Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Bears at the cabin
Jimmie and Mac related an encounter with aggressive black bears right at the cabin.
The bear or bears appear to have lost all fear of humans and will stay in the immediate area, even when shouted at.
Cabins and Residential Areas
Never leave unattended food or garbage outside.
Do not feed birds between April and November.
Do not leave pet food outside (especially overnight).
Bear-proof bee hives, compost piles, and gardens with electric or chain-link fence.
Do not leave food as bait for any animals or leave food scraps on the ground.
If a bear approaches, move your family and any food indoors immediately.
Bear Encounters
Although black bears rarely attack, they are powerful animals and are capable of injuring or killing humans. These steps may be helpful if you encounter a bear.
If you see a bear in the distance, make a wide detour or leave the area.
Do not feed or toss food to a bear, or any other wild animal.
Pick up children or put them on your shoulders.
Never approach bears - they are dangerous wild animals. If a bear changes its natural behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
Give a bear plenty of room to pass, and it usually will.
If a bear approaches you:
Don't run.
Drop your backpack and then,
Back away slowly.
Face the bear, but don't look directly into its eyes.
Keep it in sight.
Make yourself look bigger by waving your arms and yelling.
Make lots of noise and stomp your feet.
Remember, you can't outrun a black bear. They are extremely fast on the ground or climbing a tree. Warning signs of an attack include: a steady glare; ears laid back; smacking of the jaws and stomping of the front feet.
If the bear attacks, fight back with anything available. Act aggressively. Throwing rocks or hitting a bear with large sticks has been effective some cases.
f you're home when a black bear enters your property, there are lots of things you can do to deter it from coming closer or staying. Do not attempt to deter a grizzly (brown) bear on your own - call for help!
The most important tool we have at our disposal is our own human presence, particularly the use of direct eye contact and a take charge ATTITUDE! First ensure that the bear has a clear and safe avenue of escape with no people or obstacles in its way. Look directly at the bear, facing it and standing tall. Yell at the bear and firmly tell it to leave! "Get out of here, bear!" Keep a can of pepper spray in hand (with the safety removed) in case the bear approaches you too close. Or gather a group of people together - the more people, the more intimidating you will appear to the bear - simply out number it.
You may use any of the tools noted below in order to appear even more intimidating to the bear.....
Stones aimed at the bear's rump - never throw stones directly in the bear's face. Stones should not be larger than a golf ball.
A soup can filled with pebbles and taped shut. Shake it vigorously and then, perhaps throw it beside the bear. These work particularly well in areas where bears may already encounter rattle snakes.
Big huge beach balls can be tossed at bears often times scaring the heck out of them, opening and closing an umbrella, shaking a big plastic (colored) tarp or a big plastic garbage bag, or banging pots and pans can work as well.
Varying your technique each time a bear attempts to return works better than always just banging pots and pans or sounding an air horn. Bears catch on quickly if everyone does the same thing, get used to it and soon ignore it.
Keep a baseball bat handy to beat on trees. If a bear climbs up a tree to escape, yell at them and beat the base of the tree. Keep them up there for a while, smacking the tree and telling them off. It really scares them. After they've been picked on long enough go back inside your home, let them come down and watch them tear off.
These techniques have been provided courtesy of Ann Bryant of the Lake Tahoe BEAR League.
I suggest carrying a large caliber pistol (at least .357 class) with you and have your hunting rifle within reach.
Remember bear season is November 24-January 3.
The bear or bears appear to have lost all fear of humans and will stay in the immediate area, even when shouted at.
Cabins and Residential Areas
Never leave unattended food or garbage outside.
Do not feed birds between April and November.
Do not leave pet food outside (especially overnight).
Bear-proof bee hives, compost piles, and gardens with electric or chain-link fence.
Do not leave food as bait for any animals or leave food scraps on the ground.
If a bear approaches, move your family and any food indoors immediately.
Bear Encounters
Although black bears rarely attack, they are powerful animals and are capable of injuring or killing humans. These steps may be helpful if you encounter a bear.
If you see a bear in the distance, make a wide detour or leave the area.
Do not feed or toss food to a bear, or any other wild animal.
Pick up children or put them on your shoulders.
Never approach bears - they are dangerous wild animals. If a bear changes its natural behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
Give a bear plenty of room to pass, and it usually will.
If a bear approaches you:
Don't run.
Drop your backpack and then,
Back away slowly.
Face the bear, but don't look directly into its eyes.
Keep it in sight.
Make yourself look bigger by waving your arms and yelling.
Make lots of noise and stomp your feet.
