Loons getting shot

[SteveA]

Sad to say but nothing surprises me anymore. The boat ramp at Marine Patrol is a very busy spot with lot's of "In and Out" fishermen every day.

I would be will to bet it was someone that had a Loon bothering his fishing, so he just used the 38 caliber solution.

Don't waste your time calling me anti gun.. I'm not. I'm anti STUPID.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Sad to say but nothing surprises me anymore. The boat ramp at Marine Patrol is a very busy spot with lot's of "In and Out" fishermen every day.

I would be will to bet it was someone that had a Loon bothering his fishing, so he just used the 38 caliber solution.

Don't waste your time calling me anti gun.. I'm not. I'm anti STUPID.

Really? You blame fishermen for this??

No chance it could be some punk kid from loser parents waiting for their next crack hit right??...

Hmmm, I thought you were smarter than that Steve...

Dan

[Misha888]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Really? You blame fishermen for this??

No chance it could be some punk kid from loser parents waiting for their next crack hit right??...

Hmmm, I thought you were smarter than that Steve...

Dan

He may not be far off. Who knows where the Loon was shot, but there are a lot of Yahoo's (aka fishermen) who have bad attitudes that will argue with you if you don't like the fact that they're plinking their lure off your boat or getting one stuck in your tree. I live in Smith Cove, no punk children live around here. So reasonable deduction is all that it is.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Misha888

He may not be far off. Who knows where the Loon was shot, but there are a lot of Yahoo's (aka fishermen) who have bad attitudes that will argue with you if you don't like the fact that they're plinking their lure off your boat or getting one stuck in your tree. I live in Smith Cove, no punk children live around here. So reasonable deduction is all that it is.

Misha: I noticed a few black kids with hoodies hanging around the boat ramp in Alton Bay the other day. They are known to often have guns so I am thinking they shot the loons. A reasonable deduction is all that it is, don't you think?

[SteveA]

SC, Dan, Maxum.. I clearly stated that "I would be willing to bet" that it was an "in and out" fisherman.

The United States has the highest rate of gun ownership in the world, by far:

"There are estimates, however. According to the Geneva-based Small Arms Survey – the leading source of international public information about firearms – the U.S. has the best-armed civilian population in the world, with an estimated 270 million total guns. That’s an average of 89 firearms for every 100 residents — far ahead of Yemen, which comes in second with about 55 firearms for every 100 people, or Switzerland, which is third with 46 guns for every 100 people." (Yes.. I know that these numbers are an average, and I don't think 89 of every 100 people I see every day, are carrying or or even owning a gun..)

Source:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013...lly-declining/

I agree "most" are responsible, and I clearly stated I'm not anti gun. I think that to not even being willing to considered ALL of the "possible" culprits is however unreasonable... IMHO. I'll bet Fish and Game are considering the "possibility" of it being a fisherman. IMHO it would be irresponsible to NOT consider all of the potential suspects.

I'm not an investigator, but I would think that proximity to the loon that was shot would be a reasonable investigative starting point, along with "the crack head kids with irresponsible parents" or "few black kids with hoodies hanging around the boat ramp in Alton Bay the other day. They are known to often have guns so I am thinking they shot the loons. A reasonable deduction is all that it is, don't you think?"

I'm on the side of considering ALL of the possibility's. I have many pictures of loon and fishermen is close proximity and will continue to believe, regardless of the comments from people I greatly respect, like you three, and should be a consideration.

[SteveA]

Dan, SC and Maxum..

I'm going to have to use the Beatrice solution:

http://vid.marketmenot.com/esurance-...ver-sharer.mp4

[SIKSUKR]

Way out of line on this one Steve.

[Chaselady]

This has gotten out of control, again.
We all love the loons, but we need to remember that those who live near the ocean are not as fond of them. When they fly south and spend the winter frolicking in the ocean waters of NC they creat havoc by entangling themselves in the fishing lines as they try to catch the fish.
It doesn't matter, whether it was a fisherman with a gun, a hunter, or some kid with a pellet gun. It was just an idiot, with a gun. Obviously.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Way out of line on this one Steve.

in what way? (Just curious.. not being defensive)

[ishoot308]

Steve;

First off this is not a gun control debate so lets squelch that right now, you brought that up and no one else.

While we are all entitled to our opinions and I do respect yours, I must ask, have you EVER seen a fisherman purposely harass, shoot at, or in any way injure a loon on Lake Winnipesaukee???

