Hunting foe knows little about firearms

I want to provide some answers Laura Dehlendorf sought in her letter on coyote hunting in Wednesday’s Dispatch.

First, bobcat, or other animal urine serves as a cover scent to mask human odors. A coyote’s sense of smell is 100 times or more greater than a human’s.

Second, an AR-15 is not an “assault” rifle any more than a singleshot shotgun. That’s a label applied by liberals and people unfamiliar with firearms. Flintlock and percussion muzzleloaders, lever actions, and bolt-action rifles all have been used for assaults by our military through history. I doubt Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy intends to assault anyone. And this would be the same type of firearm Murphy uses in his job, trains with, and is very familiar with.

It is a very appropriate firearm that kills humanely without the danger of over penetration that other, larger-caliber rifles would create. Snares and traps make good sense in other areas. A rabbit in distress or other call is used to attract predators.

Coyotes kill pets, turkey, chickens, livestock and deer, among other animals. Cats are one of their favorite meals. And yes, humans have been attacked and killed by coyote.

As for selling fur, that is just responsible and good sense. Faux fur does not do the exact same thing. It doesn’t shed water or have the feel and thermal warmth of natural fur. If you don’t want it on your clothing, don’t buy it. But don’t deprive those who do.

Many people want leather purses or shoes. Manmade materials can serve similar purposes and spare the cows, but no more fast-food burgers.

Lastly, as for the “vacuum effect” of other same species moving in, if that were true, Ohio would be teaming with bear, wolves, buffalo and mountain lions that once were here.