Took a quick look at the vote on Oregon HB 3292 which would severely restrict beaver trapping in Oregon. The bill passed the Oregon House by a vote of 35 to 18. All the yes votes for the anti trapping bill were Democrats, all the no votes for trappers were Republicans. Not a single Democrat voted against the bill. Perfect example of who is for us and who is against us.

Just reinforces the fact that Democrats are the party of anti trapping and gun control. Almost without exception, they will take any chance they get to pass legislation that negatively impacts trappers and gun owners.

Republicans aren't perfect, but they usually are not proposing and supporting anti trapping and anti gun legislation.

Don' believe the Democrat's lies, our MN Dem Governor is a perfect example, goes pheasant hunting for a photo op, and struggled to load his shotgun. Claims to be a hunter and and sportsman, but supports any and all anti trapping and gun control legislation. He signed the bill, passed by the Democrats to ban commercial turtle trapping in Minnesota. He will not support a wolf season in Minnesota.

Elections and votes matter, a small but significant amount of trappers and hunters support Democrats, this support comes at a cost to trappers. Don't think "your guy" is different, when the votes are cast, Democrats will vote against trapping every time.

We have NOT a real leader in Mn.

Same thing in Wisconsin

Excellent analysis, and all true.

Gerald, I'm a life-long democrat but you're right, democrat representatives have decided that anti trapping is part of their base agenda. And of course most of their constituents that are democrats most likely support that.

I've got some soul searching to do. I will not vote in the future for any of them that voted for this bill.

Gerald, you are spot on with your assessment.

It sure appears that it may be too late to save what you love in your state.

The liberals agenda (in any state) has never been hidden and I struggle to understand how folks as yourself have supported them for so long.

I wish yall the best.

What's going on there in Oregon and other states is a shame. One thing I have noticed from watching hearings on a few bills here is that it's really apparent that almost all of the legislators on both sides have no idea of what they are voting on. I bet there isn't more than a handful of hunters and I'd be surprised if there are any trappers in the whole house or Senate here. People that don't understand hunting/trapping/fishing or the impact that these kinds of bills will have, should be no where near the levers of power.

I've always voted for the person rather than straight down party line... but I do get what you're saying Swampy.

Doesn't matter what a democrat has said or done in the past, or if they're otherwise a decent person, they vote in lock step with the party line....

I have never voted for a Dem. I never will. What's happening in Oregon is why, anyone that does is digging their own grave.

Yes our Gov. says hes for conservation< I have yet to see any real thing done with that He puts up a good show for three seasons and nothing more than that and if he has a hard time handling a gun he need not be out there and hes has a military back round The Dems. blew through our budget surplus, and does he really care about people in the rural areas and small towns, always seems that the big and or biggest cities get the lions share. There I have said enough.

Guys, we are broke here in Illinois too...BUT I will take my hat off to the Illinois Trappers Association and Prez. Ryan Ruhl and his staff....they have done an outstanding job with communicating the NEED for trapping in our democratic state.

The destruction is far beyond anti trapping legislation here. Look at the negative track record that party has with all wildlife management issues, logging, mining, commercial fishing, hound hunting, and recreational hunting and fishing.
This State is full of renewable natural resources that have been taken off the menu by this party.
Oregon is nothing now compared to what it once was.

I honestly don't know how an outdoorsman can vote for a democrat. The lines have been drawn many many years ago and there are very few that will cross the isle anymore, once in its straight party line vote.

The saying.......cutting your own nose off to spite your face is front and center on this political issue.

I once believed voting the man. Until Sen Howell Heflin voted for the Clinton Brady Bill. Never again.

It's my belief that those still democrat in this day and age is because they themselves either partake in or support some sort of negative antisocial behavior, often drugs, sexual, hate or greed. Yet, they believe of themselves some sort of higher calling or intellelect in supporting these same negative behaviors in others.

In short, EVIL.

NY is one the poster children for Democratic Party destruction of a state.

But you have, right? See the irony? You seem very based and informed, Very intuned with Beaver trapping , fishing , the out of doors. The democrats didnt JUST git this way. I know there are things more important than Beaver trapping and should be considered when voting, but........The democrats never "vote" you a "right", they always vote to "take away" something. 90 % of the people in Oregon dont even know there are Beavers there, this is just part of the democrat agenda.

^^^^^^
THIS!