In my many many years of fishing on Lake Winni as well as other loon established lakes here in NH, I can honestly say I have never seen a fishermen so much as harass a loon never mind pull out a pistol, rifle, bow and arrow, whatever you pick and shoot one. Maybe they accidentally went near a nesting site by not knowing the area but certainly nothing on purpose.

Now I have seen Jet skiers / irresponsible boaters purposely harass them, sail boaters get way too close to nesting areas, kayaks purposely paddle up to them or disturb nesting sites, kids from shore throw rocks at them but I have never seen a fishermen so much as bother one. Now I am not saying it's impossible but for me highly improbable when there are so many other more realistic things that could of happened.

If you did see a fishermen kill or harass one, did you get their bow number and report them to the authorities?? Certainly if they were fishing they were going very slow and their bow numbers would be easily and clearly visible so there would be no excuse for not reporting them.

So I guess I am just curious, why the fishermen???

Steve, this shouldn't be about labeling an entire group of people about being loon murderers, this should be about finding the individual moron (and there are plenty to go around) and bring him or her to justice for their crime.

To accuse the fishermen with no basis whatsoever is highly irresponsible and very insulting to the many of us who enjoy and take part in that sport. I hope you understand that. Maybe it was an amateur photographer with a grudge against loons??...


Steve I have always enjoyed your pics and posts in this forum but in this instance I must completely disagree with your thought process.

I do still like you though Steve!

Dan

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Steve;

First off this is not a gun control debate so lets squelch that right now, you brought that up and no one else.

While we are all entitled to our opinions and I do respect yours, I must ask, have you EVER seen a fisherman purposely harass, shoot at, or in any way injure a loon on Lake Winnipesaukee???

In my many many years of fishing on Lake Winni as well as other loon established lakes here in NH, I can honestly say I have never seen a fishermen so much as harass a loon never mind pull out a pistol, rifle, bow and arrow, whatever you pick and shoot one. Maybe they accidentally went near a nesting site by not knowing the area but certainly nothing on purpose.

Now I have seen Jet skiers / irresponsible boaters purposely harass them, sail boaters get way too close to nesting areas, kayaks purposely paddle up to them or disturb nesting sites, kids from shore throw rocks at them but I have never seen a fishermen so much as bother one. Now I am not saying it's impossible but for me highly improbable when there are so many other more realistic things that could of happened.

If you did see a fishermen kill or harass one, did you get their bow number and report them to the authorities?? Certainly if they were fishing they were going very slow and their bow numbers would be easily and clearly visible so there would be no excuse for not reporting them.

So I guess I am just curious, why the fishermen???

Steve, this shouldn't be about labeling an entire group of people about being loon murderers, this should be about finding the individual moron (and there are plenty to go around) and bring him or her to justice for their crime.

To accuse the fishermen with no basis whatsoever is highly irresponsible and very insulting to the many of us who enjoy and take part in that sport. I hope you understand that. Maybe it was an amateur photographer with a grudge against loons??...


Steve I have always enjoyed your pics and posts in this forum but in this instance I must completely disagree with your thought process.

I do still like you though Steve!

Dan

PM sent.. no good will come of this thread continuing on the path it's on.

Thx SteveA

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by SteveA

PM sent.. no good will come of this thread continuing on the path it's on.

Thx SteveA

Hi Steve:

I apologize to have offended you. I felt you were unfairly labeling an entire group of folks (fishermen), 99.9% of whom I'm sure share the same view as you on the recent unwarranted attacks on Loons. I wanted to point that out. That is it. End of story.

I wasn't focused on the gun issue and while I have CCPs in Massachusetts and NH I'm sure you and I could come to agreement on gun legislation if we were running the country, since I consider you to be a reasonable person, as am I.

[ishoot308]

Hi Steve;

P.M. received , read and I completely agree with it.

I wish you would post it as it certainly describes your thoughts way better than your original post.

All is good my friend! The only shot I want to see of Loons is from your camera!!

Dan

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by SteveA

in what way? (Just curious.. not being defensive)

No worries but I just don't see the point of pointing a finger at fisherman with guns. I don't even fish btw.

[LIforrelaxin]

This type of thing unfortunately happens from time to time. While all of you where focusing on SteveA comments. I was thinking not about the fact that These two loons where shot.... But rather they would apparently seem to have been shot purely for sport.

