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Bear hunting....

xjlisa

Active member
Hi,

A comment was made on another thread about bear hunting. Instead of high-jacking that thread and moving off the original topic, I started another one here. I hope this is the right place, if not, moderators, please move it.

Now, Whitebear commented he won't hunt predators because they keep prey speices in check. I thought that is what regulated hunting was supposed to do. Anyway, the problem I see with this thinking is; if we allow top predators free reign, like the Black Bear has had, then they outgrow their habitat areas and start encroaching on human poplated areas (hasn't some of this been discussed when gator hunting was being started up again?)

Also, not hunting top predators like Panther and Black Bear (yes, I would be fore hunting the Panther if the Panther folks would ever give us the true numbers on how many and what locations they are actually living in in this state....) is dangerous, because they do not learn to fear man (as they should, look at the Grizzly and the lack of fear they have for humans.)

The only natural predator top predators have is man. If we are not hunting them, once their numbers are stable and the population is solid, the above mentioned problems, lack of habitat, loss of fear-of-man, etc. become man's problems. (Hence the term top predator...)

I have many stories of Black Bear attacking children under the age of 6 in areas and countries that do not allow hunting of these creatures. I also have stories of Bear roaming neighborhoods, in Florida, that have been settled by humans far from the bears natural habitat for decades; areas like Mt. Dora, Altamonte Springs, College Park. None of these areas is close to any core Black Bear population. All of these areas have been populated by humans for decades, yet Black Bear are living and moving through these areas searching for suitale habitat because their core areas are being over run due to lack of adequate management practices.

Is it right to let these noble animals overrun themselves, get killed on our highways, attack our children in our own yards, place themselves and humans at risk because someone doesn't recognize the need to control their populations through hunting? I don't think that any intelligent human would think this is the responsible way to manage our wildlife.

Thank you.
 
When a species, any species threatens man, it is usually mans own doing. Gators and bears eat kids or drag people off, sure they do, so? There should still be some things out there man is scared of, there still should still be some things that are a danger to man as well. Regulated hunts are nothing more than a management tool. as far as management being good for a population, well I just don't know the answer to that. I used to think you could manage your way into or out of nearly anything but the older I get, management seems to be nothing more than meddling. Not just game either.

Now remember I am talking MY perspective, you are welcome to your own..

There are few things I am closed mided on but hunting predator species is one of them. So you won't to change my mind? Keep in mind that a man's mind changed against his will is of the same opinion still.

I am aware were talking heratige here and my opinion isn't going to change anything or anyones mind. Hence, I already stated I won't make an issue of it, I was simply making a passing statement.

Scotty
 
Read another post on you.........contact the African Safari Club Ft lauderdale chapter..I'll see if I can get you a name,
Rich
 
Scotty,

My comments were not made to change your mind specifically, but for all who might see your point without thinking of any other points. I don't think I came across as stating you don't have the right to your opinion, if I did, I apologize.

When you live in predator country, you must be aware of that predator and its habits. I don't swim or snorkel in waters where I know for sure gator live.

The one story of a Black Bear I have, is where the bear went up on the porch after a two-year-old child. No meddling, no way that child enticed the bear.

Another story is of a Black Bear trying to take a child out of a stroller. Again, no way that child enticed the bear to attack. The child that was killed in the Great Smoky Mountains did run, but only after the Black Bear attacked her 3-year-old brother who was walking on the trail with his mother. The mother faught off the bear as best she could, while mother was fighting the bear, her daughter ran, probably provoking the prey drive, but that drive was already there as we can see since the bear attacked her brother.

A passer-by, from Florida, heard the screams and fired his pistol at the bear as it was standing over the girl (probably getting ready to eat.) The bear stood up, he fired again and the bear took off.

This is a horrible story. Black Bears do not attack like a Grizzly. They don't attack to defend their young (sows have been known to run and leave cub) they don't attack to defend their food (again, known to leave food) they attack to eat us. Period.

I am sorry, I know this is straying a little far from where I started, but you mentioned man getting in trouble by meddling. Children don't ask to be attacked, and the folks who were either living, or enjoying nature didn't do anything that warranted these attacks.

Yes, man should fear the awesome power of nature, but please, don't tell me we don't have the right to protect ourselves. Gators and Bears do drag folks off, those animals should be killed and management practices put in place to protect both man and the animal.

I don't like man "meddling" with nature, which is why I think the CERP projects should be eliminated, and let nature take back her own if you want the Everglades "restored". I think you will find, as we discuss things, we agree on many points Scotty. I don't want to make an enemy of you, or have you feel I am threatening you. That is not my point at all, I merely want to put the truth out there and give folks another point-of-view.

Thank you.
 
xjlisa,

I can document the fact about a sow leaving her cub.

Six years ago in my teestand at Bear Island, (in Big Cypress).

The 250-300 lb sow came for my doe-in-heat scent at the bottom of the tree,(20 feet away). Ran like h@!! when I yelled at her leaving the 50-70 lb cub at the bottom of my treestand.

Had them in the yard here 4 times in 10 years including my dog on one's back 2 years ago.

