In a way, this might be the way to go.

A program that gives shelter to homeless alcoholics but allows them to keep drinking and not be forced into treatment could save taxpayers millions in public costs, according to a study published on Tuesday. 

The study also found that daily alcohol consumption fell by 2 percent per month for those in the shelter.

The results were based on a look at 95 people admitted to a program in Seattle called Housing First from 2005 to 2007. They were compared with others who were still on the street and on waiting lists to get into the shelter.

"Our study suggests that homeless alcoholics who qualify to take part in Housing First can stay out of jails and (hospital) emergency rooms and cost the taxpayer a lot less money as a result," said Mary Larimer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington, who led the study.

"We also found that these benefits increase over time and that they are possible without requiring that participants stop drinking. And yet, the longer the participants stay in the housing program, the less they drink," Larimer said.

The report was published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association.

After 12 months in the shelter the total public costs relating to the care of the 95 individuals was cut by more than $4 million compared to the year before, the researchers said.

That, and the fact all of your hunting targets are gathered together in one spot, which reduces effort on the hunter's part.

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