Remember, you can't outrun a black bear. They are extremely fast on the ground or climbing a tree. Warning signs of an attack include: a steady glare; ears laid back; smacking of the jaws and stomping of the front feet.
If the bear attacks, fight back with anything available. Act aggressively. Throwing rocks or hitting a bear with large sticks has been effective some cases.
f you're home when a black bear enters your property, there are lots of things you can do to deter it from coming closer or staying. Do not attempt to deter a grizzly (brown) bear on your own - call for help!
The most important tool we have at our disposal is our own human presence, particularly the use of direct eye contact and a take charge ATTITUDE! First ensure that the bear has a clear and safe avenue of escape with no people or obstacles in its way. Look directly at the bear, facing it and standing tall. Yell at the bear and firmly tell it to leave! "Get out of here, bear!" Keep a can of pepper spray in hand (with the safety removed) in case the bear approaches you too close. Or gather a group of people together - the more people, the more intimidating you will appear to the bear - simply out number it.
You may use any of the tools noted below in order to appear even more intimidating to the bear.....
Stones aimed at the bear's rump - never throw stones directly in the bear's face. Stones should not be larger than a golf ball.
A soup can filled with pebbles and taped shut. Shake it vigorously and then, perhaps throw it beside the bear. These work particularly well in areas where bears may already encounter rattle snakes.
Big huge beach balls can be tossed at bears often times scaring the heck out of them, opening and closing an umbrella, shaking a big plastic (colored) tarp or a big plastic garbage bag, or banging pots and pans can work as well.
Varying your technique each time a bear attempts to return works better than always just banging pots and pans or sounding an air horn. Bears catch on quickly if everyone does the same thing, get used to it and soon ignore it.
Keep a baseball bat handy to beat on trees. If a bear climbs up a tree to escape, yell at them and beat the base of the tree. Keep them up there for a while, smacking the tree and telling them off. It really scares them. After they've been picked on long enough go back inside your home, let them come down and watch them tear off.
These techniques have been provided courtesy of Ann Bryant of the Lake Tahoe BEAR League.
I suggest carrying a large caliber pistol (at least .357 class) with you and have your hunting rifle within reach.
Remember bear season is November 24-January 3.
The latest Forest Service Proposed Actions
Laurel Run CE
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Description: Wildlife Openings on approximately 11 acres
Location: UNIT - Lee Ranger District. STATE - Virginia. COUNTY - Shenandoah. Lee Ranger District; Shenandoah County, Virginia; Great North Mtn.
In Progress:
Scoping 02/24/2005 Start 06/2008 Expected:12/2008
Contact:
Holden Mason
540-984-4101
hmason@fs.fed.us
Laurel Run/Road Timber Sale EA
Description: Proposal to harvest about 484 acres in 22 cutting units
Location: UNIT - Lee Ranger District. STATE - Virginia. COUNTY - Shenandoah. Sideslopes of Great North Mt, Sine Mt, Middle Mt, and Fat Mt.
Actual: 04/11/2008 Expected Implementation: 05/2009
Contact:
Holden Mason
540-984-4101
hmason@fs.fed.us
- Vegetation management (other than forest products)
- Wildlife, Fish, Rare plants
Description: Wildlife Openings on approximately 11 acres
Location: UNIT - Lee Ranger District. STATE - Virginia. COUNTY - Shenandoah. Lee Ranger District; Shenandoah County, Virginia; Great North Mtn.
In Progress:
Scoping 02/24/2005 Start 06/2008 Expected:12/2008
Contact:
Holden Mason
540-984-4101
hmason@fs.fed.us
Laurel Run/Road Timber Sale EA
Description: Proposal to harvest about 484 acres in 22 cutting units
Location: UNIT - Lee Ranger District. STATE - Virginia. COUNTY - Shenandoah. Sideslopes of Great North Mt, Sine Mt, Middle Mt, and Fat Mt.
Actual: 04/11/2008 Expected Implementation: 05/2009
Contact:
Holden Mason
540-984-4101
hmason@fs.fed.us
Outhouse at the cabin
Thursday I had an outhouse delivered to the cabin from Valley Portable Toilets.
They already had a unit intalled at the Hotel California's campsite.
At the spring meeting, it was decided to get a portajohn for the fall hunting season to reduce the waste load on the existing outhouse.
The cost for a basic unit, serviced weekly, is $78/month.
We will put a combination lock on the gate to allow them weekly access.
Monday, July 07, 2008
Wind turbines Location Map
FreedomWorks Shenandoah is 215 MW wind plant proposed on Shenandoah Mountain within George Washington National Forest. FreedomWorks has begun testing permit application process with U.S. Forest Service for MET tower ands special use permits to facilitate avian and bat mist net studies. FreedomWorks Shenandoah will help prepare an environmental impact statement to make sure the project is also is environmentally sound. Testing and study period is expected to last two years after permit issuance.(See Vawind.org map, and press articles below).
