Unit 8/ DEC Meeting/ Feb 10

[BuckNrut]

I attended the meeting last night. There were about 500 participants. One person spoke up in favor of the early ML season (in the middle of archery season). Everyone else that spoke was against, and a "hand vote" showed AT LEAST 90% against the proposal.

We even had a fisheries biologist speak. He was VERY much against the proposal of his own employer.

Landowners were present. They don't like the proposal either. Landowners were at the center of other issues, mainly nusiance permits. It's acknowledged that abuses exist in this system - just like there are abusive hunters.

Coyotes were another topic of concern. Harvest reports have skyrocketed over the last 3 years - it's assumed the coyote population has increased at the same rate. I found most deer hunters do not understand much about coyote hunting, namely the reason for - fur. The coyote season runs the entire time when pelts are of value. Regulations are quite liberal. If anything, more deer hunters need to take up coyote hunting - not complain about there not being a year-round season for them.

DMP (doe) permits WILL be reduced next year, though exact numbers have not been determined.

I'm concerned the new proposal will result in decreased revenue for the DEC - Not as a matter of protest, but rather, a matter of econimics. If I purchase a sportsman license (fishing, small game, big game) and apply for the free DMP permit(s) there is no need/desire to purchase an archery/ML privelege (tag). I can use my DMPs during the early ML season, and still hunt the regular season.

For now, it's time to go SHED hunting.

Bucknrut

[rossman]

Re: Unit 8/ DEC Meeting/ Feb 10

Well, it seems to me that the majority are against the proposals. Which is good. Hopefully it will not pass!!!!!!!

[NYBUCK]

Re: Unit 8/ DEC Meeting/ Feb 10

Thanks Art, Our meetings will be coming up next week.

[Doc]

Re: Unit 8/ DEC Meeting/ Feb 10

A Word Of Caution....... After the conclusion of the Canandaigua meeting one of the DEC employees stated that the letters and e-mails were running about 50-50 on the issue of the early muzzleloader season. After hearing many reports on some of the meetings that have taken place, I find that a bit hard to believe, but the meeting opinions are only part of the public sampling of opinion. So, I guess the message is that this is not a time to let up on the written comments. We have until March to send e-mails and letters, so let's keep the pressure on until the very end.

Doc

[NY911Bowhunter]

Re: Unit 8/ DEC Meeting/ Feb 10

Good post Art - especially thanks for mentioning the landowner permit abuse - that is one factor that I think is contributing to the poor season in '04, more so than others - but that is just my 2 cents.

My meetings are coming up, and I gotta say, I am a little nervous! I was speaking to a guy I work with today, who is a member of the County Rod and Gun Club Federation (all clubs together) - he stated that the federation was totally in support of the proposals and that the NYB is the only organization fighting it. They called us "Kevin (Armstrong, the President) and his cronies"!

Well, folks, I aint nobodies cronie, and I have never met President Armstrong, so I can't say one way or another - but..... NYB does have a track record as being....lets say..... not in favor of changing things much. (I am the very same way!!! It's a perfect match!)

I am afraid that I will catch greif for defending MY organization, and that the theme of the meetings will turn into an Anti-NYB meeting. I anticipate an even mix of bowhunters/gun hunters here in Dutchess, although I pray my numbers match yours!!!!

I am open to suggestions - especially from you Dave!

What can I do to diffuse the anger and hard feelings people of the sporting world have for the NYB?

I know it is not fair for them to judge me and my beleifs because I am a rep for an organization they dislike - but this is the real worl here, and prejudice abounds.