I have to add this...but didn't want to take away from the post that "J" put up. :smiley_blink:
This states' DNR has the balance of prey and predators, upside down. And for what? The almighty dollar. The Ohio Insurance Commission or the Farm Bureau throws some cash at them and they spit out more weapon choices, more doe permits, more seasons to kill does, release coyotes, charge more for "fur taker" permits (when a small game license used to cover it all) and now the possibility of a bobcat release. NUTS!!! :smiley_devil:
What do we have for edible prey animals to hunt?
* Whitetails
* Rabbits
* Squirrels
* Waterfowl
* Pheasants (about 1/2 of the state)
* Quail (only 1/3 of the state)
* Doves
* Grouse (a dwindling population)
* Turkey
* Groundhog (another game animal dwindling, due to coyotes)
* Feral Hogs (not as populated as the DNR would have you believe)
What do we have for predators? (Consider how much it takes to feed one of these animals and how many of each species exists.)
* Racoons
* Red Fox
* Grey Fox
* Coyote
* Mink
* Opossum
* Skunk
* Raptors (This list is extensive...hawks, falcons, kestrels, owls and eagles)
* Weasel
Not a listed killer, but well worth mentioning, feral cats.
Consider how many of each of these predators have for young, each year and how much it takes to feed them all. Granted not all of the newborns of either species make it under normal conditions, but the imbalance of predator vs. prey, isn't helping the prey animals continue a decent population for the sportsmen to enjoy. Basically, the predators are eating what we should be eating, but those prey animals never make it to adulthood long enough for that to happen.
Back on topic: NO! We don't need or want any bobcats!
I certainly hope this is only a rumor.
Bowhunter57
This states' DNR has the balance of prey and predators, upside down. And for what? The almighty dollar. The Ohio Insurance Commission or the Farm Bureau throws some cash at them and they spit out more weapon choices, more doe permits, more seasons to kill does, release coyotes, charge more for "fur taker" permits (when a small game license used to cover it all) and now the possibility of a bobcat release. NUTS!!! :smiley_devil:
What do we have for edible prey animals to hunt?
* Whitetails
* Rabbits
* Squirrels
* Waterfowl
* Pheasants (about 1/2 of the state)
* Quail (only 1/3 of the state)
* Doves
* Grouse (a dwindling population)
* Turkey
* Groundhog (another game animal dwindling, due to coyotes)
* Feral Hogs (not as populated as the DNR would have you believe)
What do we have for predators? (Consider how much it takes to feed one of these animals and how many of each species exists.)
* Racoons
* Red Fox
* Grey Fox
* Coyote
* Mink
* Opossum
* Skunk
* Raptors (This list is extensive...hawks, falcons, kestrels, owls and eagles)
* Weasel
Not a listed killer, but well worth mentioning, feral cats.
Consider how many of each of these predators have for young, each year and how much it takes to feed them all. Granted not all of the newborns of either species make it under normal conditions, but the imbalance of predator vs. prey, isn't helping the prey animals continue a decent population for the sportsmen to enjoy. Basically, the predators are eating what we should be eating, but those prey animals never make it to adulthood long enough for that to happen.
Back on topic: NO! We don't need or want any bobcats!
I certainly hope this is only a rumor.
Bowhunter57