Wind turbines to be built in GW Forest
Wind Turbine Forum
People in Shenandoah County had the opportunity to hear both sides of the wind turbine debate Tuesday night at a public forum. They turned out to learn more about what potential impacts, good and bad, the turbines would have. Impacts to land, wildlife, and the local economy are just a few of the considerations. ... After about two hours, people left with much to consider. "Both of them brought up good points," says Kelley. "And, it's just something that I think is going to take some time to absorb everything."
June 19, 2008 by Michael Hyland in WHSV TV3
People in Shenandoah County had the opportunity to hear both sides of the wind turbine debate Tuesday night at a public forum. They turned out to learn more about what potential impacts, good and bad, the turbines would have.
Impacts to land, wildlife, and the local economy are just a few of the considerations.
Douglas Kelley was one of about 250 people looking to understand a plan to put about 130 turbines on the Virginia-West Virginia border in the George Washington National Forest.
"We've got ourselves dependent on something," says Kelley. "And here's something that may be a solution or may be part of a solution."
The group, Shenandoah Forum, hosted the event after gaging public interest.
"We don't know enough to take a position," says Rosemary Wallinger, president of the group. "And tonight was a first step in getting some information."
Frank Maisano, a representative of the business interested in developing the turbines, FreedomWorks LLC, spoke to the potential economic benefits, including tourism. He says the mammoth structures can be a big draw for curious tourists.
"We are going to develop projects only where it makes sense," says Maisano. "Hopefully, it will be done in an appropriate manner."
Environmental specialist Dan Boone doesn't oppose developing wind energy but doesn't think our area is the best spot to pursue it.
Impacted areas would be on public land near the borders of Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Hardy counties. The turbines would be about 440 feet tall. The U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Aviation Administration are two regulatory agencies that would have to approve any such construction.
"There [are] many tremendous areas for wind energy development in the Midwest, far greater than the East," says Boone.
Opponents cite threats to bat and bird populations and say the turbines would only reduce the rate of growth of CO2 emissions, not lower them outright.
"Our greatest demand for electricity is during the summer, and wind turbines produce their least amount of electricity in the three summer months," says Boone.
"Unfortunately, those who don't want wind turbines in their own backyard want them in someone else's backyard," says Maisano. "And the fact of the matter is this region needs wind turbines."
After about two hours, people left with much to consider.
"Both of them brought up good points," says Kelley. "And, it's just something that I think is going to take some time to absorb everything."
The U.S. Department of Energy recently released a report detailing how they'd like to achieve the goal of generating 20 percent of our nation's electricity from wind power by 2030.
JMU will hold a two-day symposium on wind energy starting Wednesday.
http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/20205309.html
People in Shenandoah County had the opportunity to hear both sides of the wind turbine debate Tuesday night at a public forum. They turned out to learn more about what potential impacts, good and bad, the turbines would have. Impacts to land, wildlife, and the local economy are just a few of the considerations. ... After about two hours, people left with much to consider. "Both of them brought up good points," says Kelley. "And, it's just something that I think is going to take some time to absorb everything."
June 19, 2008 by Michael Hyland in WHSV TV3
People in Shenandoah County had the opportunity to hear both sides of the wind turbine debate Tuesday night at a public forum. They turned out to learn more about what potential impacts, good and bad, the turbines would have.
Impacts to land, wildlife, and the local economy are just a few of the considerations.
Douglas Kelley was one of about 250 people looking to understand a plan to put about 130 turbines on the Virginia-West Virginia border in the George Washington National Forest.
"We've got ourselves dependent on something," says Kelley. "And here's something that may be a solution or may be part of a solution."
The group, Shenandoah Forum, hosted the event after gaging public interest.
"We don't know enough to take a position," says Rosemary Wallinger, president of the group. "And tonight was a first step in getting some information."
Frank Maisano, a representative of the business interested in developing the turbines, FreedomWorks LLC, spoke to the potential economic benefits, including tourism. He says the mammoth structures can be a big draw for curious tourists.
"We are going to develop projects only where it makes sense," says Maisano. "Hopefully, it will be done in an appropriate manner."
Environmental specialist Dan Boone doesn't oppose developing wind energy but doesn't think our area is the best spot to pursue it.
Impacted areas would be on public land near the borders of Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Hardy counties. The turbines would be about 440 feet tall. The U.S. Forest Service and the Federal Aviation Administration are two regulatory agencies that would have to approve any such construction.
