Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year (I believe this year is the year of the tiger), as well as a happy Valentine's day. Now go out and eat a lot of chocolate. You guys deserve it

Recently, I've received notice of a practice known as "predator derbies," three of which were just held in Idaho. In these, people sign up to kill as many predatory animals as possible in an allocated amount of time. Afterwords, prizes are given to the people who have slaughtered the most predators. The list of the animals targeted includes bobcats, wolves, and coyotes. The carcasses are then thrown away.

Basically, its a killing spree in which no management, no consideration for the animal, and no thought for the environmental impacts the absence of predators will cause are taken. A kill for the thrill sort of event, in which all sorts of methods are used to lure unsuspecting animals to the barrel of a gun. One such method is a call that sounds like a distressed coyote. Coyotes, who feel strong bonds towards members of their species, come to investigate, and are are promptly gunned down. People participating in this use coyotes' concern for other coyotes against them, in other words.

I don't mean to say that all hunting is bad. I respect those who do hunt sustainably, actually eat what they kill, and respect the balances of nature. But these predator derbies are for no other purpose than to let people get some sort of pleasure from killing creatures that can't defend themselves. No use is gotten from the bodies; you can be sure no one is eating wolf or bobcat. These derbies are blatantly disregarding the place of predators in nature, and allow people to act on reckless and selfish notions. So please! Take some time to learn about what predator derbies are, and add your voice to those who want wolves, bobcats, and coyotes to be able to live without being threatened in the name of "sport."

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When researching predator derbies, I came across *Iamidaho's journal, which presents a pretty comprehensive picture of what a predator derby is, and also contains some photos of the aftermath. I strongly recommend going to it, as it is much more informed than this journal and also contains links to those who can help stop these bloodbaths. You can find his journal here:
[link]

You can also get more information about predator derbies here:
[link]

And if you want, here is the website of the "sportsmen for fish and wildlife," the group behind many of these killings:
[link]

The current plight of the wolves has made it into the Washington Post! You can read what it has to say here: [link]


Also, if you would like to sign the petition against the wolf hunts, just go here and support the wolves: [link]

Thanks again for what you do to help end these killings.

Just wanted to wish a happy new year to all ma dA peeps; seriously, you guys are awesome .
This year has brought a lot of differences in my life, the biggest of course going to college (WHICH IS COMPLETELY AWESOME!!!). I feel like my art has improved as well, and you guys have been great in helping me improve. Thank you so much for the constructive critiques and other such things!! I look forward to seeing what sorts of things next year brings, in both triumphs, tragedies, and all the rest of it.

By the way, I'm now a published author.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!

Just wanted to wish all of you lovelies a very Merry Christmas/Mithras day. Really, so many of you have been very kind to me, helping me with my art and sparking cheerful conversation all the year round. You gents are all awesome people, and I hope you all received what you wanted on this interesting day . And so, once again, Merry Christmas!!!