Amen

Ya can't fix.....I'll stop there.

How's it been Wayne? Hope to see you in Wyoming this summer . Someone needs to keep an eye on brandy.

I am not ashamed to say I voted for a Democrat once or twice in my life. I live in a rural area and the local DFLers would be considered Republican light these days.

We have had help from outstate Democrats beating back bad legislation over the years.

Here it boils down to rural vs urban we typically get the urban Republicans to come our way but it isn't always easy. It takes a lot of hard work and lobbying

Gerald we should go out for supper one night.

It would sure be easier for me if the republican party would get their heads out of their..."you know whats" on some of the other issues that are near and dear to me.

I am curious as to what issues ?

I'm willing to guess they aren't socially constructive issues. Most dims are unable to see the end results of feel good immediate policy. One dimensional thinkers.

It is probably not useful to this thread to go into my differences with the republican party.

Ow boy,,,,,
Carl if ya need a friend send me some money and we will see what we can do….lol

If he can't help you Send me twice as much as you sent him. If you don't hear anything in a couple weeks, send more money. I will tell you when I have enough.

Socialism and the policies of politicians that support such, and the voters that support these politicians is what has destroyed this country and Oregon. That and mail in ballots. Socialism and Communism are birds of the same feather. Liberals support both, until no freedoms are left. Just so they can get theirs at others expense.

Let me guess, you believe in free stuff like healthcare

I have differences with the Republican party also, We have had our share of rhinos in Wi. At least the democrats and rhinos have been smoked out by the Trump admin. Watch what they do, NOT what they say.

It's a sad deal. I fear the same mindset is moving into my neck of the woods with the mass influx of west coasters moving here.

I agree with the general sentiment in this thread but there are exceptions. Case in point: here in Washington (I believe this applies to Oregon also.) we are stuck knowing the Legislature is going to be majority democrat so they can choose the Chairperson of all Legislative Committees and also have the majority on those committees. We need a friend on the democrat side willing to fight for the chairmanship of the Natural Resource Committee. All hunting, trapping and wildlife bills go through these committees. For years we had a good friend of trappers as chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources. He was able to kill any anti-trapping bills and he did. He finally lost his seat, and we supported another democrat on the same committee that would vote with the Republican minority on wildlife bills, effectively stopping all anti-trapping bills. Now we have a persuadable Senator who is chair of the Senate Natural Resources Committee.
When you know the democrats are going to be in control it's good to have someone in their camp on your side.

When it gets as bad as yall's states (OR, WA, and CA) have become there is likely no hope. The liberals have gained total control with the majority forever entrenched in the metro amd urban areas.

Here in Georgia we have the same situation (where the liberals of Atlanta area) control or nearly control the state's direction. Conservatives have barely pulled it to the right of late.

Georgia Republicans are a spineless bunch, ain't they?

I can't even get my local state rep to return an email or call. Her predecessor would answer his own phones. He wasn't much help but he would honestly tell you why and it wasn't to blame the democrats.

Trapping is important to trappers.

Think like a politician.

Trapper numbers are decreasing. Depending on the poll and/or location, the public opposes trapping. There is no meaningful pro trapping lobby spending big dollars.

Politicians pay attention to and vote for things that get them more votes. Or money. Or both.

A Democrat politician has only political gain when he opposes trapping.

A Republican politician may not oppose and may even support trapping but he is not going to spend any time or capital fighting for it in any meaningful way. At least most will not.

Unless, we put together a big PAC to shower the politicians with money. I guess a fur boom would increase numbers (votes).

Until then, trapping continues to have net losses. It sucks.

Yep^^^ and liberal voters just speeds this up. Thanks!

The polls I have read ask people if they support or oppose trapping for particular reasons. If you are doing it for the right reason, there is less opposition. Unfortunately, with the price of fur continuing to drop compared to the price of life( other than ADC) the other reasons, especially recreation, does not appeal to the general public. I'm a lifelong trapper and would never openly, ever admit, that on my best day, that I ever enjoyed my day on the trapline. It's a job, that I do, to earn a living to support my family. You got to have a good story.

It seems to me that most of you outdoorsmen can't grasp the simple concept that the non-consumptive use people can't understand why people would want to harm/kill animals for recreation. It is a simple concept and they are in the majority.

I was thinking more about this issue. I may be missing something but....

