just chaps my a##,,,,we have a bill that has been introduced in Illinois that would ban our bobcat season...........it went to committee today,,,but got held until next week. I contacted as mmany individuals as I could to send in witness slips to show opposition ...deer hunter groups, fishing groups, etc.................and folks on my fb friends list.............very little response!! I cannot seem to get thru to them that an attack on one, is an attack on all.................they wont stop if they get the ban passed. why cant these people get the fire in their @##$ and pitch in?? the antis will have a media blitz on this,,,,,,,,they have more exposure than we do..........if we cant get the help from our own community,,,,,we are screwed. science dosent matter to them.........its all about emotion and knee jerk reflexes.

Unfortunately you'll have to find an angle where the bobcat issue affects them. They don't tend to see the slippery slope.

Reality check most of those groups don't like trappers.

bobcats today , coyote contests tomorrow , day after hound hunting of coyotes , next day all hound hunting, follow that up with coyote trapping , coon trapping, night calling , then when there are so many predators that faun survival is 1 in 30 deer numbers dwindle and no bird can keep a nest , then they might start to understand

the chance of hope will have sailed

Sadly many can't see past thinking that will mean more for them. Illinois has more of them then most realize. Some of those rabid cat owners don't realize how many of their cats have become a main course for their bigger cousins. I got a call in the mid 80's for one that was taking them off an older woman's porch. Then there was no way you could get a permit to trap one either.

then they get all enraged what do you mean their is nothing you can do

well mam you can get a gun and shoot the bobcat while it is attacking your pet on the porch


"oh I couldn't do that !" well than it doesn't sound like you can help you either.

True, tried talking to our local sportsman's club to see how they felt about a few issues. Thought perhaps I could get some support but once they found out I was a trapper and not a trophy deer hunter all bets where off. Once they get rid of us trappers then they'll be next, then on to farmers.....

Doing animal control in Illinois was educational to say the least. Most all thought I was paid by the state and at their call any hour of the night. It was amazing how many problems disappeared once they would have to pay for the service.

I did some bee work as well. Once they found I wouldn't do removal and repair for the honey out came the cans of raid and no more calls from them. Picking up swarms was interesting and a chance to educate the public.

I fail to see the problem here. If i could fine a bobcat that thinned out cats effectively, I would protect it like gold and hope it grew old and fat in my neighborhood Lol

Most do not realize it will cost 10 as much get the law change back,(even if you can) than to stop it know.

I filled out mine, there was around 300 opposed when I did it.

we can't even get all trapper's to join clubs , or NTA , or get involved , we are loosing the fight all over the country