A New Generation of Hunter- Spotlight, Mark Anthony LeBlanc

A New Generation of Hunter-Spotlight, Mark Anthony Leblanc Nestled within the camouflage of the overgrowth of Spanish moss, ferns and Cypress trees, bow hunter, Mark LeBlanc, felt comfortably at home. Motionless, he sat 20 feet up, positioned in his deer stand. After many years of bow hunting in the Atchafalaya Basin, this day would perhaps offer up an opportunity to come to full draw on another trophy buck. A slight and sudden movement caught Mark’s full attention as he focused down below. At the base of the solid hardwood tree was what appeared to be a visibly dying adolescent bobcat. With dusk approaching, and with it the buck he was awaiting, Mark broke stand and headed to his boat with a bobcat kitten in his grasp to safely tuck into his action packer. En route to the Butte LaRose exit, Mark called the Louisiana Bobcat Refuge, who had been dispatched to meet the hunter and his kitten. “Sherburne”, the bobcat received emergency veterinary care, but was severely emaciated, dehydrated and had developed a heart murmur, in addition to other complications. Sadly, he was not able to make it through the next several hours after sedation. Some days Mother Nature can seem cruel and unfair. However, Sherburne’s suffering and death was not in vain. What did we learn from this true story of heroism? We learned that others had noticed Sherburne, the bobcat, struggling in the same area for over a week, but just accepted it as a part of nature. We learned that Mark LeBlanc took an extra step to try to make a difference. We learned that it’s OK to call and ask if we aren’t sure what to do with wildlife. Most of the Louisiana Bobcat Refuge help calls instruct people to leave wild bobcat kittens in the wild and the mom will come back for them; but every once in awhile, we may step in. It’s OK to ask for help if you see an animal suffering. Thank you Mark LeBlanc for being a hero to Sherburne, the bobcat, a positive role model and for being a new generation of hunter. “…I only kill what I eat, and teach my kids to never say “kill,"

but use the word “harvesting,” says Mark LeBlanc. “Education is of big importance, because as a hunter, we rarely see a bobcat kill a young deer. We think the bobcat is more at risk of getting hurt because of the deer, rather than a squirrel or rabbit. Conservation is very important to me. I want to leave something for the next generation.” Rylee, Mark’s daughter, drew a picture of Sherburne to honor her dad’s act of heroism. She tells everyone her dad is her hero. We agree. • For wildlife in distress, contact the Fish & Game Department in your state for permitted rehabilitators or licensed wildlife facilities. • LDWF and LBR do not recommend handling wildlife for your own safety. Please always follow state and federal regulations and laws in regards to any indigenous species. Call for assistance, when unsure. Contributed by: PK Connery, The Louisiana Bobcat Refuge & Ben Bischoff, Buckhorn Taxidermy Studio