Oppose Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's (DFW) Proposal to Allow Hunters to Kill an Unlimited Number of Bobcats

Tell the DFW that you oppose the current proposal that would allow hunters to kill an UNLIMITED number of Bobcats. Take action by Monday, October 19, 2009.

CONTACT

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Fisheries & Wildlife Board email
phone (508) 389-6300
fax (508) 389-7890

INFORMATION

The present quota system allows 50 bobcats a year to be killed by hunting or trapping, after which the season is officially closed. The new proposal would eliminate this quota, making it possible for hunters and trappers to kill an unlimited number of these magnificent animals, who had become virtually extinct because of unlimited hunting in the first place.

Although the DFW claims that this is simply a matter of "housekeeping", no studies have been done to justify such a proposal, and the DFW is basing its argument that the bobcat population is expanding on such unscientific criteria as sightings, roadkill, and the reports of hunters. Even if the bobcat population is expanding, relatively few of these beautiful, secretive animals exist in the state, posing no real threat to humans or the environment.

As usual, Massachusetts wildlife is being treated by the DFW purely as fodder for recreational hunters, and any weakening of protective regulations sets a dangerous precedent. Remember, less than 1% of the state hunt, but hunters and fishermen determine how many of our precious wild animals are brutally killed each year. And remember, studies have shown that as many as 50% of hunted animals are wounded and left to suffer painful deaths.

Thank you for everything you do for animals!