1. Having lived in Ohio, I can assure everyone that you need a hunter education course. HOWEVER, Kerry (like myself) is probably grandfathered out of the requirement because of his age. Also, as far as I know all of the states that have a hunter safety course requirement for a hunting license reciprocates with the rest. Basically, it's a non-issue here.

2. Kerry got a non-resident license (ALWAYS more expensive, sometimes much more) and shot two Canada geese. Good. They are hardly an endangered species.

3. Whether he ate or will eat the meat or donated it to a foodbank or "Hunters For The Hungry" is his decision.

4. In Ohio and other states, especially in rural areas, a grocery store or even a gas station might very well sell hunting and fishing licenses -- as well as firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, bait, and such things.

6. Even in states as populous as Ohio, even Northeastern Ohio (where Kerry was), you might be surprised how rural "rural" can be.

7. Photo op -- sure, why not? It's an election year and the press is following him and Bush and others around like dogs after a bone. I'd make use of the opportunity to do some hunting and get some positive publicity too (if I was crazy enough to run for anything).