"There [are] many tremendous areas for wind energy development in the Midwest, far greater than the East," says Boone.
Opponents cite threats to bat and bird populations and say the turbines would only reduce the rate of growth of CO2 emissions, not lower them outright.
"Our greatest demand for electricity is during the summer, and wind turbines produce their least amount of electricity in the three summer months," says Boone.
"Unfortunately, those who don't want wind turbines in their own backyard want them in someone else's backyard," says Maisano. "And the fact of the matter is this region needs wind turbines."
After about two hours, people left with much to consider.
"Both of them brought up good points," says Kelley. "And, it's just something that I think is going to take some time to absorb everything."
The U.S. Department of Energy recently released a report detailing how they'd like to achieve the goal of generating 20 percent of our nation's electricity from wind power by 2030.
JMU will hold a two-day symposium on wind energy starting Wednesday.
http://www.whsv.com/home/headlines/20205309.html
Forum on wind turbines
Forum on wind turbines tonight
A community forum on the pros and cons of wind turbines along the Virginia-West Virginia border will be held tonight at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock. ...The discussion was triggered in March by a proposal by FreedomWorks LLC, a renewable-energy firm from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to study the impact of constructing 130 440-foot wind turbines in George Washington National Forest, said Rosemary Wallinger, chairman of the Forum. Freedom Works requested the Federal Aviation Administration look into the plan. The FAA is one of the regulatory bodies involved in wind farm proposals. The proposal also would need the approval of the U.S. Forest Service.
June 17, 2008 by Anthony Bootz in The Daily News Record
Shenandoah Group Hosts Woodstock TalkA community forum on the pros and cons of wind turbines along the Virginia-West Virginia border will be held tonight at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock.
The Shenandoah Forum, a group of central Valley residents working to foster discussion about growth and development in Shenandoah County, is hosting the event, which will run from 7 to 9 p.m.
The discussion was triggered in March by a proposal by FreedomWorks LLC, a renewable-energy firm from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to study the impact of constructing 130 440-foot wind turbines in George Washington National Forest, said Rosemary Wallinger, chairman of the Forum.
Freedom Works requested the Federal Aviation Administration look into the plan. The FAA is one of the regulatory bodies involved in wind farm proposals. The proposal also would need the approval of the U.S. Forest Service.
Goal An ‘Informed' Public
The study is the first of many hurdles the company would have to jump to build its turbines on public land in Shenandoah and Rockingham counties. The approval process could take two to three years, according to officials familiar with the plan.
"Our goal is to provide the community with two things: sources we consider authoritative and accurate, and to provide a format for people to ask questions and get answers so that they can make informed decisions," said Wallinger.
Tonight's forum will feature a point-counterpoint format with presentations by environmental consultant and policy analyst Dan Boone, as well as Frank Maisono, spokesman for MidWind, an ad-hoc group of mid-Atlantic wind developers. FreedomWorks is a member of MidWind.
"My role is simply to provide information and alternative analysis," said Boone, formerly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "It's up to the people to decide whether the pros and cons match up."
David Carr of the Southern Environmental Law Center also will speak about the legal issues involved in the proposal and the opportunities for public involvement in FreedomWorks' permitting process. Carr will also cover the public's role in the ensuing update of George Washington National Forest's management plan.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.
Local Support ‘Essential'
FreedomWorks declined to speak at the event, said Tim Williamson, managing director for the company, citing the company's intention to provide a series of community meetings following approval of the plan.
"We understand that gaining local support is essential to the viability of the project," Williamson said.
The arguments for and against the turbines run the gamut from cleaner, domestic energy, to ecological and aesthetic concerns for local hiking trails and the region's many Civil War battlefields.
"Our organization is very much in favor of alternative energy ... that includes wind," said Jim Murray, president of the Virginia Wildlife Committee, an organization that has close ties with the Southern Environmental Law Center.
"However, we think some places are inappropriate, specifically the high ridges of the [forest]."
Murray cites the danger turbines could have on birds whose principal southern routes run through the Virginia-West Virginia ridgeline. He also expressed concern about the federally protected Cow Knob salamander, which can only be found in the mountain ranges along the Virginias.
Impact On Battlefields
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, along with other organizations in the Valley, has offered a contribution to Shenandoah Forum to help cover some of the costs of the event, said Howard Kittel, the foundation's executive director.
The wind turbines, Kittel said, would damage the "experience" of the three Civil War battlefields the proposed building sites border: Toms Brook, Fishers Hill and New Market.
"They aren't taking a pro- or anti-position to the issue," Kittel said. "We felt that was an important approach and that it was a great opportunity to quell rumors and get information out there about the proposal."
