Demand that the decision to hunt bobcats in NH be overturned!

On February 17, 2016 the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission decided to make the hunting and trapping of bobcats legal in the state of New Hampshire. The ruling was passed by a 5-4 vote, despite an overwhelming opposition by the general public.

Studies have been done to determine the population of these cats are estimated to be anywhere from 800 to 1200. We should bear in mind that as of 1989 the approximate number in the state was about 200.

Bobcats are not a viable food source; this "hunt" will be strictly for the purpose of sport killing. Trapping is also permitted under this law, which is cruel and inhumane. There are different types of traps, including foothold traps, where the cats are left for up to 24 hours with their foot clamped before being shot in the head with a 22.-caliber gun. Animals have been known to chew off their own legs when trapped with footholds just to escape.

By an admission from the UNH bobcat study, 'the resurgence of bobcats in New Hampshire likely has little impact on the ecosystem; they will never reach a density level where they could become a pest the way deer, for instance, have."  So then, why?

Aren't we better than this? To kill or torture a creature just for the egomaniac sport of it all? For no other reason but for bragging rights?

Please sign this petition to tell NH Fish and Game that this is NOT acceptable. Let's let our magnificent bobcats LIVE! Thank you and please share this plea with all your friends .