We just sent out an email to members asking everyone to get involved on these issues.
Time to get involved
There are several legislative issues facing VT Hunters and Anglers that have the ability to impact hunting and fishing in VT- now and into the future.
VT Fish & Wildlife Conservation Group is working on Gov. Scott’s proposed budget cut that would close the Salisbury Fish Hatchery paired with potential legislation to increase hunting and fishing license fees by a small amount to cover the budget shortfall. In addition, bills of note this week in the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish, and Wildlife are concerning for hunters and anglers- H.410/H.411, which would negatively alter trapping and use of hounds; H.190, which would change governance of the F&W Dept; and H.357, a wanton waste bill. All of these issues warrant discussion, but jumping into them without some serious thought is short sighted.
We continue to work on these matters on behalf of our members, but are asking that you submit comments to your legislators this week- our strength relies on engaged members like you!
Below is a comment that you can cut and paste into an email to your legislators.
Located below that are the email addresses of Representatives for our region, please find yours and send them a polite email. If you need to find out who represents you, use this tool.
Lastly, please stay involved. Feel free to share this with your hunting and fishing friends. There will be further opportunities to engage our elected officials and we need you to help us protect our heritage now, and for future generations. Thank you!
**Suggested Comment to your Representative(s):
Thank you for your service to VT as my Representative. As a concerned hunter and angler, I’m writing to you about 1. The proposed closure of the Salisbury Fish Hatchery by Gov. Scott, 2. H.190 An act relating to the management of fish and wildlife, 3. H.410 An act relating to hunting and trapping, 4 H.357 An act relating to prohibiting the wanton waste of wildlife.
- Please vote for a nominal increase in hunting/fishing license fees to close the budget gap around the hatchery, which will allow stocking to continue, an activity that generates approximately $31.6 million to our economy.
2. Please oppose H.190 and allow Agency of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on expanded funding options and management concerns before making this a legislative issue.
3. Please oppose H.410/H.411. Hunting and trapping regulations are the purview of the F&W Board. Wildlife should not be managed legislatively.
4. Please oppose H.357. Wanton waste is an issue of serious concern to hunters and anglers, however, this bill has made it to committee without discussion about its implications and enforcement by the many people it impacts.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]