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Big Cats in the Canyon From Cougar to Bobcat: they’re here—and changing legislation could affect how we live with them. By Michelle Gates
Prime cougar territory: This one, affectionately named Charlie, lives permanently with Nancy Carey of Gates—after killing the family’s herd of goats in 1999. The 4 1/2 year old, 126lb cat avoided capture from hunters with dogs; its demise was a snare set by Federal Wildlife trapper Dave Fowler.
Yeah, they purr—but are they pretty? Canyon bobcats and cougars have to eat, but some residents don’t particularly appreciate the ones that come into town around Detroit Lake. “About once a year, I hear people talking about bobcats raiding chicken coups in Idanha,” said resident Kevin Hills. While bobcats are typically twice the size of a house cat, the average cougar weighs 160lbs. That brings heavy decisions about how to hunt and manage them—including the use of scent dogs. Oregon voters decided to outlaw hound-
based public hunting of cougars in 1994. In 2011, state legislature is looking at three measures to overturn that decision. Two of those have stalled, but House Bill 2337, carried by state rep. Sherri Sprenger, passed the House vote April 20 by a 3:1 margin. It would create a pilot program to allow the public to hunt cougar with dogs in approved counties. The bill now sits on Senate President Peter Courtney’s desk, said Sprenger. It still needs to wind it’s way through the Senate, a potentially long process. But hunting cougar with dogs has never been truly outlawed. Cont’d on back page
Local Man Wins $6,000 Fishing Derby Raises Funds for Fireworks There may be only two things that troit Lake Recreation Area Business Video Lottery Jackpot Mill City resident and Mountain Edge Café cook Ed Elmer hit the Russian Treasure Video Lottery jackpot of $6,000 at Mill City Eagles Lodge May 4. Congratulations came from fellow lodge members as Elmer completed his first two acts following the win— calling his wife Roxy and signing the ticket.
bring together a bunch of guys and quite a few ladies—colorful explosives and fresh, live and unwilling trout. The Detroit Fishing Derby does both. Just ask Dean O’Donnell, one of the event organizers. “The Fishing Derby is the main fundraiser for our Fireworks Over the Lake,” said O’Donnell. “It costs around $11,000 to put on our Fourth of July celebration. This helps pay for that event.” Over the last few months, the De-
www .Detro itLakeOregon.co m
May 13-15, 2011
Association (DLRABA) has gathered sponsors—who donated prizes like a brand new Smoker Craft fishing boat and trailer from Riverview Community Bank. Years ago, DLRABA didn’t have an age limit on who could win the grand prize boat. That’s when twelve year old Jared Hills (now 23) held the winning raffle ticket. Ever since, the Frank’s Lumber employee has been an avid volunteer for the event, said dad Kevin Hills. The minimum Cont’d on back page Randy and Kathy Mickey, Proprietors
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