hound/cougar hunting politics

[WAcoyotehunter]

Some of you may know that Rob Weilgus has joined up with HSUS to influence cougar hunting policy across the west.  They are working on killing a bill in OR that would allow some hound hunting and were scheduled to present to the CO commission this week, but that meeting was cancelled due to weather.  Colorado has some of the best cougar data in the country and is doing a great job managing their cats for public safety, hunting opportunity, and recognizing the social needs to protect the population.  Check out pages 6-7 of this memo from biologists to the commission (#28b here) https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/CommissionMeeting2019-3.aspx

In 2017 HSUS created a "report" arguing against cougar hunting.  As you might imagine its rife with emotion and manipulates data to fit their needs. 
https://blog.humanesociety.org/2017/04/hsus-mountain-lion-report-2017.html

The report was getting some attention and ultimately led to a report by USGS and some really good scientists from Montana and New Mexico.  If you're interested in some good reading:
 https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20181128

[KFhunter]

Didn't Rob Weilgus support hound hunting when working for WSU doing a Cougar study?


flip flopper?

[Machias]

Thanks for posting Bart.  How's the pup doing?

[nwwanderer]

Thanks, Colorado study a useful tool, USGS statement needs to be front and center with our commission

[WAcoyotehunter]

Thanks for posting Bart.  How's the pup doing?

she's doing ok.  she's only 4 months old, so I'm keeping my expecations realistic.  She did make the whole race last week and was at the tree (but not treeing) when we got there.  She was barking and pretty excited when the cat came out of anesthesia and was staggering away.  That was good for her!

[Machias]

That is outstanding!  Good luck with her. 

I got a free Black and tan female pup that has 1/4 airdale in her for free last week.  But sadly, I don't think the guy ever handled her or that she had much of any interaction with people.  I am taking it real slow and once she sits on my lap is very lovey dovey, but so scared of everything and everyone.  She's nearly 5 months old, so I'm not sure I'll be able to get her to come out of her shell.  I see little glimpse, so I will give her plenty of time.  Too bad some pups get off to such a crappy start because guys can't be bothered to spend time to socialize them.  Sorry, rant over. 

[bearpaw]

Some of you may know that Rob Weilgus has joined up with HSUS to influence cougar hunting policy across the west.  They are working on killing a bill in OR that would allow some hound hunting and were scheduled to present to the CO commission this week, but that meeting was cancelled due to weather.  Colorado has some of the best cougar data in the country and is doing a great job managing their cats for public safety, hunting opportunity, and recognizing the social needs to protect the population.  Check out pages 6-7 of this memo from biologists to the commission (#28b here) https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/CommissionMeeting2019-3.aspx

In 2017 HSUS created a "report" arguing against cougar hunting.  As you might imagine its rife with emotion and manipulates data to fit their needs. 
https://blog.humanesociety.org/2017/04/hsus-mountain-lion-report-2017.html

The report was getting some attention and ultimately led to a report by USGS and some really good scientists from Montana and New Mexico.  If you're interested in some good reading:
 https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20181128

Thanks for posting this info, some good reading. I especially enjoyed the "abstract" in the USGS report. I'm not at all surprised Wielgus joined up with HSUS, I expected something similar to that to happen. Good riddens, Weilgus has now made his positions official, I wonder when/if WDFW will realize they need to reassess WA cougar management?