The forum has been involved in other hot-button issues in the central Valley. It hosted a January 2005 discussion on the proposed expansion of Interstate 81.
http://www.dailynews-record.com/opinion_details.php?AID=29236&CHID=1
A community forum on the pros and cons of wind turbines along the Virginia-West Virginia border will be held tonight at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock. ...The discussion was triggered in March by a proposal by FreedomWorks LLC, a renewable-energy firm from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to study the impact of constructing 130 440-foot wind turbines in George Washington National Forest, said Rosemary Wallinger, chairman of the Forum. Freedom Works requested the Federal Aviation Administration look into the plan. The FAA is one of the regulatory bodies involved in wind farm proposals. The proposal also would need the approval of the U.S. Forest Service.
June 17, 2008 by Anthony Bootz in The Daily News Record
Shenandoah Group Hosts Woodstock TalkA community forum on the pros and cons of wind turbines along the Virginia-West Virginia border will be held tonight at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School in Woodstock.
The Shenandoah Forum, a group of central Valley residents working to foster discussion about growth and development in Shenandoah County, is hosting the event, which will run from 7 to 9 p.m.
The discussion was triggered in March by a proposal by FreedomWorks LLC, a renewable-energy firm from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to study the impact of constructing 130 440-foot wind turbines in George Washington National Forest, said Rosemary Wallinger, chairman of the Forum.
Freedom Works requested the Federal Aviation Administration look into the plan. The FAA is one of the regulatory bodies involved in wind farm proposals. The proposal also would need the approval of the U.S. Forest Service.
Goal An ‘Informed' Public
The study is the first of many hurdles the company would have to jump to build its turbines on public land in Shenandoah and Rockingham counties. The approval process could take two to three years, according to officials familiar with the plan.
"Our goal is to provide the community with two things: sources we consider authoritative and accurate, and to provide a format for people to ask questions and get answers so that they can make informed decisions," said Wallinger.
Tonight's forum will feature a point-counterpoint format with presentations by environmental consultant and policy analyst Dan Boone, as well as Frank Maisono, spokesman for MidWind, an ad-hoc group of mid-Atlantic wind developers. FreedomWorks is a member of MidWind.
"My role is simply to provide information and alternative analysis," said Boone, formerly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "It's up to the people to decide whether the pros and cons match up."
David Carr of the Southern Environmental Law Center also will speak about the legal issues involved in the proposal and the opportunities for public involvement in FreedomWorks' permitting process. Carr will also cover the public's role in the ensuing update of George Washington National Forest's management plan.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.
Local Support ‘Essential'
FreedomWorks declined to speak at the event, said Tim Williamson, managing director for the company, citing the company's intention to provide a series of community meetings following approval of the plan.
"We understand that gaining local support is essential to the viability of the project," Williamson said.
The arguments for and against the turbines run the gamut from cleaner, domestic energy, to ecological and aesthetic concerns for local hiking trails and the region's many Civil War battlefields.
"Our organization is very much in favor of alternative energy ... that includes wind," said Jim Murray, president of the Virginia Wildlife Committee, an organization that has close ties with the Southern Environmental Law Center.
"However, we think some places are inappropriate, specifically the high ridges of the [forest]."
Murray cites the danger turbines could have on birds whose principal southern routes run through the Virginia-West Virginia ridgeline. He also expressed concern about the federally protected Cow Knob salamander, which can only be found in the mountain ranges along the Virginias.
Impact On Battlefields
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, along with other organizations in the Valley, has offered a contribution to Shenandoah Forum to help cover some of the costs of the event, said Howard Kittel, the foundation's executive director.
The wind turbines, Kittel said, would damage the "experience" of the three Civil War battlefields the proposed building sites border: Toms Brook, Fishers Hill and New Market.
"They aren't taking a pro- or anti-position to the issue," Kittel said. "We felt that was an important approach and that it was a great opportunity to quell rumors and get information out there about the proposal."
The forum has been involved in other hot-button issues in the central Valley. It hosted a January 2005 discussion on the proposed expansion of Interstate 81.
http://www.dailynews-record.com/opinion_details.php?AID=29236&CHID=1
Friday, June 20, 2008
Plan for Next Hunting Season! Helpful dates for 2008 season openings
For complete listings of seasons and bag limits see 2008-2009 Hunting and Trapping in Virginia digest available July 1, 2008.
