Dear Commissioners,

Please do not ban the harvest or sale of wild turtles in Florida. You are being played by animal rights leaning academics and biologists. They have been on a campaign across the southeast to stop turtle harvest because of worries about export to China. All animal populations have an amount that can be harvested in a sustainable manner. Determine what that is and set bag limits similarly to what is done in game management. Do not impose ANY bans. Bans are wrong. Bans are unfair. Bans are not necessary. Keep in mind that there are thousands of Florida citizens who keep, collect (in small amounts) and breed turtles. They network across state lines. Captive propagation is an important conservation tool. Do not penalize the many for the sins of the few. Biologists often play fast and loose with the facts to push their agenda. I have seen it a thousand times. The private citizens who would be hurt by a banning regulation do not have an advocacy group representing their interests nor can they afford attorneys to come to Tallahassee. Matt Arseco is well funded by millionaire MC Davis. Do not let money trump fairness and logic. Say NO to bans.

Thank You,

Michael E. Welker
Wildlife Scientist
3105 Eads Place
El Paso, TX 79935
915-309-5300

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• My email to FWC - OHI, Sat Nov 22 07:16:38 2008