There is a President in office that really likes using executive orders. There are states (like New Mexico) where the state government has banned trapping--including on federal land. That same President has both houses of Congress.

Why no executive order or federal law reopening trapping on federal lands in states where it has been banned? Why no federal law restoring and protecting trapping?

States manage the wildlife on those lands except there is dual management in Alaska due to ANILCA. NPS does limit hunting and trapping on their land. That is law due to the Organic Act I believe.

It is similar, I imagine, to the states administering the Clean Water Act for the Feds.

The Feds can however step in at any point and change the rules.

As far as trapping is concerned, I have zero doubt that if the current federal government wanted to reopen trapping on federal land in New Mexico, for example, it would try it.

You can yes, find a political agenda or you can work on changing the common people perspective. If people enjoy and desire fur products the created market and its strength will go a long way and carry the day.
Both need to be done I know. Schools are on the frontline of the anti movement even to the youngest levels. More needs to be done starting there as an example.
Osky

I believe in States rights, except when I don't like what my State does.

Trump loves blackmail. Maybe he can blackmail them by withholding Pittman Robertson money?

We're assuming he doesn't sell off the public lands.

I however don't think he needs blackmail. I think he could restore trapping on all federal lands by agency rule, executive order or federal law.

I used to say that, but I've only voted for one Democrat in my life. And he was a Republican who switched parties to run against the incumbent Republican. I have voted for an Independent in a couple of local elections, but as a general rule, if you aren't voting for one of the big two parties, you are throwing your vote away.

I suppose he has the time to change the check times, jaw width, trapping seasons, bag limits. etc etc, also, you know in his first hunnerd days, you know cause hes got nuthin else going on. If he did reopen trapping you would complain he didnt do it soon enough ,or often enough or inclusive enough .

It's already too late if you voted for them in the past.

He has time to be the Chair of the Kennedy Center and other nonsense. Lots of time to golf.

It's simple. Delegate it to the agencies. Make Trapping Great Again (on federal lands).

I've lived in Oregon most of my life, politics have always been controlled by Portland and the Willamette Valley. With the last governor and the current governor we are becoming a California. The gun bill that passed a while back now the democrats are adding to it,things the voters never voted on. The Democrat controlled state seems to be able to vote in anything they want without the vote of the people. Every year it gets worse. You only get a
deer and elk tag every 3 or 4 years. They stopped bear and lion hunting with dogs and now between the lions and wolves they are wiping out a lot of our big game, About one more of their crappie bills and my wife and I are leaving this state

Surely you know the answer. Wildlife is strictly the purview of the states.

That is not true.

Except on this acreage...its true...

BC, unless an animal is endangered or threatened in is in the states hand's

That's what we are talking about.

Are dove's endangered or threatened?

The feds can control, for example, BLM lands should the feds decide to do it.

Migratory birds are under Fed rules because they don't stay in one state
But each state makes rules for those birds also
Try again

Yes...yes...I know that.

2.26 billion acres of land in the US. State wildlife management controls most of it. The state agencies have input on those migratory birds such as doves and ducks too.

He's been in office 100 days. With the mess he inherited he's been very busy especially with the opposition he's been getting from the left at every turn. The border is a good example. He needs to get the things done that will make the country safe to live in again. When Biden took office he spent all his time right away with executive actions reversing drilling and most everything that was in place. Then, you didn't hardly hear from him for the next 100 days. Trump is doing the things he said he would do as soon as he took office. This is what got him elected and the fact that Biden was such a pathetic excuse for a president.

But still Trumps fault, yes?

Nope. It was just a suggestion.

As you said, if he did open trapping, it wouldn't have been soon enough. More important than closing the borders, deporting illegal immigrant criminals, stopping fentanyl deaths, etc.

Migratory birds fall under federal framework due to migratory crossing of state and international borders. Even then the feds give the states the leeway to set the times and limits within a delineated framework. As for federal lands, the feds can open or close their lands to hunting or trapping as the property "owner" but they don't set the seasons for the state wildlife on that property outside of an agreement with the state as in some WMAs on federal lands.

To say that by stroke of a pen, or autopen in former times, a President can declare trapping allowed on federal lands would be the same as a president unilaterally removing speed limits on interstate highways or more to the point saying season and bag limits do not apply or worse yet outlawed in states where legal.

We don't have a perfect system, be careful what you wish for.

But I'm beginning to suspect a hidden motive in the question.