Opening dates for selected species
Deer
Archery: Oct. 4, 2008
Muzzleloader (east and west of the Blue Ridge): Nov. 1, 2008
Firearms: Nov. 15, 2008
Bear
Archery: Oct. 11, 2008
Muzzleloader: Nov. 11, 2008
Firearms: opening dates and season lengths vary depending on county; see digest
Turkey
Archery: Oct. 4, 2008
Fall Youth Hunt Day: Oct. 18, 2008
Firearms: Oct. 25, 2008 (season lengths vary; see digest)
Small Game
Grouse: Oct. 25, 2008
Quail: Nov. 8, 2008
Squirrel: Sept. 6, 2008
Opening dates for selected species
Deer
Archery: Oct. 4, 2008
Muzzleloader (east and west of the Blue Ridge): Nov. 1, 2008
Firearms: Nov. 15, 2008
Bear
Archery: Oct. 11, 2008
Muzzleloader: Nov. 11, 2008
Firearms: opening dates and season lengths vary depending on county; see digest
Turkey
Archery: Oct. 4, 2008
Fall Youth Hunt Day: Oct. 18, 2008
Firearms: Oct. 25, 2008 (season lengths vary; see digest)
Small Game
Grouse: Oct. 25, 2008
Quail: Nov. 8, 2008
Squirrel: Sept. 6, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
The entire Dellinger property is for sale.
The Dellinger brothers have decided to sell their entire property, not just the 10 acres on the other side of the road.
They want $199,000 for 50 acres.
This is the property adjacent to ours on the south side, near the Bear Lodge.
They want $199,000 for 50 acres.
This is the property adjacent to ours on the south side, near the Bear Lodge.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sportsmen in crosshairs of General Assembly
By Bill Cochran
Thursday, January 17, 200
Bills that would have a serious impact on the way we hunt, fish, boat and trap are being introduced at a brisk rate in the 2008 Virginia General Assembly, including one that would lift the ban on Sunday hunting and another that would fire current members of the board of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Here are some issues to keep an eye on:
SUNDAY HUNTING
Every session in recent years has seen one to three bills introduced that would ease or remove Virginia’s ban on Sunday hunting. They’ve always failed, and that likely will be the fate of this year’s attempt, SB 524, introduced by Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach. It would strike all references to Sunday hunting in the code, making Sunday a day of hunting just like any other day of the week.
While there is growing interest in hunting on Sunday, what has been lacking is any credible, organized move to get behind the effort. It is going to take more than someone just dumping a bill in the hopper.
DGIF UNDER ATTACK
Legislation has been introduced that reflects distrust and downright disgust of the DGIF. HB 1352, whose patron is R.L. Ware, R-Powhatan, would dismiss current DGIF board members and start fresh with new appointees. The bill also changes the way board members are appointed, mandates that they must have held a hunting or fishing license three consecutive years prior to their appointment and limits the term of the board chairman to one year.
Other bills would mandate greater accountability within the agency, something the current board already has made huge strides in accomplishing.
APPRENTICE LICENSE
There is a growing feeling that it should be easier for people to give hunting a try in order to see if it is something they would like to take up. Right now, entry-level participants first must pass a lengthy hunter education course and spend a chunk of change for licenses. Some simply say, “Forget it,” and license sales lag as a result.
Identical legislation introduced in the House and Senate would establish an apprentice hunting license that would temporarily waive the hunter education requirement and sell for a modest $10 for residents and $20 for non residents. It would be a one-time license, good for one year, and the user would have to be under direct supervision of licensed hunter 18-years old or above.
A similar set-up has been successful in several states. The bills are expected to receive the blessing of the DGIF. They are HB 1175, introduced by Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William County, and SB 617, introduced by former DGIF board members Sen. Kenneth Stolle, R-Virginia Beach.
RETRIEVING DOGS
Hunters have the right to go onto private property to retrieve their dogs, but they’d best not do it while carrying a gun or bow under a bill introduced by Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville. His SB 263 calls for forfeiture of the gun or bow being carried and the loss of hunting rights for the current and following seasons. It already is against the law to carry weapons onto private land without permission to retrieve dogs, but the penalty is no where near this stiff.
Deeds, who has announced he will run for governor, unwisely decided not to wait for the outcome of a major study being conducted by DGIF on hound/landowner relationships.
BLAZE ORANGE
Hunters would be spending considerable more time wearing blaze orange, and more of it, under HB 872 introduced by Joseph Johnson, D-Abingdon. For the first time, blaze orange would be required during the muzzleloading season.
The bill mandates blaze orange “during any firearms deer season,” which I take to mean that anytime there is any firearm’s deer season in progress all other hunters, including turkey, varmint and bow would be required to wear blaze orange. This becomes a bit tricky in view of the fact that there are many overlapping season. Waterfowl hunters are exempt and so are bowhunters in areas where the discharge of firearms is prohibited by state or local ordinance.
