This time of year, Wisconsin hunters start to think about deer season, which begins Nov. 17. But memories of the mass murder by Hmong immigrant Chai Vang of six Americans are still present, as shown by the sales of English-Hmong language signs warning of private property. (More information is available at Ezotic Hunting Signs.)

A Waupaca County man is selling signs that alert hunters in English and Hmong to land that is closed to public hunting in an effort to avert tragedies blamed on racial conflict and misunderstanding.

"That's where you run across problems," said Eric Humbert of Ogdensburg, who said his bilingual signs will help eliminate the language barrier.

Humbert had "No trespassing without permission" signs translated with the help of a Hmong co-worker. He had 500 polyethylene signs manufactured and has distributed 350 for $4 each. [Waupaca County man hopes bilingual signs ease hunting tensions Appleton Post-Crescent 10/23/07]

It appears that Wisconsin hunting licenses are available to legal immigrants with Social Security numbers, so citizenship (including the presumed ability to speak English) is not required.

In addition, the signs assume that Hmong can read their own language; however a Wisconsin study found 70 percent of Hmong had little or no literacy in their native tongue. In addition, 94 percent of Hmong living in America do not speak English at home. Perhaps signs utilizing a simple symbol would be more appropriate.