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Question of the day

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Illinois

* AP…

Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation making it legal to hunt bobcats in Illinois.

Regulatory officials said after the signing Tuesday that the first hunting season won’t open until late 2016 because the state must get federal and other permits.

Supportive lawmakers say the once-endangered cat now numbers as many as 5,000 in the Prairie State and poses a nuisance and potential danger.

* SJ-R…

No more than 300 bobcats may be hunted or trapped during a season running from Nov. 1 to Feb. 15. State-issued permits will cost $5.

But the first season won’t begin until 2016, said Chris Young, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The state must first require necessary permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which requires proper tagging of bobcat pelts.

“Hunters and trappers play an important role in managing resources and paying for conservation services, and Illinois homeowners should be given the ability to manage wildlife that are causing problems on their property,” Catherine Kelly, spokeswoman for the governor, an avid hunter, said in a prepared statement. “If at any time the species is threatened, the IDNR will suspend hunting and trapping.”

Opponents argued bobcats aren’t hunted for eating, just for sport by those seeking a prize and bragging rights.

* Tribune…

The new law, which the governor’s office said takes effect Jan. 1, opens up bobcat hunting for the first time in 40 years. The short-tailed feline, about twice the size of a domestic cat, had been on the state’s threatened species list but was removed in 1999 as its population grew.

Bobcats are nocturnal, reclusive animals with few predators in the state. They use their keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, squirrels, small rodents and some birds.

* From a recent Tribune editorial…

Gov. Pat Quinn wisely vetoed that bill.

Gov. Bruce Rauner, your turn.

We know you support hunting, which is fine by us. But people don’t eat bobcat meat. The cats don’t threaten large livestock or most other wildlife. Bobcat conflicts with agricultural animals are rare, IDNR biologist Bob Bluett tells us. In 2014, for instance, the department issued three permits to kill bobcats for “killing chickens or other small animals.”

Bobcats dine on smaller animals, including rabbits, mice, squirrels and rats. Anyone in favor of more rats in Illinois?

Bobcats roam forest lands and make homes in downed trees, hollow logs, thickets, rock piles and caves. To allow “random shooting of bobcats to control a nonexistent problem is not a sound strategy,” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, tells us. “It’s like a crime control strategy that involves shooting into a crowd.”

I’ll just say right up front that this question is intentionally designed to put some of y’all in a trick box…

* The Question: Do you agree with Gov. Rauner or the Tribune editorial board? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

customer survey

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 11:57 am

Comments

It is insanity to take great measures to rebuild the population and then let them be trapped for trophies. There is nothing good about this and there seems to be no science behind the bill.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:00 pm
These aren’t little kittens. These things can and do take down fawns….or your household pets. The population is growing fast and will explode if not managed.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:04 pm
I think I can hear the nashing of teeth

Said Rauner, might help some communities with some additional hunting activity

Comment by Oneman Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:04 pm
This is certainly the most diabolical “Question of the day” I have yet seen on Cap Fax.

Comment by John A Logan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:04 pm
While against this in general, Trib pretty much sums up why. I have to ask, why $5? State has a budget crisis, hunters do it for a trophy, might as well charge them something a bit more….though the whole idea is sad.

Comment by burbanite Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:06 pm
===Opponents argued bobcats aren’t hunted for eating,===

They’ve obviously never tried it. Mmmmm, bobcat.

Gotta go with the Tribune on this one, as much as it pains me to type this.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:07 pm
With the limit set at 300, I guess I am fine with it. Population control makes sense since there isn’t a natural predator. So… huh… I guess I agree with the Governor. And now I need a nap (or a beer).

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:10 pm
I pray for those graduates of Ohio University.

Comment by Wumpus Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:10 pm
I agreed with Rauner on this one with the caveat that IDNR biologists are actively monitoring population counts and adjusting permit # accordingly. Hunting is a wildlife management tool the population has reached the size it needs to be managed. I will say the 5 $ permit fee is way to low if only 300 will be taken should be $30 plus at least as high as deer.

As for hurting birds and rabbits keep your housecats inside that will help the population. Housecats are terrible on wild birds especially ground nesting birds like quail and pheasant.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Mean old Bobcat eating Bambi!! I shudder at the thought.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Bad science…
Bad policy…
Bad optics…
Should be a simple choice, except politics being what it is…..
I voted with the Trib

Comment by northernwatersports Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:14 pm
Burbanite makes a good point. I don’t really know whose “facts” to believe, but I do know that people are willing to pay a lot of money for their hunting hobbies. If bobcats are really causing so many problems, then take advantage of the exclusiveness and charge more.

Comment by Timmeh Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:14 pm
”
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:04 pm:

These aren’t little kittens. These things can and do take down fawns….or your household pets. The population is growing fast and will explode if not managed.”

Nonsense on a scale on national voter fraud. Trib because I’m not in favor of killing animals for the fun of it..