Asinine he may be but our resident portajohn attorney is smarter than he puts on.

Possibly in the states like New Mexico, where they banned footholds only on public land, he could reverse it. (Still questionable whether this would be a good idea, because it would set a precedent that the next anti-trapping President could use to ban trapping on Federal ground in all states). But states control wildlife management except in the cases of Federally controlled species like migratory birds and animals on the ESA. So if they make regulations that pertain to all lands, not just
Federal lands, like New Jersey, Washington, Colorado, etc. that banned footholds throughout the state, the Federal government does not have the authority to overrule them just on Federal ground. Just like you, as a private landowner don't have the authority to overrule them and allow them on your ground. I suspect in New Mexico's case, their law would hold up because it applies to ALL public ground, including that owned by the state or other entities, not just to USFS and BLM ground.

Good post, Gerald. As usual.

Another example of that is about any city around the metro here has a total trapping bans in place. No exceptions for even an underwater colony trap in waters that are infested with rats. It's all bad in their (Democrat alliance run) minds.

It is open to trapping as far as the feds are concerned, its the state that made it illegal same as they can close/regulate hunting and trapping on private property.

Are your issues that you vote for best for you, or best for America?

There are Republican policies that irritate me too, but they generally don't support anti gun and anti trapping nonsense like you are facing. Therefore, I haven't voted for a Democrat in 40 years. How anyone that considers themselves a trapper or gun owner can vote for them is simply baffling.

you answered your own question earlier...pretty far down on the list of real concerns for a President.

Interested in reading more about this bill and how it restricts trapping. Anyone got a link with more info? Not finding much when I'm looking it up. Just curious

"Possibly in the states like New Mexico, where they banned footholds only on public land, he could reverse it. (Still questionable whether this would be a good idea, because it would set a precedent that the next anti-trapping President could use to ban trapping on Federal ground in all states). "

This will apply to all the EO nonsense that is going on now. You get instant gratification, but it will be instantly reversed by the next guy and he will get to instantly do all the things you don't like. Enjoy the short term victories. Prepare for the reversals.

There are lots and lots of democrat gun owners and trappers. For some, there are more important things to them, that govern how they vote. They'd rather vote for someone they agree with 95% and fight for the last 5%, than vote for someone they agree with 5% and fight for the last 95%.

Democrats/liberals/leftists are the fastest growing group of gun owners right now, and they really want to see the democrat party drop the gun control BS. Democrat politicians are addicted to the money from Bloomberg and friends though, who of course love gun control.

I don't know how many democrats/liberals/leftists trap. But then again, the percent of republicans/conservatives that trap isn't very high either.

In my own state, in the 2018-19 season, there were 7692 fur harvest permits sold, and our state has a population of 2.005 million. So that means that, regardless of political afiliation, 0.4% of nebraskans are trappers.

Sitting on the fence sure as heck don't help.

Pick a side or hush!

I have picked a side. There's more than 2. But you know this already.

Yeah....I do...but those other "sides" are as useless as teats on a boar hog...and you know it.

They are just used as an excuse.

Sure. Ok.

Attacking each other is about as useful as teats on a boar as well. The best results are when we all work together for our common interests and maybe pay a little less attention to those things that divide us.

Im not attacking anyone by just pointing out the facts. If the facts sting...get away from that wasp nest.

What was it Ronald Reagan used to say? "There you go again".

Im not the one yall need to be concerned about.

That means outdoorsmen need to STOP VOTING FOR THE PARTY THAT DOES THESE THINGS.

I

The main reason gun owners vote Dem. is they or a relative works for the Government and they know Dems are where it's at when it comes to compensation. They also know the right will protect their guns so it's all good.

Actually there's only 1, the Constitution.

You would think, but after years and years of talking, some folks are still doing the the very things that are hurting us. At what point are we justified in self defense?

I agree! We should all only vote for candidates that agree to support 100% of the Constitution. Neither of the two main political parties does that, though, including the 2nd amendment.

Keep wasting your vote then, you're never going to get what you think you should 100%, sometimes good enough is ok. What party is doing that lately?

Painfully obvious, but some are painfully oblivious.

I guess Im old enough to remember many democrats were good conservationist and sportsman,,, and members of both parties voted for what was right. or for their constituents instead of party line

I knows it. Just pokin' at each other with a stick is what we do on here for entertainment from time to time.