Muzzleloaders, by the way, have an admirable safety record when it comes to serious gunshot wounds, but there was a fatality the past season in Bath County.
The amount of blaze orange required under Johnson’s bill would more than double, from 100-square inches to 250-squire inches. Anyone accompanying a hunter would be under the same requirements.
CHASING BEARS
Organized hound hunters want to be able to chase bears at night during the training season. This would give hunters who work the dayshift more opportunity to hunt, and it would provide cooler temperatures to work dogs.
Bear hunters have taken their request for night chasing to the DGIF, but it has gone unheeded, so it now comes up in the General Assembly via HB 886 introduced by Matthew Lohr, R-Harrisonburg.
Here again, is an issue that should be handled by the DGIF not the General Assembly.
LIFE JACKETS FOR KIDS
David Poisson, D-Sterling, believes that kids age 12 and under should be required by law to wear a life preserver when on a recreational boat less than 21 feet, unless they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. His HB 1250 would mandate that, but the likelihood of it passing is slim. Recent sessions have seen similar bills fail.
DGIF has not given it much support in the past, although the agency highly recommends the use of personal flotation devices.
TRAPPING:
Trappers would receive a break through two bill introduced by R. L. Ware. His HB 114 would let trappers mark their traps with an identification number, issued by DGIF, rather than the current required name and address.
His HB 115 would authorize DGIF to allow trappers to visit complete submerged Conibear-style body-griping traps every 72 hours instead of the current 24 hours.
TURKEY GUNS
Hunters often debate whether rifles should be used in the hunting of turkeys. SB 365 introduced by Sen. John Watkins, R-Midlothian, would give counties the option of prohibiting rifles in turkey hunting.
No matter how you come down on the issue, the bill is a bad one because it meddles in an issue that should be left to the DGIF.
BAITING DEER
Virginia wildlife officials long have been opposed to hunting over bait; in fact, they have tightened baiting loopholes recently. But should hunters be allowed to use bait when dealing with nuisance deer?
HB 1016, introduced by Timothy Hugo, R-Centerville, would give the DGIF authority to authorize the killing of deer over bait in counties/cities that request this option for the special late-antlerless season.
SESSION OF THE DOG
According to a recent count by Bob Kane, president of the Virginia Hunting Dog Owners’ Association, no less than 26 animal-related bills have been introduced in the early going of this session, many of them impacting dogs, their breeding and their owners. The Humane Society of the United States has retained a Richmond lobbing firm “to push its anti-breeding, anti-owner agenda,” said Kane.
“The majority of these bill are extremely ill-considered; the most obvious of these is HB 538, [which is] HSUS’s effort to regulate Old Dominion hobby breeders, introduced by Bobby Orrock, [R-Thornburg],” Kane said.
RIGHT TO FLOAT
Just what right the public has to float, fish and navigate waters of the state often is open to speculation, not to mention confusion. HJ 114, introduced by Matthew Lohr, R-Harrisonburg, appears to be an effort to clear this up through the appointment of a six-member joint subcommittee assigned to study the issue.
Thursday, January 17, 200
Bills that would have a serious impact on the way we hunt, fish, boat and trap are being introduced at a brisk rate in the 2008 Virginia General Assembly, including one that would lift the ban on Sunday hunting and another that would fire current members of the board of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Here are some issues to keep an eye on:
SUNDAY HUNTING
Every session in recent years has seen one to three bills introduced that would ease or remove Virginia’s ban on Sunday hunting. They’ve always failed, and that likely will be the fate of this year’s attempt, SB 524, introduced by Sen. Frank Wagner, R-Virginia Beach. It would strike all references to Sunday hunting in the code, making Sunday a day of hunting just like any other day of the week.
While there is growing interest in hunting on Sunday, what has been lacking is any credible, organized move to get behind the effort. It is going to take more than someone just dumping a bill in the hopper.
DGIF UNDER ATTACK
Legislation has been introduced that reflects distrust and downright disgust of the DGIF. HB 1352, whose patron is R.L. Ware, R-Powhatan, would dismiss current DGIF board members and start fresh with new appointees. The bill also changes the way board members are appointed, mandates that they must have held a hunting or fishing license three consecutive years prior to their appointment and limits the term of the board chairman to one year.
Other bills would mandate greater accountability within the agency, something the current board already has made huge strides in accomplishing.
APPRENTICE LICENSE
There is a growing feeling that it should be easier for people to give hunting a try in order to see if it is something they would like to take up. Right now, entry-level participants first must pass a lengthy hunter education course and spend a chunk of change for licenses. Some simply say, “Forget it,” and license sales lag as a result.