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Though I detest him, Rauner. However, I find it hypocritical for him to waste time considering issues that aren’t part of his turn around agenda.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:18 pm
To the bobcat-loving newbies (one of whom I just deleted): This is not a newspaper website. Please, restrain your hyperbole or you’ll be deleted like that other goofy person.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:18 pm
I agree with the Tribune. We have an over abundance of small game with few predators, though my Tom cat is doing the best he can to keep them out of my yard. Besides, a small bobcat pelt is a trophy? Wow, I’m so not impressed.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:18 pm
“scale on national” should be “scale of national”
Pardon me..

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:19 pm
I hate agreeing with the Trib. I’ve convinced myself that the Rauner hive mind must have been down when that editorial was penned.

Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:21 pm
Bobcats were on the threatened species list because during the previous time when bobcat hunting was allowed it wasn’t stopped until it was nearly too late. Trying to control “nuisance” and “potential danger” bobcats through “sport” hunting is like trying to deal with drunk driving by randomly arresting and imprisoning drivers. Pretending that fewer bobcats will result in the remaining bobcats endeavoring not to become “nuisances” or “potential dangers” is like pretending that fewer drivers on the road will result in the remaining drivers giving up on drinking alcohol.

Comment by Tibicen Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:25 pm
I believe IDNR biologists could justify bobcat hunting on biological grounds. This is bound to be a popular move with sportsmen.
On the other hand, DNR continues to ignore how this will go down with citizens in general.

Comment by Buster Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:26 pm
Going with the governor now you can have a pet bobcat?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:27 pm
As long as we are not talking about Goldthwait…

Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:29 pm
Tough call. Illinois could use fewer deer and rodents. On the other hand, Illinois does not exist in a vacuum. Do surrounding states allow bobcat trapping/hunting? I travel the length and width of this state and have never seen a bobcat.

Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:30 pm
I voted with Rauner for the first time. Sensible legislation.

Comment by 2nd Ward Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:33 pm
Voted with Rauner, although permits should be closely monitored. It seems $5 is pretty cheap. Maybe they’re not as far north as LaSalle County, but I have NEVER seen a bobcat in Illinois, even driving on rural roads at night.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:38 pm
I disagree with the governor’s decision to legalize the hunting of bobcats. Yes, I have read the bobcats are plentiful but I live in the country and seeing a bobcat is always a treat. They are not common.

Comment by Strongly Disagree Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:38 pm
“These things can and do take down fawns… or your household pets.”

Ain’t you ever seen “The Lion King”?

It’s The Circle of Life, baby.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:39 pm
The only time this year I will side with the tribune, I hope your happy the Bruce

Comment by Broken window Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Pure silliness from Anonymous.

The subspecies of bobcat found in Southern Illinois is the smallest, bigger than your average tabby for sure, but not by much.

The dangers of population explosion are surely remote, since bobcats are territorial hunters, and typically only live to be six or eight years old.

While its true that adults have few predators, kittens have many, including owls, eagles, foxes and coyotes, all of which keeps populations in check.

Let’s not pretend this is about ecology or population control. This is about hunters who want to hang the spotted pelt on the wall and don’t want to trek to Kentucky to get one.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:40 pm
Only if your household pets are chickens should this be a problem.

Comment by overcooked Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:41 pm
== Do surrounding states allow bobcat trapping/hunting?==

Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa do. Not sure about the others.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:41 pm
==The subspecies of bobcat found in Southern Illinois is the smallest, bigger than your average tabby for sure, but not by much.==

Those in Western Illinois can grow to 50 pounds

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:43 pm
Bobcats taste like chicken.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:46 pm
It hurt but I voted with the Trib. I’m sure Bruce’s huntin’ buddies are happy.

Comment by Politix Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:47 pm
Juvenal, even if all of your points are true, that doesn’t change the key fact that bobcats are animals, and animals don’t have rights. As long as they are not an endangered species they are going to be hunted by people. For sport or for nourishment makes no difference to the animal. Why does it make a difference to you? If I want to hunt a bobcat in IL, and can do so without endangering the species, what’s the problem?

Comment by MurMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:48 pm
Why only 5 per license? licenses in Colorado and other States range from 500-1000 for animals that can only be hunted in small numbers.

The State needs income…..

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:50 pm
It’s limited to 300 permits/year. If the bobcat population is threatened, that number can be reduced or the season eliminated. I don’t see the harm.

But mostly, that guy Pacelle from the Humane Society sounds like a real jerk, so I voted against him.

Comment by Harry Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:51 pm
New Capfax article:

“Bobcats support term limits, workers comp. reform, and pension reform.”

~Everyone in comments section applies for a permit~

Comment by O.W.L. Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:57 pm
I cannot believe that I am agreeing with the Trib.

But, if Rauner wants to nip the population in the bud, I am with burbanite and feel that charging more for the license is appropriate. It’s a more unusual catch (than a deer) so charge more.

