Reader opposes bobcat hunting
Letter to the Editor:
This letter is a response to the opinion editorial by Keith Daniels of the Trappers Association in the March 31 issue. He claims "nobody cares more about our fur bearers than we do." He states to "rest assured the bobcats never have been and never will be a species that is in danger of extinction."
How can he guarantee this? I need proof. I have spoken to many people in various parts of Ohio with only one sighting, 30 years ago. For a big 88-county state, doesn't it sound like there are a whole lot out there?
He says "we need to manage our natural resources for the benefit of all." The Ohio Division of Natural Resources wants to kill these elusive animals by leg-hold trapping Nov. 10 through January 2019.
Who exactly will then benefit from their furs after they are killed? The carcasses are supposedly to be a way to get biological data. However, there are several other humane methods. In fact the past road kill has been a good source of data. He goes on to say "science is what is behind the proposal, not emotion."
Therefore, after the data is obtained, there should be someone present. Verify that the furs are destroyed, not sold. We all know furs are worth money.
He states the highest fur price in West Virginia at their winter auction was $60. Having been born and raised in West Virginia, I know you cannot compare their economy to Ohio's. Ours is much better. Why do you think so many people in West Virginia come into Ohio to work and even move here? Actually West Virginia helps Ohio's economy.
Also he says that "ODOW's field research was getting live bobcats using foot-hold traps for exams, measurements, radio collar and released, and for gathering lifestyle data in the future." If this is done, then why does ODNR want to kill them this coming November? There is no need to kill them.
Regarding his statement, "Science is behind the proposal, not emotion," it is not emotion. It is called doing the right thing humanely. These animals should not be exploited by mankind.
Call Gov. Kasich at 614-466-3555 or 614-644-4357 and also call 1-800-WILDLIFE to oppose this proposal. There is only one public meeting on April 23 at the Wildlife District Office in Columbus at 2 p.m.
Also, tell them to ban the painful leg-hold traps. Their final vote is by eight people on May 9.
Marie Stepic
Dalton