What it boils down is that I find ‘killing for the sake of killing’ to be wrong. And most hunters I know do too. When it is done under the pretense of “hunting”, such as is proposed in this plan, it is still… wrong.

In any event, I would like to remind everyone that this is not policy yet. The DEC wants to hear from you about this proposal.

Email them and let them know what you think: fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (use the subject line: Bobcat Plan)

Phil – I don’t know anyone personally who traps or has shot a bobcat but a quick online search will reveal at least some who do eat them.

Dave – your friends said what I said. The vast majority of animals shot are eaten so “hunting” also implys eating the animal unless stated otherwise, i.e. trophy hunting, management hunting. However, even the later qualifications only relate to the persons main purpose and don’t mean that the animal wasn’t eaten. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with “hunting for the sake of hunting.”

Wren – every living thing experiences suffering, anxiety, etc. its a part of the natural world. No one can eliminate it, but only strive to minimize it. That is what many refer to as the Disney reality. All animals living together in a cozy little peaceful world. Even Deer have been documented by science as eating meat – specifically hatchling song birds.

It all boils down to respect. Respect for the animal, respect for the environment, and respect for other people. Which the DEC refers to by their typical statements such as “Provide for sustainable use and enjoyment of bobcat by the public.”

Hunting for the sake of hunting is killing a wild animal for no legitimate purpose. For the fun of it… or for a trophy, etc.

I think most people, including a lot of hunters (at least the ones I know), would disagree with you that there is nothing wrong with that.

That the DEC awkwardly phrases this as “for enjoyment” doesn’t help the perception.

Dave / Bill – there is nothing wrong with hunting just for sake of hunting. “Hunting” should be considered to include eating and other utilization of the animal which is what happens with the vast majority of animals killed during hunting. In addition, NYS has a “wanton waste” law and typically those who would kill an animil they do not like eating provide that to friends or neighbors that do like eating it.

I hunt but do not trap and personally have never thought of killing a bobcat because I did not think I would like the taste and they are beautiful and ecologically important animals. As with all animals that I would consider shooting, I only do so if I will eat the animal. In my opinion, if someone hunts or traps only to kill an animal, they will not do so very long. These activities are far too expensive, time consuming, and typically unsuccessful for all but the most psychotic of personalities to do so just to kill something.

If the DEC thinks these regulations will allow both the hunting / trapping and a sustainable population I am for it. I think people should look to the DEC’s successful management of the state’s bear population – which as seen both increased numbers taken by hunters and an expanding population – as good proof of their expertise and goals.

“This is a draft plan for which we are accepting public comment until February 16. We encourage Ms. Catranis and others to provide their concerns and comments to NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bobcat Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by e-mail to fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type *Bobcat Plan* in the subject line).”