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Friday, December 13, 2024

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Dry-cleaning workers better protected under EPA chemical ban; Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey; New law seeks to change how state legislature vacancies are filled; MN joins the carbon capture pipeline wave with permit approval.

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Biden carries out the largest ever single-day act of clemency, voting rights advocates raise alarm over Trump's pick to lead Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and election denier Kari Lake is tapped to lead Voice of America.

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Conservative voters surprised pundits by casting election votes for Trump but also against school vouchers, Pennsylvania's Black mayors work to unite their communities, and America's mental health providers try new techniques.

Hoosiers push back on bobcat hunting season

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Wednesday, November 13, 2024   

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025.

Opponents said the plan is premature and risky without accurate data on bobcat numbers.

Samantha Chapman, Indiana state director for The Humane Society of the United States, said the DNR released only a map of bobcat sightings, mostly in southern Indiana, with no full population study.

"They should be using data to determine what type of number that quota would be," Chapman contended. "We're incredibly frustrated because we have yet to see any type of comprehensive population study from DNR."

The public hearing allows Hoosiers another opportunity to share views. Chapman hopes residents push for the zero quota to protect Indiana's recovering bobcat population. She noted the season would benefit only a few trappers. The current plan allows trapping in about 40 southern Indiana counties starting next November, with a statewide quota of 250 bobcats. Trappers would have a one-bobcat bag limit and be required to purchase a special bobcat license.

The Humane Society is determined to prevent past wildlife declines for the bobcat from repeating. Chapman pointed out wildlife watching brings far more revenue to Indiana than hunting or trapping.

"In 2022, it generated $16 billion for the state of Indiana and only half a percent of that was generated by hunting and trapping."

Chapman argued it is important for Hoosiers to stress the value of live wildlife for tourism and conservation. They are encouraged to submit comments to the Natural Resources Commission by the deadline Nov. 14. The public hearing is at 5 p.m. at the Purdue Southeast Agricultural Center in Butlerville.


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