BOBCATS and BLACK BEAR HAVE ONE THING "IN COMMON"

An Army buddy shared several pictures of a Bobcat that visited his yard.  They are magnificent creatures!  My friend had a once in a lifetime event.

We have a couple of bobcat pictures in our entryway that were taken by Roger Irwin, a professional outdoors photographer and friend.  Some of his work can be seen at  (http://www.rogerirwinphotos.com/)

Thinking about a squirrel breakfast

Recently, the State of New Hampshire had to settle an issue concerning whether or not to have a limited (50) bobcat hunt.  The "massaging" of information and half-truths was interesting to see.  As I carefully looked at what was being said, I realized that the bobcat --and significant money--was being used to further 'other' agendas--non-hunting agendas to be specific.   I'm not sure how New Hampshire will weather this, for it was surely the first shot across the bow of the hunting community and it went mostly unanswered.  That mustn't continue.

In Maine last year, a significant struggle between scientific game management practices--which include hunting--and emotional "feel-good" politics took place using the black bear as its poster-child.  Fortunately the good folks in Maine figured it all out and wisdom prevailed.

So the next time you see a TV commercial with sad music that begs money for a poor mistreated puppy...or perhaps a furry little kitten, ask yourself: "Where does this money really go, and how will it be spent?"   In my opinion, 'national' humane organizations are little more than political action groups in a fur coat.  For that reason, my wife and I only donate to local shelters where all the money/food/bedding goes directly to the shelter. It takes slightly more work to go locally, but by doing so, I feel that the charity we 'offer up' is not being turned against us. 

 

 



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