Sounds like what you are saying is "screw the law" and do what you want. That's why blandings', spotteds and wood turtles are in such big trouble (and they are, there's documented scientific evidence to prove that)...poachers and unscrupulous collectors abound. Sure, they sold hatchlings at shows at one time but many illegally. And that's okay? Really? This is why our hobby is going down the toilet. Too many folks have a "screw the government" and money driven/profit margin mentality instead of taking a rational, proactive and profesional approach towards protecting the rights of private individuals and working with the various government agencies. Instead, we project ourselves in a manner that its no wonder why we are fighting a losing fight at the moment - i was at a recent herp show and thought I was going to the Harley National Convention (nothing wrong with harley dudes!)....it's about the image we project and right now, it's horrible. I really don't blame anyone but ourselves for what's going on - the herp community is one of the most apathetic communities of the exotic animal world in terms of being proactive in protecting our rights. As far as the actual court case goes, I'm keeping my mouth shut - the animal issues are unrelated to the other issues and that will be flushed out in the court of law.



>>As far as Blanding's Turtles go, I used to see hatchlings at shows. As various states have begun protecting them and other turtle species, to a greater degree, don't see them anymore.

>>

>>Maybe they have Federal Protection now. I do not know.

>>

>>My point being, when I was seeing them, I was reassured, in my mind at least, that they were doing OK...holding their own in the wild, as it were.

>>

>>Same thing with Wood Turtles. Not so reassuring to not see any, these days.

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>>I know it is a completely different way of looking at things from the Professionals'/Experts'/Authorities' viewpoint, but I honestly believe my perspective is the best and most efficient way to look at things.

>>

>>jsc

>>-----

>>"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"

>>John Crickmer
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Rob Carmichael, Curator

The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm

Lake Forest, IL

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