Bear cub survival study.

[Pathman]

I posted this on another site, but wanted to share the info here for those that may have questions in this regard.

 

Hey all, after reading the opinions in prior posts regarding orphaned cub survival rates, I did a bit of research and found the below study. (I hope the link works!).

This study was authored by Dr. Lynn Rodgers, who was one of the most recognized bear biologists in the country at one time, not sure of his current status.

 

I'm providing this simply for the scientific data and not to attempt to persuade a hunter with a moral objection to shoot a sow with Cubs. These are simply the data/conclusions available.

 

I will add my opinion however, regarding the condemnation of hunters by fellow hunters, due to their decision to shoot, or not shoot, a certain category of animals within a management type hunt.

 

First, let's keep in mind that this hunt would not be taking place at all in NJ if not for the management implications. If we now turn this into a trophy hunt (which typically happens in deer management hunts, and a major factor in their failure), or attempt to justify selective categorization of the animals we do take according to our opinion and feelings, we will fail in achieving the goal of the Division, which would then require other methods in order to reduce the population effectively.

 

Secondly, let's not play the hypocrite here. We as a group, are constantly citing scientific data in order to justify our role as conservationist hunters. We can't then disregard the scientific data because we don't agree with the conclusions. We would then be no better then the uninformed, over emotional anti hunters, who use this tactic as SOP.

 

That being said, I'm not advocating that anyone be required to take an animal they don't want to due to their moral objection, but in the same way, I would not condemn someone who doesn't have the same objection for taking an animal within the guidelines of the management plan.

 

Your personal preference is just that, personal. By trying to restrict the current guidelines of the hunt based on your individual preferences and beliefs, is no different then the antis trying to stop the hunt totally based on theirs!

 

So, read the study, become informed, and if you chose to not to take an animal based on your feelings rather then

the science, that's fine, but please don't justify your preferences by condemning the preferences of others who are acting within the law and within the guidelines that will make this management hunt a success, and hopefully continue it into the future.

 

PS, scroll down to "Self sufficiency of orphaned cubs" if you don't care to read to entire paper.

 

http://www.bearstudy.org/website/ima..._Bear_Cubs.pdf

[Rusty]

The link didn't work, but if it's the same one that MTH posted it shows that orphaned cubs do survive just fine.    

[Pathman]

Try this.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0ahUKEwjo-8GKt8HPAhVMMj4KHTlCCAEQFggTMAM&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bearstudy.org%2Fwebsite%2Fimages%2Fstories%2FPublications%2FAiding_the_Wild_Survival_of_Orphaned_Bear_Cubs.pdf&usg=AFQjCNEiu-aioxijOsFDsVLRpv-2_vOPAQ

Edited October 4, 2016 by Pathman

[Rusty]

People have the same attitude about shooting does with fawns, but studies have shown that fawns that are orphaned at 6 months of age actually have a higher survival rate into adulthood.  

[MTH]

at 6 months of age, many doe fawns are Pregnant!