I think you're remembering things the way you wanted it to be. Politicians from either party have never been particularly trustworthy!

I'm sure you're aware of how the electoral college system works and of the fact that all of New York's electoral votes go to the D candidate, but I'd bet you vote R in the presidential elections anyway. You're wasting your vote. Voting R for president in a blue state accomplishes nothing and is a wasted vote.

Strange that you'd vote your conscience even though it's a wasted vote, yet give me a hard time for doing the same. Maybe, just maybe, it's not the wasted vote that you care about, and it's really just the fact that I didn't vote for the same guy as you.

I don't care who you vote for, but you have a point. Wasted or not what else are you to do? not vote at all? vote third party that will never win anything? I guess we should just all stay home.

I vote my conscience, without regard to chances of winning, and go home happy.

Agreed about the attacking part. Impossible to work together when divided. Gotta solve the division part first.

I wish the Constitutional Party was relevant. That's who I would vote for. Being a realist though I play the primaries to find someone close to my views.

Only 1 party is willing and actively trying to take away a citizen’s right to defend one’s self. If that is not at the top of your “what counts” list you should really consider admitting yourself. There is only one reason any government through history has ever taken away its citizens rights to arm and defend themselves. Spend a bit of time researching Germany, Italy, and many others over the years…. The warm fuzzy felling you get from the other issues pales in comparison. If you are a TRUE American that is…. Time to wake from your ignorance. In a 2 party system, which we have btw whether you like it or not, you either vote to be free or be a servant..

Why no executive order or federal law reopening trapping on federal lands in states where it has been banned? Why no federal law restoring and protecting trapping?

You would need an advocate for trappers for something like that to happen, in the mean time enjoy the beer drinking around the campfire telling yarns into the night.

Don't forget to buy your raffle ticket while your at it.

Basically the EXACT SAME THING goes on year after year after decade after decade with no vision for the future much less the present in any of our trapping organization's.

Until you change that nothing is going to change other than loss of trapping rights here and there little by little.

Did y’all forget the libtard state of OR gave wolves to thier libtard cousin, Colorado?

Woof!!

I think we sold them?

Some scuttlebutt going around about 7 figures per wolf.

The Beaver trapping ban won't matter much along with any other trapping if the feds in DC get their wish and sell off all of the public land in the west.

I'm hoping they get distracted and/or are just talking.

Also, lawsuits will fly to challenge the sales. Fingers crossed.

I hope they sell everything, but 10% per State. No State needs more than 10% owned by the government. Private property is bedrock of the U.S., not public property.

Boooo!!! Hisss!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't you worry all these supposed Conservatives will be libtards on this issue.

They are looking to sell 625 square miles around cities for housing out of a million square miles.

Now stop bringing receipts to bear Rat. The TDS crowd does not like to be shown facts…lol

Hey, The link below is from Howl for Wildlife. Take 3 minutes and e-mail the committee, then submit written testimony. It will take you as long as it takes to post on this thread, and maybe it'll help.

https://www.howlforwildlife.org/noh...hmilxmfegOeWw_aem_HLbqXoBocE1CNYxVYNz2iQ

It's super easy, and it autogenerates the e-mail for you

I think this is just the beginning goal. The end goal is the Sovereign Wealth Fund financed by selling billions in Federal public land. Which I support .

Sovereign Wealth Fund. I'm sure that would be beneficial to all mankind.

You can build a lot of houses on 400,000 acres

They are looking at 7 million.

There shouldn't be any federal land other than DC.

Selling government ground should fairly much kill the last of the fur market.

Fewer places with better access than the privately held forest lands of northern Maine. Zero fed.lands, as it should be.

It is pretty dang nice to head out into the desert and know that more than half of the land out there is my own personal stomping grounds with no need to knock on a door for access. Any of us trappers in the western states will fight tooth and nail to keep it that way I'm pretty certain.

I mis spoke, we actually have a 90 thousand acre National monument that was created a few years back. First thing they did was ban trapping and for the most part hunting. Was some very productive ground that I had stomped for many years.

I live in a county where three quarters of the land is federally owned. It's one of the poorest counties in Arkansas. There's no room for development of industry due to the lack of property available.
As for state owned land if the will of the people in that state want state government to purchase land for public use then so be it. Let local folks decide what to do with the land, not bureaucrats in Washington DC.