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May 2014

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From:
marys1000 <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
marys1000 <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 6 May 2014 17:47:18 -0400
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I agree with aspects of some responses and disagree with others.

Humans are social animals and our behavior is dictated by social norms
and (hopefully) wanting to stay within those norms to remain
part of the social fabric. This is really so important to be able to
live together without things getting nuts.  Social norms are
communicated by the community writ large in a variety of ways and one
way would be to
have everyone that disagrees with this behavior to let the person know,
non confrontationally, educationally but still firmly and no quibbling.
  If only one or two people participate that tipping point of what is
and isn't acceptable behavior is not reached.  So I think its important
for responsible people, regardless of their hobby type,
to fill people in.  (Be careful and don't get yourself hurt)
Some people have said to call the DNR, that it is their job to take care
of this.  It is not illegal to harrass wildlife in this manner.
I sent an email to the DNR website once about this sort of thing (snowy
owls? I can't remember) and that was the response I got.
   But technically that person is not breaking a law.  Likely a DNR
officer would be viewed as a legal authority and someone who is
otherwise ignoring people's request to move back would probably be more
likely to obey which is great.  But DNR officers do have criminal
activity to monitor and this may not rise to the top as a priority.
Now the on site 'ranger' someone mentioned may have a different job
description and come running IDK.  Even a volunteer with an official
looking shirt and hat would be more likely to be obeyed
In old timey days there weren't cops to call about everything little
thing.  Those social norms were enforced by everyone.  With the drive to
less taxes and
less govt intrusion I don't see cops as becoming more plentiful.

While it may be true that "most" people aren't harrasing wildlife I
hardly see that as an argument to stand by and watch the few that do.

I also am not sure about photography promoting conservation thing. Is
there any kind of data to support it?     Everyone seems to assume there
is, that birders and photographers will want to protect places
where they can participate in their hobby but I don't think the link is
that direct and I suspect that there is a broad spectrum of actual care
for wildlife and the environment vs. more self centered drives among
photographers, birders, hikers etc. etc.
Hunters and sport fishers support conservation through licenses which is
great because everyone has to participate to play.  If they didn't have
to do that I wonder how much
promoting conservation would happen.  What does promoting conservation
even mean?    I think it means driving less and that includes to bird.
Not buying a house in a new sub development that
took out yet more habitat, and more unpopular things.

  I do think continuing to strive to find a way to get birders and
nature photographers having to buy a license to be in NWR's is
important.  Duck stamps and Wild Ohio stickers are great and help but
they don't carry the same political weight.

Someone said maybe more emphasis on education vs. birding as a social
event would help and I would agree, but I would add put the word
conservation in there as well.

I would also like to see clear and specific laws about harassing
wildlife on the books with fines attached.

Marie, Fairborn

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