Re: trapping ban in NH

Hey Wilson, I'll see you there.

House Bill 565 is being heard by the House of Representatives Fish and Game Committee in Concord, NH at 10 AM 02/22/07 . It is a bill to outlaw foothold and conibear traps.
NH Trappers along with the NH Wildlife Federation are holding a rally in front of the State House before the hearing. NH Trapper Association is providing a shuttle from the Everett Ice Arena in Concord. Please meet here between 0830 and 0900.
This is bad legislation for all NH Sportsman. This bill takes away our tools to control wildlife species.
I'll be there. See details.
http://nhtassoc.org/legislative.htm
Thanks,
Coalman

Don't understand why they would have to do that where you have to have permission where you trap in NH .

ttt Why isn't this stickied?

why are you guy's just getting the info when the meeting is tommorrow....Do you have an assoc. and what are they doing about it? Does the NTA know about it? Was anybody informed outside of those who are trying to shut you down and the judges?????? Give us info. we as a family are all concerned and need to know. Info helps us all in our states. Thanks Geo.

WOW this has been around for some time now...looks like even mouse traps will be banned. I think if traps are banned to the general public then members of the department of fish and game should not be allowed to use them either. No matter what the circumstance.
Yep, looks like the rich from Mass. is moving into NH as well as Maine

Let them call the HSUS to rescue all those animals.
But then again that is the plan of the antis for them to over see all wildlife issues. Big money in those government contracts.

It will be all ADC work , big~big money just like in Mass.
and the other banned states.


Good luck!

bpb

The bill just became a bill a couple of weeks ago. It was posted on the NHTA web site for months before it became a bill. We only had 2 weeks from when it became a bill to the hearing which is tomorrow. The NHTA had county directors calling the membership to notify them and get them to contact members of the Fish and Game comittee and ask them to kill this bill in committee and to attend the hearing. I should have posted it here and elsewhere a 2 weeks ago. (I'm a dope) I called as many members (in my county) as had up to date info with NHTA. Lots of disconnected and wrong numbers. We have been working with limited time. I am sure the letter we got yesterday was another effort to the membership out and to notify us of the bus service.
Wish us well.
Dan

good luck fighting it

I am joining in your fight. A $1000. check will be forwarded to your cause.

Thanks guys for the support.
We have two things in our favor
One is the Chairman of the Fish and Game Committee, Representative Abbott has allowed trapping on his property in the past. ( me ) There is a small brook bordering his property. The beavers love to plug the culvert at the road and the water backs up on his land.
Second the sponsor of this bill Rep Vaillancourt recently in the press accused his former " house partner " of child pornography.
His " house partner " was currently running for the State Democratic Chairmanship. The campaign was cancelled. When asked to show proof Rep Vaillancourt had none. He does not stand tall in the eyes of his peers.
The response I have gotten back from our Reps has all been positive to keeping trapping the same in NH.
I give you a report tonight.
Thanks,
Coalman

Anti-Hunters Take Aim at New Hampshire's Trapping Heritage- (02/12)
New Hampshire
Join our e-mail alert list-- http://www.ussportsmen.org/wlfatemplates/register.cfm

New Hampshire sportsmen are being called to oppose an anti-trapping bill introduced in the state House of Representatives.

House Bill 565, sponsored by Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, R-Manchester, will ban foot hold and conibear traps. New Hampshire sportsmen are urged to attend the House Fish and Game Committee hearing on Feb. 22 at 10:00 AM to oppose the bill. The meeting will convene in Representatives Hall in the State House, 107 N. Main Street in Concord.

The prohibition of trapping will be the first step in the antis efforts to quell New Hampshires outdoor heritage. It will eliminate safe, humane tools for successful wildlife management and increase the risk of wildlife diseases, and property damage by nuisance wildlife.

Take Action! New Hampshire sportsmen should attend the House Fish and Game Committee hearing on Feb. 22 to oppose HB 565. Sportsmen who cannot attend should contact their representatives to oppose the bill. To find your legislator, call (401) 222-6655 or use the Legislative Action Center at http://www.ussportsmen.org.

Please keep us posted on this, your neighbors from Vermont may be able to help.

your MA family is supporting your efforts. Let us know how it went.

The New Hampshire Trappers Association ( NHTA ) was well prepared to represent NH trappers at the House Fish & Game Committee meeting in opposition of HB 565, a bill to outlaw foothold and conibear traps.



Trappers were asked to meet at a public parking lot in Concord.


NHTA arranged for a bus to shuttle us to the State House. Standing is Dwight Pennell, President of the NHTA. This was the second run. The first trip was full.


Downtown


Trappers entering the State House.


Most bill hearings are held in conference rooms. Due to the amount of trappers anticipated the hearing was held in Representative Hall.


NH House F&G Committee


This is the sponsor of the bill Rep. Vaillancourt. He came late and he left early.


I had to leave for work after the lunch break. There were still 19 more people who asked to speak. Dwight told me NHTA still had some heavy hitters left to testify. They expected the hearing to go till 3 PM
Supporting NH trappers were,
The NH Fish & Game


NH Department of Transportation


Past Speaker of the House


Past house members


NH road agent


This is ex Senator Burt Cohen. Senator Cohen was a past sponsor of legislation in the NH Senate to outlaw traps. He started his testimony stating we have all made mistakes. He told us his mistake was for sponsoring bad this legislation in the past.
Please note the NHTA pin he is wearing. He testified in SUPPORT of trappers.


It was clear by questions asked by Rep Skinder of the committee to people testifying she was in favor of this bill. She even wore a Humane Society button.
That was until the past House Speaker pointed it out to Chairman Abbott, whom she had her back to this was in bad taste of house ethics. She immediately removed the button. But the damage was done. She was publicly embarrassed. You could tell that didn't go over well with her fellow committee members.

As soon as we know the outcome of the committee vote we will post it.
Thanks,
Coalman

Looks like all you trappers did a great job. Great coverage with all the pictures too. Good luck Brothers! Thanks for the update, sounds very promising.

Coalman please keep us appraised of the situation, sounds like the bill won't make it out of committee.

I think New Hampshire has only about 400 trappers statewide. looks like they had a good turnout.

congratulations especially to burt cohen now that is cool of him. to understand his mistakes and to fight for you all. I am guessing it did not pass. That is great to hear. lets hear if it didn't for sure please.not to belittle any one else I should thank all of them too. we all need to stick together even being states away. one foot in the door and the door is open lets try to keep this door shut for good.

congrats! good fight!

WTG yall really lined up some folks to speak for ya and im glad. You were organized to with them badges and all

let us know the outcome

That's fantastic!

Good job guys though i was under the impression on another a single guy saved the day, lol.

Strange Jackie I never saw where bub took all the credit?I saw where he was saying another group may try to take all the credit?I believe this was a great job even if you dont like some who did the heavy lifting...

I heard the bill was due out of committee by 03/22/07.
Here is an article in today's state newspaper the " Union Leader " about the Legislator who sponsored the anti trap bill. This is totally unrelated but shows you his integrity.
Looks like a love story gone bad.
Coalman
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?...b2-339fa1203262

good it discredits the idiot