Comment by Belle Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:57 pm
I’ll go with the governor on this one, although I don’t like the trapping part. Hardly sporting.

The species is no longer endangered and is growing, there is no other predator, and the proposed harvest is small.

The “not-gonna-eat-it” argument doesn’t fly, unless you’re also proposing to ban all catch-and-release fishing. Good luck with that!

Having said, it’s delightful to read a Tribbie edit on Illinois that doesn’t include deranged and hysterical ravings about Greece, Detroit and Madigan.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 12:57 pm
I stand with the Trib, it seems that the population just is not there yet.

Comment by Annon3 Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:02 pm
I’m agreeing with my Kendall County friend - Todd -…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:03 pm
Not a hunter, not a big fan of hunting, but as long as IDNR is managing the permits properly, I have no problem with this. I can’t deny that private deer hunting has dramatically helped control the species, reducing starving animals, collisions with cars, etc., and most hunters seem to take pretty seriously the need to kill “humanely.” If the bobcat population has reached a level where it needs to be controlled, might as well have private, permitted hunters do it as IDNR officers — but the permit price probably should be quite a bit higher, as it’s a trophy animal with a small number of permits.

Downstate, hunters have been major allies of environmentalists in wetland restoration, creation of wildlife corridors, and similar projects, and I’ve come to realize most hunters care a great deal about the health of the environment and the health of the animals in it. Not sure how I’d feel about being friends with someone with a bobcat skin on the wall. It’s really not my thing. But not being my thing doesn’t mean it should be illegal.

Comment by Educated in the Suburbs Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:04 pm
Not to be disrespectful, but given the serious issues confronting Illinois, I would have picked “Don’t Care” had the option been offered.

Comment by Southside Markie Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:07 pm
Reasonable hunting limits are good conservation. Balance needs to be maintained. Sorry folks but I have a hard time listening to “city folks” opinion on this. Not that long ago someone in the suburbans nursed a coyote back to health after being hit by a car. Really? An animal you can hunt year round because its a nuisance and someone nursed back to health? Let’s figure out how to take better care of our fellow citizens first.

Comment by Hoping for Rational Thought Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:08 pm
I agree with Governor Rauner - but mostly because he has an extremely competent person running DNR. If it were a hack manning the controls at DNR, then I likely would have sided with the Trib.

Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Well said, Educated in the burbs

Comment by MurMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:08 pm
I’m not a hunter. I’m not a gun guy (but I support the 2nd Amendment with some reservation). I don’t live in the area where these animals have become a nuisance.

It’s hard to vote on this one for me. The tilt was that it’s one of the rare things that passed in a GA with serious division. And even this issue had divisions, though different from economic and reform divisions.

Truly torn, but I voted on the side of the GA and Rauner on this one.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:08 pm
Voting to agree with the Tribune, basef on the lack of a percieved need to hunt bobcats at this point. If only there was a way to disagree with both Rauner and the Tribune Editorial Board, based on the source, and completely ignoring the merits of their arguments, I’d have chosen that option instead.

Comment by AC Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:09 pm
We need a few bobcats in my Chicago neighborhood to help decrease the rat population!

Comment by Decatur gal Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:10 pm
A bobcat was found in the large carport of my mother’s retirement home near Carbondale. 300 animals taken out of a breeding population of 5,000 is not “shooting into a crowd” as one critic stated. DNR, with all of its faults, has had some success over the decades in bringing back some animals (otters, turkey, and everyone now finally knows too well about the deer population). An aspect of wildlife management is that some hunting to curb numbers getting out of hand (and preserve the viability of the animals present) becomes necessary. Like it or not, some groups opposed to hunting and firearms and other causes must learn to accept this fact.

Comment by Not a Hunter Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:11 pm
“Those in Western Illinois can grow to 50 pounds”

Nonsense.

The largest verified bobcat on record was shot in Wisconsin in 1984 and weighed 49 lbs.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:11 pm
A tough call. If and when they get so numerous they start bothering farm animals or family pets then it should be allowed.
At this time, though, it looks more like a campaign photo op to go along with the Carhartt jacket. I voted with the Trib. on this one.

Comment by DuPage Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:16 pm
Going with the Gov. The legislature set the fee, not the Gov. Like other fur bearers, the pelt has value and the meat can be used for bait, pet food, compost, etc. IDNR did not oppose, so what’s the big deal?

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:17 pm
The bobcats seem to be doing their job as varmint hunters, and are not in danger of starvation due to overpopulation. Is this simply about pelts for the ego? Just don’t see the justification for this.

Comment by walker Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:20 pm
I voted with Rauner. I did not like the bill because personally I don’t see many. But wildlife biologists at DNR supported the bill based on science. It is the same science they use to manage deer, ducks, geese, and many other wild life populations.

Most hunting is for sport, not food, even if the game is eaten. I don’t see people crying in the suburbs over coyote hunting. Anybody have coyote loin lately?

