The Texas native recently found himself in the spotlight after successfully harvesting an 809.5 pound shortfin mako shark off of the coast of California with a bow. Thomason’s shark broke the previous record by 300 pounds. His excitement was short-lived however. After news agencies reported the story, the anti-hunting community began a feeding frenzy – and their prey was Thomason.
“After the national news outlets picked up the story, my Facebook page exploded,” explained Thomason. “I’m seeing death threats and a lot of people wishing me to die, even though I was doing something that is perfectly legal.”
A flood of comments from animal rights activists have bombarded the Predator Pursuit Facebook page, with many commentators spreading false information about the species. Such comments include the claim that makos are endangered.
In fact, shortfin mako sharks are not found on the Endangered Species List. Mako shark populations off the coast of California are healthy enough that the California Fish and Game Department allow anglers to take up to two per day, with no size limits.
“Bullying people is never appropriate,” said Sonke Mastrup, executive director of the California Fish and Game Commission. “If people have concerns about how the Commission or Department of Fish and Wildlife are conducting its regulations, they should address both departments, not harass an individual who is lawfully following the rules.”
However, facts regarding the species and legality of hunting makos continue to be overlooked by animal rights activists and harassment continues on Thomason’s page. Comments such as: “He should be killed, not taken off of Facebook. A life for a life I say” and “I pray for karma to come in the form of many sharks and play games with Jeff’s body…” are just two examples.
Harassment and cyberbullying from animal rights activists have become prevalent in the past year, leading USSA to form the Hunter Advancement Task Force to find a solution to the growing problem.
“Animal rights extremists never seem to miss an opportunity to spread blatant lies and distort the facts when it comes to attacking law-biding hunters and fishermen for partaking in perfectly legal and regulated activities,” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA president and CEO. “They continue to show logical people their radical views and antics, which simply don’t sit well with mainstream America.”
Anti-hunters attacking Thomason’s page also overlooked the fact that the harvest of the species was used to feed the less fortunate. The meat from the world-record mako was too much for one person, so Thomason donated 400 pounds to a local California homeless shelter.
“I think it is important to donate if we are not going to be able to eat it all ourselves,” said Thomason. “If someone else can benefit from it, then I am more than happy to donate.”
Article shared from : http://www.ussportsmen.org/news/sportsman-harassed-anti-hunters-legal-mako-shark-hunt/
Toby Trigger is a Local Montana Field Director for the USSA.