Basketcase
 
I work with Bear Biologist and the Ocala FWC office weekly, from what I understand, and I could be getting the wrong info, but the Bear hunt issue will not even be an issue for a long, long, time. In my opion a lottery type permit hunt in the Ocala Forrest would not only generate FWC alot of revenue, but it would be a decent hunt. Could you imagine the prices they could charge for a hunt, and believe me they would sell every permit.
 
Your not making an enemy out of me here nor is anyone else. This is discussion, it's also the internet.

For my part I see nothing wrong with a bear being a bear and doing whatever a bear does. If humans get injured or killed in the process, well so be it. The self defense line comes to me like this. If a person takes a child into a bear (or Gator, or any other species) habitat, then THAT person must have both the ability and capability of defending that child, if not they should be charged with reckless endangerment of a child.

Raising a child is not simple thing and it comes to me that being tough isn't enough ya gotta be smart as well. It's not a matter of someone warranting an attack, its the fact that if you are where you dont belong and can't defend yourself then its all on YOU, not the animal and certainly not on anyone else.

I personally do not buy into this entitlemet mentality. I see no entitlement to trod this land with impunity. City, suburb or country or wilderness.

Reminds me of an old man went to see an old doctor. Said Doc. it hurts like hell when I move my arm like this. Doc in matter of fact manner said, well don't move your arm like that.

Nah I'm just passing my personal feelings, Im not even trying to educate anyone. I can't even call it truth, cause truth for most folks is what THEY want it to be.

Scotty
 
Maybe yes, maybe no gator. The current Chairman is for opening a limited hunt season and has stated such publically. Now is the time to offer them support, let them know we are ready and will back them in any lawsuit the antis put forth.

Let one person be attacked or injured and they will open a season for sure! The numbers of people attacked and killed by Black Bear each year is skewed. I have figures that will dispute what the media puts out when there are attacks. Documented figures that will refute what the "experts" are saying.

Last year a hunter in Alabama was attacked by a sow. She actually pulled him out of the tree before he could get his gun and shot her. He killed her, and the forensics proved he was attacked in the manner he stated. They tried to skew it and say the bear was defending her food source, but if you really read what they tell you (as I mentioned in a previous post) Black Bear will not attack to defend their cubs or food. She meant to eat him!

We must keep that in mind when we read stories of bear in the cities and urban areas where they don't belong. FWC needs to keep that in mind. Black Bear are not cute, cuddly animals, but large powerful predators that need to be controlled through proper management and controlled hunts that keep numbers low enough for the habitats to support.
 
Dang ya'll well we shot one down in the glades and it about ruint on eold guy i use dto hunt with, the darn thing sat down and cried like a baby he was never the same after that about huntin. I tracked one down as a bet once and came to a hole in a wall of brush which was about 100yds thick I swapped guns with my buddy he had a 44 mag carbine and in I went after it. the water wasn't even seepin into the tracks yet so i kne whis butt was mine, i wa son my hands and knees goin after him, LOL sorta stupid now that I look back on it, anyways I got to the othe rsid eof the brush wall and ther eit was standin up rippin the heart out of a cabbage palm on its back feet, i sat there and watched it for several minutes and then i stood up and yelled at it, I figured it more sporting to shoot it charging me, anyways the darn thing just turned and hauled butt I woulda had to shoot it runnin away and I wouldn't do that, so I came back bearless but the others had heard me yell at it and for a long time I took a lot of kiddin about bein so ugly i scared a bear off LOL oh well Youth is a wonderful thing cause what don't kill you makes you smarter or stronger. I don't hunt much anymore but I beleive we should have the option too if we want to. I would be in favor of a bear hunt in ocala forest for residents only if it was up to me. heck enough of them wreck cars by running out in the road anyways.
 
I didn't say so, but i'd be game anytime for a photo hunt for bears. I won't shoot one but I could document and photo the hunt for others. I'm not into interference with other folks enjoyment. I walk my own path and have more than enough trouble with just that to be worrying about other folks.

I seem to remember hearing a tune from the 30s-maybe 40s about a preacher being chased by a bear and him crying out.....Lordy Lordy if you cant help me ......please don't help dat bear ! The name of the tune may have been "The Preacher and the Bear"

Scotty
 
I/m with Scotty on this one. I have no problem with anyone hunting what they want, I/ve killed almost everything that walks,flys,swims,and crawls but if I/m not going to eat it [or at least know someone that will] I will not kill it just to put on the wall or make a rug
 
Thanks for the link, this isn't the first time this has happened either! (have a story or two from before!)

Guys, the fact that you are willing to let others do the hunting, well, that puts a different spin on what was said before. I am eager to try Black Bear meat. I have a couple of recipes I want to try out! :D

I would also like to put that bear hide up. After all, I helped Yogi get to his 400#! That cat food is expensive! :lol: I could use a nice warm comforter for my bed, or a beautiful rug in my bedroom. :wink:
 
Hope your meat experience is better than mine. A few years ago, a buddy of mine bragged how good it was, so I had him over for a cookout....after prepping the meat for a few hours it tasted like a bar of soap! We ordered Pizza
 
A bear, skinned out, looks like a man. I know some who bear hunt in GA .... mostly it's a contest for the dogs.

Bears are closer kin to a cat than they are a dog, and I'd have to be mighty hungry to want to consider eating a cat.
 
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