"The ability to capture and sell wild caught is the foundation of this industry without it this industry is done as we know it. It will also negatively affect the zoo, museum, research, education and venom industries."



Says you-the commercial collector. In actuality, most unbiased observers (and remember, I myself have no particular bias for or against commercial collection) would come to the conclusion that the modern herp hobby has relatively little need for commercial collection. The vast majority of popular herp species are present in the hobby in much better than self-sustaining numbers (when was the last time you saw a wild caught corn snake, leopard gecko, cal king, etc for sale?). Need new blood for your breeders? Go out and collect it for yourself, or trade with someone who lives in that species range.



The herp industry is a job creator and we need to keep it that way.



No argument here-but many of us believe the way to preserve our hobby is decidedly NOT to attempt to defend the indefensible (speaking of political realities here, not idealism).



Yes, some collectors may have damaged populations and over-collected. But they are few in number and all of us should not lose our privileges for the sins of a few.



The problem is, such abuses are inevitable when the profit motive is introduced-it's the "tragedy of the commons" (google it)...



Now, I can understand why those who don't sell wild caught want to be sure that the powers-that-be know they are not selling wild caught. But it is this total disregard, the selling out of and the lack of concern about other industry folks by these ignorant, idealistic hobbyists and their vocal support of the wrong approach that makes them the enemy of the industry. Not to mention that they are selfish and the way the handle opposing views is appalling.



Let's see-now we're ignorant, self-serving (truly humorous coming from you, Mike!) short-sighted, radical, sell-outs? Now who's trying to start a "pissing match"?








-----
Brad Chambers

WWW.HCU-TX.ORG



The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

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