Big cat sighting!

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

My comments were not intended as anti-hunting. I still hunt on occasion and we are active at skeet/sporting clays where many members are active hunters. Most hunters have a healthy respect for wildlife and I'll assume that jmen24 falls in that group.

The homeowner told me that his wife was terrified that a bear was in the area; the friend shot the bear across the street in a mostly open undeveloped lot. Not much skill here. No idea if it was a legal kill.

I view it as stupid as the new house backs up to the Belknap Range where there will be a continuous stream of wildlife in the back yard. What did they expect? They should expect such and have some respect for it. A little education should have eased any fears. There will be more bear, moose, deer, fox and maybe a bobcat. I know as I live half mile away also backed-up to the Belknap Range.

Thanks for the clarification, I agree that they should definately get used to the wildlife, but for some folks that does not seem like that is consideration when they move into these areas. I could not imagine moving into a new home and area that is heavy wooded and not expecting to see some animals. I see your point and I agree with your comments regarding the stupidity of the situation.

Quite possibly if the bear was that easy to harvest that it may have currently been or was on its way to being a problem bear. Once they get into the habit of using humans as a source for food, i.e. garbage, it is a slippery slope for the bears.

And you are correct about the respect for the animals, it is the obligation of hunters to maintain this so that the sport and tradition can be carried on into future generations.