Don’t Shoot The Bobcats; A Wildcat’s Desperate Plea

I was very surprised to read that NH Fish and Game officials are accepting proposals for a hunting season on bobcats. I'm not anti-hunting and as a matter of fact I'm pro-venison, deer meat is one of my very favorite things. My biggest complaints on this decision are as follows.

The closest I've come to ever seeing an actual bobcat is this beautiful statue at UNH. As a '97 graduate of that fine Durham institution...I don't want to even think about someone gunning down the real thing.

I just don't believe that overpopulation is a concern right now. Driving into work every morning at 4:30, it seems as if I see the entire cast of Emmet Otter's Jugband and yet I've never laid eyes on a bobcat.

It's a wonderful predator that keeps the overabundance of wild turkeys in check. Big fat flocks of stupid turkeys ARE a nuisance and I am in favor of hunting them, whether the hunter is human or feline is not important.

And really, how tasty can a bobcat be anyway? I guess the pelt can be used for fur, but the thought of scarfing down a bobcat has never seemed appetizing and I'l eat just about anything.

Until I actually see one, I would like to have them remain protected. If they continue to repopulate at a healthy pace, maybe I'll get that chance soon on one of my morning commutes. I wonder if they can keep a decent rhythm on a washboard?