Folks-The big day is coming up fast. I tried to make a printable poster on here that you could put in sporting goods stores, etc., but my computer illiteracy did not allow it. I have it in Word format but can't get it to transfer properly here. Maybe someone else could so folks could print it easily.
It's pretty much a condensed version of the talking points I posted earlier but it all fits on one page.
I am sending a copy of the talking points/rationale to every member of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress that has email access. That will really help if discussion occurs at the county meetings. It will also really help if predator hunters in every county possible are prepared to stand up and support this concept. ANY SUPPORT WE CAN GET WILL BE A HUGE HELP IN GETTING THIS DONE!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Moosetrot
NOTICE TO WISCONSIN PREDATOR HUNTERS!
2012 WISCONSIN CONSERVATION CONGRESS
SPRING HEARINGS ARE APRIL 9 AT 7:00 P.M. IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE STATE.
WE NEED YOUR “YES” VOTE ON QUESTION 54!
Question 54. Use of Handheld Artificial Lights to Scan While Predator Hunting (# 320311)
Coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are predator species with strong populations that have considerable impacts on other species. They are generally nocturnal and as such, one of the most effective times to hunt predators is at night. Current Wisconsin law, allows the use of an artificial light while hunting predators at the point of kill to identify the target, but does not allow “scanning” with an artificial light to locate and identify the target. With the increasing population of wolves, when hunting coyotes, it is particularly important to accurately identify the target. Some feel that allowing scanning is an efficient tool and would help hunters locate and accurately identify their target.
Do you favor legislation allowing an individual engaged in hunting coyotes, foxes, and raccoons to use handheld artificial lights to “scan” under the following stipulations:
1. The hunter must be a minimum of 200 feet from their vehicle and in compliance with state firearms discharge laws and/or local ordinances regarding firearms discharge or use of lights.
2. The hunter must be stationary and not changing their location while scanning.
3. The hunter must be using a predator call and clearly engaged in predator hunting.
4. “Scanning” may only be used during times and areas where there are no gun deer seasons in effect?
54. YES ______ NO _____
It is time for Wisconsin predator hunters to have the ability to legally use a handheld artificial light to scan their surroundings and safely locate and identify their target while hunting during the night. Research on the topic shows that 33 states already have the ability to use artificial lights while coyote hunting in place. Of course there are varying stipulations from state to state, but only those that clearly allow this practice were counted.
The stipulations contained in Question 54 provide a good structure for compliance, safety, distinction from illegal activities, and enforcement when necessary. They require compliance with existing state law, county and local ordinances regarding the use of spotlights and/or the discharge of firearms. Our state has recently approved and trusted its citizens with the ability to transport uncased firearms within a vehicle. Certainly we need to recognize and offer such trust to those who choose to engage in legal hunting practices rather than restrict them due to the potential actions of those who would choose to engage in illegal activities.
We ask that the citizens of Wisconsin advance this concept through a “Yes” vote on Question 54 of the 2012 Spring Hearings. Doing so will be taking another step toward expansion of hunting opportunities with increased safety and efficiency for Wisconsin hunters.
It's pretty much a condensed version of the talking points I posted earlier but it all fits on one page.
I am sending a copy of the talking points/rationale to every member of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress that has email access. That will really help if discussion occurs at the county meetings. It will also really help if predator hunters in every county possible are prepared to stand up and support this concept. ANY SUPPORT WE CAN GET WILL BE A HUGE HELP IN GETTING THIS DONE!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Moosetrot
NOTICE TO WISCONSIN PREDATOR HUNTERS!
2012 WISCONSIN CONSERVATION CONGRESS
SPRING HEARINGS ARE APRIL 9 AT 7:00 P.M. IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE STATE.
WE NEED YOUR “YES” VOTE ON QUESTION 54!
Question 54. Use of Handheld Artificial Lights to Scan While Predator Hunting (# 320311)
Coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are predator species with strong populations that have considerable impacts on other species. They are generally nocturnal and as such, one of the most effective times to hunt predators is at night. Current Wisconsin law, allows the use of an artificial light while hunting predators at the point of kill to identify the target, but does not allow “scanning” with an artificial light to locate and identify the target. With the increasing population of wolves, when hunting coyotes, it is particularly important to accurately identify the target. Some feel that allowing scanning is an efficient tool and would help hunters locate and accurately identify their target.
Do you favor legislation allowing an individual engaged in hunting coyotes, foxes, and raccoons to use handheld artificial lights to “scan” under the following stipulations:
1. The hunter must be a minimum of 200 feet from their vehicle and in compliance with state firearms discharge laws and/or local ordinances regarding firearms discharge or use of lights.
2. The hunter must be stationary and not changing their location while scanning.
3. The hunter must be using a predator call and clearly engaged in predator hunting.
4. “Scanning” may only be used during times and areas where there are no gun deer seasons in effect?
54. YES ______ NO _____
It is time for Wisconsin predator hunters to have the ability to legally use a handheld artificial light to scan their surroundings and safely locate and identify their target while hunting during the night. Research on the topic shows that 33 states already have the ability to use artificial lights while coyote hunting in place. Of course there are varying stipulations from state to state, but only those that clearly allow this practice were counted.
The stipulations contained in Question 54 provide a good structure for compliance, safety, distinction from illegal activities, and enforcement when necessary. They require compliance with existing state law, county and local ordinances regarding the use of spotlights and/or the discharge of firearms. Our state has recently approved and trusted its citizens with the ability to transport uncased firearms within a vehicle. Certainly we need to recognize and offer such trust to those who choose to engage in legal hunting practices rather than restrict them due to the potential actions of those who would choose to engage in illegal activities.
We ask that the citizens of Wisconsin advance this concept through a “Yes” vote on Question 54 of the 2012 Spring Hearings. Doing so will be taking another step toward expansion of hunting opportunities with increased safety and efficiency for Wisconsin hunters.
