield.