The distinction between an environmentalist and a conservationist is Environmentalist say protect it all. Conservationists consider the balance of all life, including humans and try to use science to sustain all life perpetually.

Comment by the Patriot Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:23 pm
===Truly torn, but I voted on the side of the GA and Rauner on this one.===

Lol!

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:24 pm
==The largest verified bobcat on record was shot in Wisconsin in 1984 and weighed 49 lbs.==

*was: http://www.skinnymoose.com/moosedroppings/2009/02/13/here-kitty-kitty-new-north-america-record-bobcat-taken/

I have personally seen a few in Western/NW Illinois that are much closer to that size than the claim of them only being “slightly larger than a Tom cat.”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:26 pm
Raise the license fee. To $10 million. Times 300 licenses. That makes some sense.

Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:26 pm
Many of these same objectors also don’t think Bambi should be hunted. Imagine the overpopulation if she wasn’t. There are people who oppose gun ownership, hunting, killing any living thing needlessly. There are others who own guns, some of whom hunt. There’s also a large number who really don’t care one way or another.

The issue was heard and passed by each of the two houses of the GA, and signed by the popularly elected Governor. As with all laws some agree, some disagree, life goes on. No big deal. I voted in support of the Governor’s action.

Comment by steve schnorf Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:29 pm
No justification to hunt them. Perhaps a bill for an annual hunt on irresponsible legislators?

Comment by Grimm Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:31 pm
I’ll side with the Tribune on this one.

Next, if the population explodes, we’ll have to put up Bobcat Crossing signs, much like we do for Deer Crossing. I guess it’s a lot easier to hit them if you know where they’ll be crossing?

Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:31 pm
Bobcat is best served with Fava beans and a nice Chianti

Comment by Haute Cuisine Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:32 pm
I prefer to think of it as the Tribune agreeing with me. They should do it more often!

I don’t see the rationale, just an excuse for trophy hunting.

Comment by Century Club Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:33 pm
What can you say about someone who thinks the best weekend activity he can engage in is shooting a magnificent animal. That’s the definition of “coward.”

Comment by No Raise Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:36 pm
Tribune, although I don’t really have a strong opinion on this one but don’t think it’s wise to allow hunting of an animal that was recently endangered and I don’t believe 5,000 throughout Illinois, which is a large state, is enough to warren a concern about over population.

There are more people in Du Quoin than Bobcats in all of Illinois.

Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Agreed with Trib staff (not editorial crew!)

“Anyone in favor of more rats in Illinois?”

Let’s live trap ‘em and turn ‘em loose in Springfield!

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Can’t they just be like squirrels and get hit by cars?

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:50 pm
Can’t get my link to post here, but people do eat bobcat meat. Just google it. I love eating out of the ordinary foods, so if someone bags a bobcat and wants to share, let me know!

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:50 pm
Isn’t Mike Madigan’s nickname “Bobcat”?

Comment by Rhino Slider Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:51 pm
Hunting regulations should be based on science and not emotion. If the biologists have done their research and the evidence indicates that the population can support a season, then people should be allowed to do it.

The idea that you should only hunt something that you intend to eat is an odd concept. Bobcats are difficult animals to hunt. Professional predator hunters do not shoot them very often because they are very reclusive and are extremely wary when coming to a call.

Most hunters would pass on a bobcat tag priced at $30. At $5, most hunters will buy one on the off chance that one walks by while they are out hunting deer or turkey.

Comment by Slick Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:53 pm
there are very few people who do eat the meat of such animals that they bag. deer yes, bobcats, more than likely not. having seen one in the wild, it’s a magnificent animal and I cannot imagine hunting it down, though I do live with a hunter, and the hunter would not hunt this animal. we need to lower the rat population in lots of places. happy hunting bobbies, not trophy hunters.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:56 pm
===Can’t they just be like squirrels and get hit by cars? ===

Deftly avoiding the hard choices posed by this question, I see.

lol

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:57 pm
5 bucks? That’s why I voted with the Trib. There is no bobcat hunting in Wisc. I spend much time there - family property straddles an area that slopes down towards a thick swamp and creek that moves slowly towards a small lake. Perfect bobcat habitat. We know there are some in the swamp. They are quite shy altho I have heard some evidence. There are many folks with chickens and small dogs/cats running around. The bobcats have not troubled them.

Maybe it’s a problem in southern Illinois but 5 bucks for a license? C’mon.

Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:57 pm
Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:50 pm:

I have never had bobcat, but mountain lion tastes a lot like pork. It is amazingly good.

Comment by Slick Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:57 pm
It sounds like a possible solution everyone would agree with would be to allow hunters to trap bobcats in the wild, then release them all in the city and suburbs to control the rat problem the city people seem so concerned about. i take from all this conversation that the downtown environmentalists would love to share their condo buildings, dog parks, and red line platforms with these “harmless” creatures!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:06 pm
I voted Rauner, and not simply because the Tribune’s position will now change to mirror his. However, the state’s in financial trouble and the fee should be much higher. I think the population should be preserved, but also think it should be controlled as appropriate.

