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View Full Version : Shame on Michigan !!!




strut-n-rut
01-27-2005, 09:38 AM
Hopefully this link will work, this was on the front page of our north eastern news paper "The News Herald"

Maine Attraction (http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13833905&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6)

I personally own land within the restricted rabbit hunting zone and I have permission to hunt land that is the east border of the restrictions as well as the land outside of the restricted area butting up to the east border restriction. I am more than happy and willing to abide by the restricted hunting dates regarding re-introduction of the endangered "Snowshoe Hare". I also excersize the willingness to not hunt them during those dates on the land just outside of the restricted area as I am hopeful that these introduced species will spread outward like the turkey introduction did. I was rather disheartened to see the part about how Michigan hunters who successfully lobbied to not longer allow trappers to claim Hares of this species for re-introduction into our adjoning state out of fear that it hurt their personal hunting of these small game animals. I have often thought, and argued with "tree huggers", that hunters and fishers give more are more responsible for wild life growth than any other orginization in the country. When I read this story I felt like I lost all of those arguements. I realize that not all people have the same view points and I may go beyond the expectations by purchasing licenses to hunt land I own and am not required to have as well as requiring my children and other family members to do the same if they wish to hunt on my land. I consider this my little donation to a worthy and respected cause towards my most enjoyable sources of yearly activities.
In closing my little rant and finger pointing here, I wish to applaud the ODNR for not giving up their intentions with this species of rabbit and a big high five to the Maine DNR for stepping up to the plate in the name of "true" wildlife management.




Duffy
01-27-2005, 09:45 AM
Well said. I couldn't agree more.

Lance
01-27-2005, 12:18 PM
I understand your frustration but having spent an a LOT of time hunting Michigan for grouse in the snow I can also understand the concerns of the bunny hunters up there. In a number of years of hunting up there I've seen exactly two sets of hare tracks. Not exactly a booming population of the bunnies. I'm sure there are more in some areas than others but these were areas that were prime habitat and in the heart of their range. It sounds like main is going to help out and in all probably has a better population of them anyway so it looks like it will all work out. Maybe they can coordinate something with Minnesota also to distribute the load? Maybe that's something they should have done in the first place and then maybe they'd still get some Michigan bunnies also. ?:rolleyes: