Colorado Wildlife Commission to ban Varmint hunting
- Thread starter VarminterCO
- Start date
claimbuster
New member
Voted down, unanimous decision! This was but one battle. I am certain there are more coming.
Littleshot
New member
Fantastic, now the only bummer is I will miss the BBQ too, Out the door on my way to play in the snow again tonight, er, I mean keep you all's roads dry and safe...
LARRY_RITCHIE
New member
Want to THANK YOU guys very much for all your hard work, every hunter in Colorado owes you a thank you.
Thanks, Larry
Javafour
New member
Quote:
Voted down, unanimous decision! This was but one battle. I am certain there are more coming.
Details, details, details??!! What did the Commissioners say about their decision? What do you say and how many of our guys spoke? Did both sides testify, what did the wackos say? Somebody give us a blow by blow!
THIS IS FRIGGING AWSOME, GREAT GOING AND EFFORT WITHOUT MUCH NOTICE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
Voted down, unanimous decision! This was but one battle. I am certain there are more coming.
Details, details, details??!! What did the Commissioners say about their decision? What do you say and how many of our guys spoke? Did both sides testify, what did the wackos say? Somebody give us a blow by blow!
THIS IS FRIGGING AWSOME, GREAT GOING AND EFFORT WITHOUT MUCH NOTICE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
Linefinder
New member
I'm curious to know what the ratio of hunters vs. antis were physically present at the meeting.
Thanks to everybody for the help!
Mike
Thanks to everybody for the help!
Mike
joghotrod1
Member
Great news guys, good job! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
Let us know the details when you get a chance.
Jimmy
Let us know the details when you get a chance.
Jimmy
Gander D. Bander
New member
I got the play the play via NASA just now. I am sure he will bring more details to the table when he returns from Grand Junction. They were in the middle of thier victory celebration and I was able to make out this much.
There were roughly 120 hunters and supporters to our side that showed up at the meeting. This included the Cattlemen, Farmers, Woolgrowers, and the DOW itself standing up for us. There were 12 of the Forest Gaurdians and from what I heard one "very good looking gal" from the Humane Society(what a waste) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif. The end result after it was all said and done. Thier motion was denied.
Just a battle won, within the war. This is going to be an ongoing struggle as they got their [beeep] handed to them. This isn't dead... Unfortunatly, they will come back stronger next time. I appreciate everyone that took a stand. From the guys that took 30 seconds to sign the petition, too the guys that took the front lines. You all are top notch in my book.
I along with the hunters of Colorado... THANK YOU! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
There were roughly 120 hunters and supporters to our side that showed up at the meeting. This included the Cattlemen, Farmers, Woolgrowers, and the DOW itself standing up for us. There were 12 of the Forest Gaurdians and from what I heard one "very good looking gal" from the Humane Society(what a waste) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif. The end result after it was all said and done. Thier motion was denied.
Just a battle won, within the war. This is going to be an ongoing struggle as they got their [beeep] handed to them. This isn't dead... Unfortunatly, they will come back stronger next time. I appreciate everyone that took a stand. From the guys that took 30 seconds to sign the petition, too the guys that took the front lines. You all are top notch in my book.
I along with the hunters of Colorado... THANK YOU! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
Last edited:
Linefinder
New member
Sounds like a squad attacked a company and got obliterated in the process! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
Mike
Mike
450_EXPRESS
New member
Congrats, Glad to hear it went good.
claimbuster
New member
I personally want to thank everyone that helped on this challenge. Irrespective of how much you may have contributed, everything was valued. No single individual made this happen. It was a team effort, the team came together and prevailed. Amazing what we can do when we all pull together, isn't it.
We received considerable support and assistance from a lot of non-Colorado folks and to you we are indebted. We'll be there to help, in your home state, should you ever need us. Let's hope you never need us.
We have all learned a lot through these trying times and we cannot forget any of the lessons we have learned.
This was just a small skirmish in a much larger war. We must not rest. Now is the time to gather what we have learned and better ourselves for the next round.
Since NASA enjoys acronyms, I have developed a new one.
NBCWYKD
Never Be Caught With Your Knickers Down!
We received considerable support and assistance from a lot of non-Colorado folks and to you we are indebted. We'll be there to help, in your home state, should you ever need us. Let's hope you never need us.
We have all learned a lot through these trying times and we cannot forget any of the lessons we have learned.
This was just a small skirmish in a much larger war. We must not rest. Now is the time to gather what we have learned and better ourselves for the next round.
Since NASA enjoys acronyms, I have developed a new one.
NBCWYKD
Never Be Caught With Your Knickers Down!
Furhunter
New member
I would also like to thank everybody for their support. I know the parties from the Cattlemans Assocation, Wool Growers Assocation, and the farmers, other ranchers etc, wont read this but, their turn out was tremendous and a big thank you goes out to them also.
I also had a most enjoyable time in the last few days while "The Team" was here in town. The BBQ last nite was fun, I enjoyed all of your company except......why does my head hurt so bad......and whats that bright light out the window there......could somebody turn that down a bit. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
On a more serious note, we have learned alot. You folks from other states need to keep your nose to the wind, watch your DOW or DNR web sites for meetings and issues on the docket. Dont let yourselfs get behind on the issues, remember its harder to play catch up.