So, he can sign legislation to fund our schools to open on time and let us hunt bobcats, but not to fund human services. He can advocate for state employees to get paid without a budget but won’t sign a budget that will allow them to be paid until he can sign legislation that will gut the ability of their union to represent them. I understand his wish to have crises to force actions he wants, but I dislike how he picks and chooses who has to be in crisis.

And, I’m still mad at home for not doing a budget with real numbers. Yet, I can still agree with him on this issue and on several more.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:11 pm
Held my nose and voted with the Trib. 16.6% of the population per year seems pretty high to me.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:12 pm
Tribune. Bobcat populations are still recovering iirc.

Tres bien QOTD.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:12 pm
Any amateur hunter who ever encountered a Bobcat in the wild and heard it’s loud growl/scream would likely drop their rifle and run.

I’ve lived around them and seen them on many occasions in the Carolina mountains. Never bothered us or any of our critters.

Domestic cats in my neighborhood kill more squirrels, rabbits, and birds than Bobcats ever do. How about a bounty on cats.

Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:12 pm
When there are only 300 permits, there will be a lottery to select who gets the permit.

Wildlife in Illinois has been on a rebound for many years. It used to be that you never saw an eagle. Now Starved Rock holds an annual eagle watching event in January. Same with wild turkeys. Never saw them. I have trail camera pictures of about 40 turkeys walking down the lane.

The deer population has stabilized, even gone down a bit. There are problems with CWD in some counties. IDNR is adjusting the number of permits available for hunting.

If IDNR is going to manage the bobcat population, they will do a good job. The fact that there is even the thought of a hunting season means the population is going ok.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:13 pm
The urban wildlife tends more to coyotes and deer. The coyotes are highly adaptable and do very well in the Chicago area.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:16 pm
Agreeing with the Trib leaves me in “kissing your sister” territory.

Comment by West Sider Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:17 pm
I don’t agree with the Tribune because the editorial was not based on science or fact, it was a baseless emotional argument.

IDNR, in my opinion, has studied the issue, and drawn conclusions based on fact, not emotion.

Bobcats can be eaten, I have eaten them before. The pelts if prepared properly can be sold for up to $100 or so depending on condition and where the animal was trapped.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:18 pm
+++ 47th Ward - Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 1:24 pm:

===Truly torn, but I voted on the side of the GA and Rauner on this one.===

Lol!++++

I believe Mr. Schnorf made a similar point at 1:29pm. I haven’t seen your reprise on his post. But, I’ll wait.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:18 pm
Humans are the spookiest predator on this planet.

I can not name another species that kills solely for pleasure/glory.

Comment by Anonymous Redux Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:18 pm
@EditBoardChick - I’m sad to part ways with Gov. Rauner on this hunting business. I hope I don’t get a $&@#% problem #TheRaunerRules

Ms. McQueary,

The Twitter handle, the parody one, it ain’t me. Honest.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:19 pm
Sap

Sorry but math errors drive me nuts 300/5000=.06 or 6%. Hardly staggering.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:26 pm
==
Humans are the spookiest predator on this planet.

I can not name another species that kills solely for pleasure/glory.==

I’ve seen numerous cats kill a bird or mouse just to play with it, then abandon it

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:27 pm
I laughed out loud about hunters hearing a bobcat and dropping their shotgun…as a night angler, I have heard The Scream..it sends shivers down one’s spine!…if one did not know better, most people would claim they had heard a Woman or Child screaming/wailing in distress.

I have never stumbled upon a bobcat and no one else is going to either.

if you have been in bobcat territory…you have walked within feet of The Cat Who Walks Alone…you just didn’t look up!…BOO!

Comment by Anonymous Redux Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:29 pm
Keep waiting A guy. I respect Schnorf.

As for you, I was mocking the idea that you were “torn” about whether to support Governor Rauner, on whom you’ve had a noted and long-running man-crush. I’m sure you thought long and hard about whether to agree with Rauner on this post, as you have on every other post where you’ve agreed with Governor Rauner.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:29 pm
Actually 47, I’m not a fan of trophy hunting at all. Where I live, deer became such a menace that even many fervent animal rights folks recognized that the population was too out of hand even for it’s own good. I really don’t know enough about how big a nuisance these bobcats are in Southern and Western Illinois. I thought I explained myself further up, but alas, you needed a little more. I’m very capable of disagreeing with the Governor. Have you seen anything from me supporting RTW? There are other issues as well. In the grand scheme, I’m with him. You call it a crush. That’s kinda weird.

Comment by A guy Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:34 pm
$5 lousy bucks for a license! If we charge approximately $13,333 per bobcat for each of the 300 we could keep the Museum open!!!

