From: ses@hpfcls.fc.hp.com (Steve Speer)
Subject: fox questions
Date: 11 Jan 93 07:43:10 CST
Originator: hunting@osnome.che.wisc.edu

> / hpfcso:rec.hunting / jessie@iastate.edu (Brent Danielson) 

> >Are foxes primarily nocturnal? I've had one poking around my yard for
> >about a week (eating grapes). Yesterday it came into the yard when three
> >of my Irish Wolfhounds were out - which seemed pretty foolish. Rather
> >than risking the dogs getting bit by this small, sneaky creature (I
> >suspect it killed a number of my chickens earlier this year) - I shot
> >it. 
> 
> WHY?? WHY??  I don't know where you're at, 
> ... Shooting it was probably illegal as foxes are protected as furbearers
> in most states and you need licenses and such to kill them.
> 
> Wildlife are the property of the public.  They aren't yours to shoot
> as you damn well please.
  ... blah blah blah ... blah blah blah ...
> 
> Maybe a fox, maybe even THIS fox, got your chickens.  Who knows?  
> ... (let someone else shoot it) blah blah blah
> (rabies clinic) blah blah blah
> There is simply no excuse ... rant ... rave ...
> 
> Needless to say, I really resent this type of attitude.  I'm not a big
> believer in following every law every written, but they make a pretty
> good guideline I think.  If you want to hunt a fox, then by all means
> hunt one as allowed.  If you want to shoot one out the kitchen window
> because its sneaky, might - just might - have killed your precious
> chickens, or because it is not afraid of of your dog, then I'm for
> taking your guns away, as that sort of attitude endangers the rights
> of the rest of us to hunt, see wildlife, or whatever.  It is people
> that do this that give the animal rights folks everything they want in
> the way of examples.

And this sort of attitude really ticks me off.  You don't know where
this guy is at.  You don't know the species.  You don't know what
efforts he's made to protect his property from this predator.  You
don't know the legal status of what was done.  You have simply assumed
the worst in each of these questions and flamed away.  What you have
said and demonstrated as a thought process here reminds me very much
of the emotional non-thinking drivel that spews forth from the animal
rights crowd at every opportunity.  FYI, I hunt foxes on a regular
basis in Wyoming.  No license is needed (furbearer, small game or
otherwise) because they, along with such animals as jack rabbits,
coyotes and skunks, are classified as predatory and can be shot on
site, day or night, any weapon, with the aid of artificial light or
even electronic calls.  Sounds like a very different animal than the
one you are crying over.  Maybe your perspective is the one that needs
to be broadened.

> >I didn't skin it, but did save the tail. 
> 
> Wonderful..  Is that what you really wanted all along?

I usually take the whole pelt, but it depends on the time of year.
 
> >thanks...rich 
> 
> I'll quit now.  I'm sorry if I offended anyone because I sound rather
> harsh.  I tried to temper my comments at least a little, but I want to
> make very clear that I am very very very much against this kind of
> thing.

I'm not even sure what "kind of thing" it is you are so upset about.
So somebody shot something you wouldn't under circumstances you
wouldn't and it justifies in your mind taking away his guns and
publicly flaming him (regardless of the laws that may or may not
apply).  Sounds EXACTLY like the logic the anti's are using to me.

> I do not apologize if my perspective offends anyone.  

I'm far more amazed than I am offended.  For the record, this sort of
attack offered very little rational thought and a great deal of
emotional attack.  Aside from the fact that the moderator has far more
important miracles on his mind, I'm amazed this post got through.

If you really do think you have some things you would like this
person, or anyone else, to consider concerning shooting animals, I
suggest you ask yourself how you think the fellow you directed this
barrage at has reacted.  I seriously doubt his behavior will be
altered other than he might be more wary of seeking information
concerning his actions in the future.  Is that what you wanted to
accomplish?  I doubt it.  Perhaps your animal studies should have
included a psych. class along the way - or maybe your mother should
have spanked you when you were a rude little boy.
	 
> Brent J. Danielson

	-Steven Speer