From time to time, I've recieved e-mails that suggest I have a low opinion of the California Fish and Game (AKA CaCa Fish and Gestapo). They are wrong. I actually have *less* than a low opinion; most of it couldn't be published in such an outstanding family forum such as this. I was born and raised in California for most of my life. My parents live there, my family lives there. There is not a part of the state I haven't seen. I've hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail at one time (1976) and in segments (1980s). My bicycle log has more than 18,000 miles within the State, almost all on back roads from the north to the south. I did zoology field work in the central valley for 4 years, and archaeological surveys for almost 6 years throughout the state. I worked as a photographer in Calif for 10 years, and during that time was in the boonies most weekends. I'vs stood in the middle of the San Andreas fault, on the top of Shasta, in the back country of Yosemite. During that time I have cataloged road kill, indentified bones along-side the highway (and from various law-enforcement agencies) and even surprised a cougar to two. I have seen a total of *one* ferret found in the "wild" (actually about 3 miles from a small town). It was less than a year old, was emaciated, covered with fleas, and infested with three species of worms. It also had two blue dots behind his right ear. Oh yeah, it was dead. Feral populations? Bullcrap! I have nothing but contempt for a government agency that refuses to pick up a book and learn the truth. But that is not what is happening in California, my friends. This isn't an issue of zoology; this is pure politics. The overwhelming evidence, the lack of any support for any contention made, the insistence on using evidence based on anecdotes rather than hypotheses, the ignoring of hundreds of years of evidence, the disregard of what European scientists have found, the arrogance of insisting 48 other states are wrong, and the bully-like behavior of the Fish and Gestapo agents towards innocent citizens is either because they are so absolutely stupid they can't understand what a ecotome is, or they doen't care because they are too busy sucking money from the butts of the poutry and hunting industry (who are absolutely stupid). Californians, it is time you put your money were your ferret is. It's time to fight for what you believe to be right. Ferrets are domesticated; hundreds of authorities will back you on that, included the federal government. Domesticated animals are personal property of the person who owns them, and that right is protected by the Constitution (Bill of Rights). You can't lose if you are willing to cough up the money to win. Sue the damn state for major monetary damages. Each time a Fish and Gestapo agent harrasses a citizen, sue them personally in federal court for infringement on constitutional rights. You can't beat the bully by hoping they will change their mind; use force and lots of it. Those jerks are laughing at you. I am a peaceful person, but there comes a time when gloves come off or the boots go on. The people of the FML have adopted hundreds of needy ferrets, mobilized and moved them, and contibuted funds to maintain and support shelters. Folks, we *CAN* do more on the California issue. Start economic boycotts against California pet industry businesses within the state. Boycott Foster Farms or Tyson. Go to Duck Unlimited and present the facts, and boycott them if they don't listen to reason. Sue the state to produce evidence that ferrets are wild. Present the issue to the state vet organization. Get local zoology professors to write papers, even it if is nothing more than they have never seen a ferret in the wild. Make the ferret an issue in local elections, maybe you can get a local town to declare them legal and force the state to defend their position.It takes work, it takes money, it takes dedication. But most important, it takes the realization that this is a *political* issue, not a biological, and political issues have a habit of biting the hand that feeds them. For the last year I have heard nothing but hope then depression, followed by more hope and depression. That is a classic tactic of oppressive governments. You have just enough hope to prevent the rebellion, but just enough depression negate the will to organize. As long as they can keep you off guard and helpless, they will. It's time to break the cycle and show those non-cephalic biopolititicans what neutering is all about. I, for one, will help in any way possible. Even if it is just to call the SOBs names they don't understand. Any state that allows the Fish and Gestapo to spend 11 months in survelance to capture 7 citizens owning 36 ferrets while at the same time cuts social services to its citizens because of a lack of money deserves to have the crap kicked out of it. Start kicking! Mo' Bob and the 18 Ferret-Dissidents "Ferridents" (Gus dooks at the F&G) [Posted in FML issue 1752]