Personally nothing upsets me more then when I see animals endangered or not hunted purely for sport. Hunting is a needed activity to keep wildlife populations in check. However as in the case of the loon, there are times where certain animals need to be protected. Hence the endangered species list.

However set the endangered species list aside. And what you are left with is two dead loons shot and left. That really boils my blood. If you shot an animal, you better intended to utilize it for more then just chest pumping bragging rights.

[upthesaukee]

the loon who was shot down in Dover has unfortunately died. He was found in the pond where he was placed to recuperate.

[Misha888]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

the loon who was shot down in Dover has unfortunately died. He was found in the pond where he was placed to recuperate.

And I haven't seen or heard the loons in Smith Cove, not even the sole one that I saw on Monday morning. Super sad about that. I maintain hope until I can watch for them ALL day.

Thank you for the update on the Dover Loon.

[pjard]

I saw one (single) yesterday right off the beach by Mountain View YC.

[Misha888]

Originally Posted by pjard

I saw one (single) yesterday right off the beach by Mountain View YC.

no sound of the ones that lived in the cove. Not even the single. You can typically see them feeding through the narrow part and hear them closer to sundown. This pair has lived there for 9 years. Off to read up on "what happens when one loses a mate". Still maintaining hope but it's now Thu. . . . well, Friday.

[Misha888]

Mr and Mrs. of Smith Cove

[znh]

Originally Posted by Misha888

Mr and Mrs. of Smith Cove

We always gas up at Fay's and see Loons in Smith Cove often...must be these two !

We have a couple of pairs always out in front of Lake Shore Park / Samoset / Ames. I often see them in the morning in my kayak, I will certainly be more vigilant watching around to make sure nobody is doing anything harmful out there...

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by znh

I often see them in the morning in my kayak, .

Do they know how to use the paddle?

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by Misha888

no sound of the ones that lived in the cove. Not even the single. You can typically see them feeding through the narrow part and hear them closer to sundown. This pair has lived there for 9 years. Off to read up on "what happens when one loses a mate". Still maintaining hope but it's now Thu. . . . well, Friday.

Last summer our male loon in Green's Basin died from a lead sinker. The female is back this year with a new male. John, from the Loon Center, said it could take as long as 3 years for this pair to produce chicks.

[tis]

I am happy to hear that. I didn't know they took a new mate. We had one here for years that was single and never had a mate.

[Misha888]

are frequenting the cove. I thought you'd be interested. I'm thrilled. What I think is the male was really calm today. We cruised right by him on our way out. It is the closest I have ever gotten to a Loon in 10 years.

We came back went in for a sandwich and then there were two. Swimming right by the end of the boat (we were docked) and I left my camera in the house from lunch.

I'm loving the return of the Loons calls.

Originally Posted by tis

I am happy to hear that. I didn't know they took a new mate. We had one here for years that was single and never had a mate.

[Misha888]

Originally Posted by Green's Basin Girl

Last summer our male loon in Green's Basin died from a lead sinker. The female is back this year with a new male. John, from the Loon Center, said it could take as long as 3 years for this pair to produce chicks.

Maybe she is looking for a new mate over in the Marina. Still no sight of her.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Sad to say but nothing surprises me anymore. The boat ramp at Marine Patrol is a very busy spot with lot's of "In and Out" fishermen every day.

I would be will to bet it was someone that had a Loon bothering his fishing, so he just used the 38 caliber solution.

Don't waste your time calling me anti gun.. I'm not. I'm anti STUPID.

Steve: I am pretty sure there is no evidence to connect any fisherman to these incidents. It could be a fisherman but it could just as easily be a kid with a pellet gun. Let's let the facts come out. I think you are unfairly labeling fisherman.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Sad to say but nothing surprises me anymore. The boat ramp at Marine Patrol is a very busy spot with lot's of "In and Out" fishermen every day.

I would be will to bet it was someone that had a Loon bothering his fishing, so he just used the 38 caliber solution.

Don't waste your time calling me anti gun.. I'm not. I'm anti STUPID.

That's a pretty irresponsible thing to infer unless you have first hand knowledge of somebody doing this. As a general rule, those that are hunters and fisherman are as interested in conservation and wildlife management as the F&G is, if not more. As both an avid hunter and fisherman this gets me just as mad as anyone else.

[Lin]

Just a thought but i was looking at the weather around the lake on the webcams and saw the smith cove cam. I wonder how many other homes in the area of the loon killing have security cameras. Maybe law enforcement could have residents backtrack their cameras if video (if video is collected on some form of media).