In light of some of the objections to protection from hunting for Minnesotas' research bears, such as, "it will lead to protection of all of Minnesota's bears" or "it will lead to protection of other animals," I've spent many hours trying to figure out what could be done to alleviate those possibilties, through legislation. I think I may have come up with an idea that could lead to the final wording of a bill to protect Mnnesotas bears, without leading to the protection of other animals.

I've sent this to all of the people who were on the comission, and to several other legislators. But, I've recieved no responses. I guess they do not open their government e-mails once the legislative session is over.

So I will take it to you - the citizens of the state of Minnesota - who, if we believe Commissioner Landwehr's statement, are the ones to which the States' wildlife belong.

Here it is:

Incidentally - I cannot find any instance where protecting research animals has led to the protection of that entire species, a group of animals from another species, or an entire other species. If anyone knows of such an instance, please provide it to me.

I'm looking forward to your responses.

May God bless all of you, and all of those who have gone before us,

T.R.

Part 1.There shall be no protection for any game animal from hunting, based on frivolous claims such as due to genetic anomaly (color of the skin, hair, fur, feathers, scales etc.) or geographic location (specific area), unless it is deemed necessary by the DNR for such reasons as the economic, educational or research value of the animals. This does not include research animals of any species, including those that have colored ribbons/tape and/or radio collars on them, in specific units designated by the DNR.

Part 2. It is illegal to hunt and kill radio collared bears, wearing brightly colored or florescent ribbon/tape on their collars or body, specifically in Units... (cite Dr. Rogers' study area).

Part 3. In the event that a research animal is killed by a hunter the DNR may conduct a thorough review of the incident to determine if it was a purposeful act or not, and it shall determine the appropriate action or punishment.

This could be amended to include the research bears of the State's DNR studies

So - a few questions for all of you, you can respond in a comment here, or e-mail me at TRMichels@yahoo.com. Please, no frivolous responses.