Identical legislation introduced in the House and Senate would establish an apprentice hunting license that would temporarily waive the hunter education requirement and sell for a modest $10 for residents and $20 for non residents. It would be a one-time license, good for one year, and the user would have to be under direct supervision of licensed hunter 18-years old or above.
A similar set-up has been successful in several states. The bills are expected to receive the blessing of the DGIF. They are HB 1175, introduced by Scott Lingamfelter, R-Prince William County, and SB 617, introduced by former DGIF board members Sen. Kenneth Stolle, R-Virginia Beach.
RETRIEVING DOGS
Hunters have the right to go onto private property to retrieve their dogs, but they’d best not do it while carrying a gun or bow under a bill introduced by Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville. His SB 263 calls for forfeiture of the gun or bow being carried and the loss of hunting rights for the current and following seasons. It already is against the law to carry weapons onto private land without permission to retrieve dogs, but the penalty is no where near this stiff.
Deeds, who has announced he will run for governor, unwisely decided not to wait for the outcome of a major study being conducted by DGIF on hound/landowner relationships.
BLAZE ORANGE
Hunters would be spending considerable more time wearing blaze orange, and more of it, under HB 872 introduced by Joseph Johnson, D-Abingdon. For the first time, blaze orange would be required during the muzzleloading season.
The bill mandates blaze orange “during any firearms deer season,” which I take to mean that anytime there is any firearm’s deer season in progress all other hunters, including turkey, varmint and bow would be required to wear blaze orange. This becomes a bit tricky in view of the fact that there are many overlapping season. Waterfowl hunters are exempt and so are bowhunters in areas where the discharge of firearms is prohibited by state or local ordinance.
Muzzleloaders, by the way, have an admirable safety record when it comes to serious gunshot wounds, but there was a fatality the past season in Bath County.
The amount of blaze orange required under Johnson’s bill would more than double, from 100-square inches to 250-squire inches. Anyone accompanying a hunter would be under the same requirements.
CHASING BEARS
Organized hound hunters want to be able to chase bears at night during the training season. This would give hunters who work the dayshift more opportunity to hunt, and it would provide cooler temperatures to work dogs.
Bear hunters have taken their request for night chasing to the DGIF, but it has gone unheeded, so it now comes up in the General Assembly via HB 886 introduced by Matthew Lohr, R-Harrisonburg.
Here again, is an issue that should be handled by the DGIF not the General Assembly.
LIFE JACKETS FOR KIDS
David Poisson, D-Sterling, believes that kids age 12 and under should be required by law to wear a life preserver when on a recreational boat less than 21 feet, unless they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. His HB 1250 would mandate that, but the likelihood of it passing is slim. Recent sessions have seen similar bills fail.
DGIF has not given it much support in the past, although the agency highly recommends the use of personal flotation devices.
TRAPPING:
Trappers would receive a break through two bill introduced by R. L. Ware. His HB 114 would let trappers mark their traps with an identification number, issued by DGIF, rather than the current required name and address.
His HB 115 would authorize DGIF to allow trappers to visit complete submerged Conibear-style body-griping traps every 72 hours instead of the current 24 hours.
TURKEY GUNS
Hunters often debate whether rifles should be used in the hunting of turkeys. SB 365 introduced by Sen. John Watkins, R-Midlothian, would give counties the option of prohibiting rifles in turkey hunting.
No matter how you come down on the issue, the bill is a bad one because it meddles in an issue that should be left to the DGIF.
BAITING DEER
Virginia wildlife officials long have been opposed to hunting over bait; in fact, they have tightened baiting loopholes recently. But should hunters be allowed to use bait when dealing with nuisance deer?
HB 1016, introduced by Timothy Hugo, R-Centerville, would give the DGIF authority to authorize the killing of deer over bait in counties/cities that request this option for the special late-antlerless season.
SESSION OF THE DOG
According to a recent count by Bob Kane, president of the Virginia Hunting Dog Owners’ Association, no less than 26 animal-related bills have been introduced in the early going of this session, many of them impacting dogs, their breeding and their owners. The Humane Society of the United States has retained a Richmond lobbing firm “to push its anti-breeding, anti-owner agenda,” said Kane.
“The majority of these bill are extremely ill-considered; the most obvious of these is HB 538, [which is] HSUS’s effort to regulate Old Dominion hobby breeders, introduced by Bobby Orrock, [R-Thornburg],” Kane said.
RIGHT TO FLOAT
Just what right the public has to float, fish and navigate waters of the state often is open to speculation, not to mention confusion. HJ 114, introduced by Matthew Lohr, R-Harrisonburg, appears to be an effort to clear this up through the appointment of a six-member joint subcommittee assigned to study the issue.
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