Comment by D.P.Gumby Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:39 pm
Agree with the Tribune 100%. If the DNR wants to use science-based management, then great. Only problem is - they don’t actually know how many bobcats there even are in the state - they’ve never actually studied the whole population. Until they do their own homework, this hunt should be postponed. Plus, with the lies and crazy statements made during the House debate, it’s a joke that this even passed in the first place. Anyone remember the one Rep stating that he thought a bobcat was a saber-toothed tiger? Come on….really? The DNR itself states that they average between 10-30 pounds. Not exactly ferocious killing machines.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:47 pm
Actually, with all of the gophers and rabbits that I seem to have attracted this year, I was hoping to import some bobcats, not shoot them.

Comment by JT11505 Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:50 pm
Siding with the trib on this one. Solving a fake problem by allowing hunting just for kicks doesn’t make sense.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:56 pm
Delete me if you want but think of the ad of a tortured animal in a political campaign

Comment by Bobcat loving Newbie Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:57 pm
- Mason born - Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:26 pm:

Sap

Sorry but math errors drive me nuts 300/5000=.06 or 6%. Hardly staggering.

Dang, that’s embarrassing. I knew there was a reason I didn’t become a mathematician.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 2:57 pm
If the IDNR put a real problem predator objectively in its sights it would have targeted the domestic/feral house cat that kills far more prey in a year than the small numbers of bobcats would kill in 50 years. Rarely do I drive anywhere in the country without seeing a domestic cat out on the prowl.
The legislature has a terrible track record in dealing with these kinds of natural resource issues. Come to think about that, what does the state legislature do well?

Comment by vole Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:18 pm
Humans are the spookiest predator on this planet.

I can not name another species that kills solely for pleasure/glory.
————————

Google search “animals that kill for fun “

Comment by FormerParatrooper Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:21 pm
==Anyone remember the one Rep stating that he thought a bobcat was a saber-toothed tiger==

I also remember the GA member who spoke on the floor about how any overpopulation could be cured by just taking them all to the vet to be neutered. Ignorance on this issue wasn’t one-sided…

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:33 pm
Educated in the Suburbs @1:04pm
Excellent post! Your thoughts are insightful and give me hope, as a hunter, that middle ground can be found on this, and many other issues that have a major polarizing effect. Thank you.

Comment by Blago's Hare Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:42 pm
With the numbers rolling in and bobcats winning by a landslide, one might wonder why this question is only being asked now.

Ed “Attack of the 60-pound Bobcats!” Sullivan sold this bill by raising the specter of rapacious felines dragging off women and children. Yes, he actually said that:

“Imagine a bobcat that’s 60 pounds that could attack and kill something 10 times its weight,” said Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein. “Think of a small child or a small woman or a small boy that could be attacked and carried away. That’s why we kill these things. That’s why we hunt them.” (Tribune)

A 60-pound bobcat would be a world record. By far. The average adult bobcat weighs about 18 pounds.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:44 pm
By the way, I am with Rauner on this one.

Comment by Blago's Hare Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:47 pm
There is no science to support the need for a “bobcat” season in IL; everyone here knows that.

Comment by DNRanon Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 3:50 pm
Bobcat dogs. Rabbit dogs. Catnip?

Comment by tobor Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 4:13 pm
Voted Trib. Three reasons:
1. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Hmm, no. Even a stuck calendar is right once a year. Yeah.
2. Having had squirrels invade my attic, I came to realize that they’re just scrawny rats with bushy tails.
3. I was once served squirrel paté at a mathematics new years eve party. Ugh. Let the bobcats have ‘em. (the squirrels, not the mathematicians)

Comment by X-prof Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 4:18 pm
=== If I want to hunt a bobcat in IL, and can do so without endangering the species ===

Said the guy who cut down the second-to-last tree on Easter Island.

I am all for hunting stable populations of most species.

Apex predators such as wolves, mountain lions and bears should be hunted only to prevent overpopulation or protect human populations, because those species play a critical role in maintaining a balanced, healthy ecosystem.

Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 4:22 pm
I’ve trapped Illinois fur for over 40 years , and I know most of you could care less, the Bobcat is an elusive and opportunistic animal. If those of you that are so concerned about predation and lose of natural wildlife would please divert your attention to those thousands of domestic cats that are discarded on rural roadsides , add to that the elimination of groundcover of our native feathered friends ie. pheasants and grouse would be replenished, bottom line is cats kill for fun , the issue that concerns me is when “biologist” dictate policy example we have a deer herd that’s decimated because of OMG CWD , give a voice to those of us that spend hundreds of hours in the waterways and fence lines.

Comment by railrat Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 4:27 pm
Tribune. They got it right this time.

Comment by anonlurker Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 5:05 pm
I support the Governor on this one. It makes sense to allow them to be hunted and trapped on a controlled basis. Once they become abundant, they can impact small game populations. Someone else brought it up so I’ll go ahead and add that housecats are probably the worst killer of small game (quail, birds, rabbits, etc.) out there. They should put a bounty on those things!

