While walking my dog this morning on the ordinarily deserted logging roads around here, I came across (in addition to several fresh piles of bear scat) boot tracks in the grass heading into a draw thick with blackberry and salmonberry bushes, where one of our local bears was murdered by a hunter (“harvested”) last August. Now, I’m hearing the report of a rifle and am wondering if the same narcissistic nimrod is out there trying to kill another of our bear friends (like some serial killer who struggled through an enforced nine-month cooling off period and, consequently, is gripped by the uncontrollable urge to satisfy his pent-up his bloodlust).
Although it’s barely berry season for the bears out there trying to stock up for the coming winter, it’s bear hunting season—as of August 1st—for Elmers and Elmerettes in the Evergreen State. Nowadays, every Elmer (or Elmerette) who wants to can kill not one, but TWO, bears apiece through November 15th!
As of last Thursday, any Washington State black bear who values his or her life will have no peace ‘til the snow flies and they’re safely tucked away in their hibernation den. Until then, they must assume there’s a camo-clad coward with a high powered rifle or compound bow aimed at them, perched in every tree they pass under.
Each year 30,000 black bears are killed by hunters in the U.S. alone. And each and every one of them was a more remarkable, more worthy being than the sadists and psychos who kill them for sport.
Text and Wildlife Photography ©Jim Robertson, 2013. All Rights Reserved
Exposing the Big Game 
The only thing worse are the Spring bear hunts and you’re right about these serial killers of wildlife.
I’ve listened to so many of these perverts testify, on behalf of wolves mind you, and they begin their comments with…”First of all I’m a hunter” WTF does that mean? They have more rights than non-hunters….they’re more credible than non-hunters?
Then there’s the…”I’m a 3rd, 4th, 6th, or whatever generation Montanan and a hunter
and or a rancher…Does that make them wiser, give them more credibility, more rights?????…someone please explain that to me.
Thanks Jim for your continued efforts to expose these miscreants for what they really are.
You’re welcome Jerry. And, like you, I’ve heard the “4th generation” claim to fame ad nauseum (McIrvin never fails to mention it). They think it means they are more entitled than a 3rd or second generation. But the notion that a hunter is more credible–now there’s a real joke!
Why in the hell is bear hunting season so long in WA?
Don’t bother asking the WDFW, they’ll tell you it’s because they lost their other “management” “tools” when the citizens voted to ban bear baiting and hound hunting, so how else can they keep bears’ numbers down (as if that’s a “problem”).
Serious question: What would they even do with a dead bear?
That question is answered in this post: https://exposingthebiggame.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/today-is-opening-day-of-bear-season-in-washington/
I wish these hunters would fuck off and die! Those poor bears. I will never understand this blood thirst for hunting. Never!
All they understand is that humans are assholes who can’t be trusted. Too bad for those of us who don’t mind seeing bears around.
This morning I watched Zodiac via Netflix streaming and all I could think was, we need a serial killer that only kills hunters. Wouldn’t that just be dreamy? LOL!
But serial killers aren’t motivated by a will to do good or a code of ethics like the make-believe character, “Dexter”–The only justice they care about is some taking revenge out on an innocent victim for some perceived affront to their fragile self esteem (just like a trophy hunter).
Good point.
I’ll wish for a Dexter then. LOL! Love that series, BTW.
and another story to piss me off.
http://fightforrhinos.com/2013/08/04/america-land-of-the-free-home-of-the-arrogant/
Thanks, I’ll reblog that one too.
Hey, sorry about all the comments but did you hear about this story? WTF is going on in the world???
I reblogged an article about that a few days back–unbelievable!!
The sickness of it all is overwhelming…
You can say that again.
Yes I wish hunters would die off…I hate them all. Out here I have to listen to the guns in dove season as hunters blow birds out of the sky. I live a block from BLM land. They also kill wild peacocks right in the neighborhood. And while they’re at it they off stray dogs or even their own dogs which have become a nuisance to them. Oh I live in the wild west.
Wow, peacocks and dogs, now that’s “sporting.”
Cute picture of the bear and definitely a far worthier being than the killer.
Definitely.
Jim you are the voice for wildlife! The voice
excellent post
I am so glad and thankful you are out there reminding us everyday to fight the good fight
Thank you too Louise.