You know, as I read this thread in more detail, these "reports" and "evidence" of the cougar back east sound just like the evidence we have out here in the west for Bigfoot. Makes me laugh. My brother made a horror movie spoof about Bigfoot when we were in high school so it's close to my heart.

First off, no policies should be made based on the evidence I'm hearing about on this thread. Also, we have plenty of hunting in the west and plenty of cougars so I don't even know why there'd be any discussion of a hunting ban back east.

If you've got cougars back east and have about as much evidence on them as we do about Bigfoot, consider yourself lucky.

Edited version--> No evidence, no proof!!

when i was younger, one day i was out riding our horse, pursuing one of our calves that escaped, i happened accross a track in the snow. a cougar track, my curiosity compelled me to follow the track. i followed and observed where the large cat had scratched the side of a tree. a few moments later, i saw what i truly did not expect. the owner of the cougar walking through my woods carrying a 22-250.

i had a conversation with the man and he explained to me that this male "pet" cougar has been quite troublesome, and his efforts to tranquelize it had failed. so the animal needed to be terminated this time... it was his "third strike" the cougar proceeded to follow on the tracks of my calf, and after a short amount of time, both of our animals had been found, luckily in two different places.

that cougar was killed for the protection of the rural ohio residents. but had it not been found, it would have lived pleasantly on the carcasses of calves, and other livestock, god willing, not on the bodies of children or those of feeble stature. this world needs a ballance, for every man who claims that hunting is one of the most vile and barbaric actions that humanity particpates in, there needs to be one of us two whip his ass.

truth is, they are out there, probably in more numbers then there "protectors" want us to believe. I've come across some really big kitty tracks while out hunting, not sure exactly what made them, but... They are out there. I'm waiting to come across one . All in due time .

Wow... I've been tugging away at this thread. Phew!!! Personally I believe that cougars are back in New England. I also think that Fish and Game needs to start educating New Englanders about them too, before someone has an accident.

This may be heading off on a tangent but... I heard something this weekend ( 8-5) regaurding the whole cat subject, that i found to be very interesting. All the talk of there not being any cats in new England, esp. here in vt, ( what ya-all exspect i live here, LOL. ) the reason the state says its all false is due to the fact they dont have the money to spend to make it public. Now I'm not going into the whole name thing due to confidentialality purposes of it all. Anyhow they have been seen, in the northern parts of the state. Yeah, some will dispute this, others wont. I just figured i'd throw this in for others to enjoy.

I have heard that it would have an economic impact on New England. Laws would need to be passed, maybe habitat set aside in some respects, possible affects on tourism too?

I've also heard the same thing. i would imagine that until they become a very well established in there numbers and start to infringe in/on other areas of current populations, they will keep up ( the state ) insisting there arent any.

I'd like to see some proof too.

I can't make a dicision on what facts you have given John, But if your an anti wolf in sheeps clothing, you might consider not keeping this up on this site, here your dealing with honest, hard working hunters, and we love the way we live. Noones taking that from us.

And as also stated, Hunting and fishing organizations have done more for wildlife then antis will ever do, all they wanna do is close every hunting season and live with the animals. Well I can tell you one thing (You'll get my gun when you pry it from my cold dead fingers)Hunting is here to stay if I have anything to say about it. Conservation comes hand in hand with population control In my books.

By the way Who hunts woodpeckers?
Just a question because I'd be there for thier reasoning in why they closed an area down because a woodpecker lived there. I dont know anyone who shoots woodpeckers! Do you?

Just my point of view Thanks..

About 2 summers ago I met a retired Adirondak State Park Ranger. He said " They (biologists) can say what they want and take any position they want but there are lions in those mountains (the "Daks). When they spend as much time out there as we do they will have another position." I can imagine if they are in the 'Daks then they would be in New England.

Chris