Comment by Logic not emotion Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 5:08 pm
I apologize for insulting the hunters of Illinois earlier. However, I still can see no good reason for this legislation. I live in the mountains next to a national forest. It is not unusual to see a bobcat now and then and they certainly don’t threaten me. I just do not believe that these beautiful cats should be hunted for sport. And they most certainly should not be trapped.

Comment by kimocat Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 5:12 pm
I always assumed feral cats were fair game in any season. They sure were on the farm when I was a kid.

We were one of the first farms south of town. Folks in town who didn’t do freaky-deaky things to get rid of their unwanted litters would just drive out of town and toss their bag-o-kitties out of the car.

The cats that made it grew up huge (crows, rats), mean and crazy. My sister surprised one in a corn bin one time and got swiped pretty good.

I didn’t know any farmers who didn’t shoot feral cats at the earliest opportunity.

Comment by Wordslinger Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 5:40 pm
OK, this time the Trib got it right. This law isn’t just bad science, it’s NO science. I believe this was done for two reasons. First, some hunters want another trophy animal. Second, it’s because the loude$t people in the hunting community are afraid that bobcats are eating turkeys and fawns, two of the most hunted species in the state. No professional biologist I know is in favor of hunting bobcats, but I’m afraid the ones employed by the state can’t speak up. By the way, I hunt.

Comment by South Central Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 5:58 pm
@ kimocat 5:12 not insulted but please remember those in you geographic zone that may raise chickens for eggs and food for income, between coyotes and “cats” many are trying to defend there stock, and those of us that legally supplement our income with the economics of fur, we are conservation by regulation that better than IDNR “culling” deer under the assumption of CWD !

Comment by railrat Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:06 pm
That’s only $1500 in the state’s kitty. I don’t agree with it, but aren’t bobcats golden too?

Comment by NoGifts Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:10 pm
Late entry for yesterday’s caption contest: “Well, I’ll be gosh darned, I didn’t know bobcats could fly… PULL!”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:20 pm
In my community, we try to trap feral cats, neuter, then release them. The goal is to decrease the population without killing them.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:25 pm
Rauner’s hands were tied here. Special interest wildlife bosses protectin’ bobcats was the status quo, and voters sent him to Springfield to shoot ‘em, I mean, shake ‘em up.

Comment by Anonymiss Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:29 pm
What’s next? The dreaded jackalope!

Comment by tobor Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:37 pm
…..Wensicia, I won’t comment on the trap-neuter-release issue that isn’t part of this conversation. However I would like to stress that bobcats are native animals, and our native wildlife evolved with them. House cats are not native, and studies show they are very destructive to our wildlife.

Comment by South Central Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:53 pm
McCann is the one that started this legislation to make a few of his rich hunter buddies happy.

Comment by Bobcat Bob Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 6:53 pm
==House cats are not native==

House cats are native to the spread of civilization going back hundreds of years, as are other domestic animals. They are especially adaptive to their surroundings, why as a species they’re successful.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 7:11 pm
Bobcat Bob @ please provide the economic advantage of this bill for his “rich hunting buddies” really?? I would like to take advantage of your incite and knowledge ……save us trappers much time and energy

Comment by railrat Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 7:12 pm
Heaven forbid there are any predators in this state other than hunters and cars. Most people that live with bobcats will never see them. They hunt small critters that are mostly bothersome. The thing that gets me is that bobcats litterally just got off the list …..now it’s time to shoot em?

Lest we not forget. The director of the dnr was the legislator who introduced the bill. This isn’t proper wildlife management….thus is just another reason to go shoot something.

Comment by SmokeyBear Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 7:26 pm
bobcats like Cub Scouts present no harm to anything in Illinois. Put a bigger bounty on coyotes if revenue and hunting varmint - predators is needed to save the rabbits, quail and pheasant population.

Comment by One day at a time Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 7:42 pm
Oh yeah, house cats…domestic and feral devistate neo migratory Bird populations. A study recently said that feral cats are responsible for 1 billion animal deaths /year. Bobcat fees should be $300….feral cat licence..$5.

There is no way what so ever that cats are native, they are like the emerald ash borer….except their fuzzy and have cute videos on the internet.

Comment by SmokeyBear Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 7:46 pm
===Apex predators such as wolves, mountain lions and bears should be hunted only to prevent overpopulation or protect human populations, because those species play a critical role in maintaining a balanced, healthy ecosystem.===

Said the guy whose post assumes as fact that hunting 300 bobcats a year will be detrimental to the bobcat population.

It would be nice for people against the bobcat bill to point to a study or some facts. Sans facts, I’m going to ignore the “don’t kill kitties argument and leave it in the capable hands of IDNR. They do a good job. That’s why the bobcat population is off the list in the first place

Comment by MurMan Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 8:04 pm
Wensica

The question isn’t how well houscats do as a species. Unfortunately they thrive extremely well. It’s the danage they do to wildlife that is the issue. Imagine a hunter who goes out every day and kills for fun, doesn’t eat his prey because he has a cheeseburger, and when he gets boted goes and kills again that is your average outdoor housecat. Ferals ironically are less dangerous to game since theu actually stop and eat their prey. The problem with ferals is their reproduction rate. Which I assume Is why u neuter them I just hope you live In a big city far from native game.

I assume you are a cat lover. Do you realize the disease vector ferals represent? Everything from rabies to fiv and everything in between. It’s great your humane to the ferals but you are exposing pets to horrible fatal diseases in exchange.

Wordslinger

I was Leaving out the hunters shooting housecats. Too many assume hunter=bloodthirsty beast now. However yes if a cat shows up on a farm without a collar and not little suzy’s from down the road it usually doesn’t leave. Many bird hunters would like to shoot on site but don’t. No one wants to tell a little girl her fluffy isn’t coming home.

Comment by Mason born Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 8:09 pm
I must accept the general’s statements over the feelings of one writer. I would hope that there will be only hunting with no trapping allowed. If the hunter can afford to hunt and possibly stuff these animals, I would think that a permit fee should be at least $50 or more.

Comment by keg's kid Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 8:14 pm
Should have vetoed the bill. The most dangerous animals are humans. Our solution is always to kill and trapping an animal is cruel to say the least. Imagine the poor animal in a trap, suffering and trying to free itself only to be shot. This is not humane .

Comment by hunt the hunter Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 9:02 pm
Should have been a nonissue. Sorry Tribune. My vote goes in favor of the bobcats.

Comment by Blondie for Bobby Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 9:37 pm
I think it is too early to reinstate bobcat hunting within the state. Very few Illinois residents have ever seen a bobcat in the wild. They are still uncommon, especially in central and northern Illinois, where agricultural land and urban development have eliminated most of the habitat that could support bobcats. In general, there is a shortage of predatory animals in Illinois (not counting cats and dogs), which is why there is an abundance, or even over-abundance, of deer, rabbits, squirrels, ground hogs, and rodents within the state.

I think this legislation was passed primarily for political reasons (as a give-away to the hunting lobby), and I don’t know any conservationists, field biologists, etc., who support the reinstatement of bobcat hunting at the present time. As for IDNR, they have a history of catering to the demands of hunters, recreationalists, and even industrialists because of their political clout.

Also, I think the $5 permit fee is ridiculously low for a state that is practically bankrupt. It will cost the state far more money to implement and manage the bobcat hunting season than it will obtain through these fees (a maximum of $1500/yr.).

Comment by Ultimata Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 9:47 pm
I vote with the tribune. We as humans are slowly taking away animals homes and habitat and only killing to survive and we wonder why they are coming into our neighborhoods, we need to find a balance to live together. Also animals don’t kill for sport, like people do which I am totally against and dislike people that do!

Comment by cecea Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 9:56 pm
For some reason, Rich, you left off the part from Pacelle where he asks you to give him money. That is what he always does. By the way, issuing 500 permits per year does not equate to 500 bobcats being taken. A person has to have the permit before he begins to hunt or trap them. SIU estimates the population at 5000. Mostly south and west-central counties have the larger population.

Comment by DOI Chef Wednesday, Jul 15, 15 @ 10:22 pm
I don’t like X so X should be banned. -Mostofyou

Comment by Yobogoya Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 3:40 am
In a state that is built on the sacrifice of nature it is no wonder that a magnificent creature would be chosen to serve this base need for further sacrifice in where’s mine land. That a community of “hunters” equipped with high technology and comforted 24/7 by civilization would be threatened by a wild competitor that lives in the wild 24/7 and is a integral part of the natural food chain. Such hubris.
Don’t worry, the General is on it! Just sad.

Comment by vole Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 5:24 am
Don’t like the fact that Rauner signed this. However, he was enabled by the G.A. passing this bill, so there’s enough blame to go around.

Maybe the bobcats didn’t belly up enough campaign donations to save their lives?

Too bad common sense, empathy and intelligence aren’t required of our lawmakers.

Comment by See the forest Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 7:47 am
Why do we think we can continuously destroy our natural habitat and environment and then when things go wrong, try and repair them? It would be much wiser for us to leave what was here first, here, and develop ways to live cohesively together without harming the beauty of our world. This is an unnecessary and destructive piece of legislation and once again I am ashamed of our State.

Comment by featherbear19 Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 7:06 pm
Lived on rural property for 24 years & have never seen any indication of Bobcats here. I do not feel the population of bobcats is sufficient to support the hunting of them no matter how limited. HOW are they going to determine WHO get the limited permits? I just do not see it as feasible.

Comment by Ozzyawesome Thursday, Jul 16, 15 @ 9:17 pm