I also had a most enjoyable time in the last few days while "The Team" was here in town. The BBQ last nite was fun, I enjoyed all of your company except......why does my head hurt so bad......and whats that bright light out the window there......could somebody turn that down a bit. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif
On a more serious note, we have learned alot. You folks from other states need to keep your nose to the wind, watch your DOW or DNR web sites for meetings and issues on the docket. Dont let yourselfs get behind on the issues, remember its harder to play catch up.
doggin coyotes
Well-known member
So do I have this correct??? The guardians were sent packin back to their flea infested underground burrows?? The CWC denied any and all of their petition?? Pro hunters in attendance outnumbered antis about ten to one?? There was one *very good lookin gal* and the rest of the guardians looked like mangy coyotes???
I too want to THANK ALL you guys that put so much time, work and effert into this. I sent my letters. I signed petitions. But YOU guys that spearheaded this cause are my heros. And I mean that!! I wish I could of been in GJ with you guys. I can't wait to hear a blow by blow of everything that went on over there.
WAY TO GO and congradulations to us ALL!!!! This is one very big victory.
I too want to THANK ALL you guys that put so much time, work and effert into this. I sent my letters. I signed petitions. But YOU guys that spearheaded this cause are my heros. And I mean that!! I wish I could of been in GJ with you guys. I can't wait to hear a blow by blow of everything that went on over there.
WAY TO GO and congradulations to us ALL!!!! This is one very big victory.
cornstalker
Active member
All I can say is..............................
WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
Javafour
New member
Wildlife commission votes 9-0 to allow continued shooting of animals, citing need for pest control
By DAVE BUCHANAN
The Daily Sentinel
Thursday, May 01, 2008
A citizen’s petition to ban the recreational shooting of prairie dogs came to a quick death Thursday at the hands of the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
Testimony on the controversial issue raised concerns on one side about cruelty to animals and hunting ethics and equally fervent concerns on the other side about protecting private property rights, game-damage control and introducing youths to hunting. It took more than an hour and was dominated by opponents to the petition.
“Shooting is the only way to control” prairie dogs, said Hotchkiss farmer Dave Whittlesey, who said he shoots “20 to 30 a day” on his property with little apparent effect on the prairie dog population.
His argument was repeated several times, with some farmers saying they shoot thousands of prairie dogs each year in attempts to alleviate damage to hay fields and other crops.
“Shooting is the only species-specific control,” said David Koontz of Hotchkiss. “We kill several thousand a year, and if I had to stop, I’d be out of business in five years.”
Veterinarian [beeep] Steele of Delta said he has euthanized “crippled horses after (they stumbled) into prairie dog holes.” He called prairie dog control a useful, entry-level activity for young hunters.
University of Denver Law Professor Jay Tuchstone, representing the Denver University law students who presented the petition, said the petition wasn’t about controlling pests, but rather the ethics issues involved in using prairie dogs as recreational targets.
“Hunting is the ethical and sustainable harvest of animals,” Tuchstone said. “This is slaughter. The object (with recreational shooting of prairie dogs) is to blow things to bits.”
The recreational aspect of the petition got little attention as most opponents focused on other issues.
Terry Fankhauser, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, said prairie dogs not only reduce the available forage, but also cause weight loss in cattle.
“There’s definitely a loss to the cattle industry with prairie dogs,” Fankhauser said.
Wildlife Commissioner Tim Glenn of Salida, also a Chaffee County commissioner, said he has spoken to other county commissioners, all of whom opposed the ban.
“The concerns were not only about control, but also health, safety and public welfare,” said Glenn, citing information about prairie dogs being carriers of bubonic plague.
The wildlife commission also raised similar concerns, including protecting private property rights.
Saying she was “uncomfortable” with posing controls on private land use, Commissioner Claire O’Neal of Holyoke said a ban on recreational shooting would be a” huge law enforcement issue.”
Commissioner Robert Bray, a rancher near Redvale, said the issue “goes beyond (recreational shooting), it’s a gun rights and hunting rights issue.”
His motion to deny the petition passed 9-0.
In other business, the commission approved a resolution for oil and gas development as part of HB 1298. That bill requires the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to consult with the wildlife commission on development issues effecting wildlife and to “balance development with wildlife conservation.”
The resolution, which now goes to the oil and gas commission for consideration as part of the development regulations mandated by HB 1298, asks for no development in restricted-surface-occupancy areas and specific terms for reclamation of disturbed lands, including immediate and ongoing reseeding with an appropriate seed mix rather than a monoculture such as crested wheatgrass.
The petition asks for better use of timing restrictions, that those use limitations cover all stages of development and production, and that such timing limitations be loose enough to cover different species that might be affected by development.
In some cases, where mule deer and sage grouse habitat coincide, a strict limit on timing restrictions might force the DOW to choose to save one species and sacrifice the other.
The commission resolution also reserves the panel’s right to make additional comments about development regulations as new issues or new science appears.
The commission also heard from Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Harris Sherman, who said the passage of Senate Bill 13 might bring $1.5 million to the Division of Wildlife through state severance taxes paid for mineral extraction on private land. Sherman said the DOW’s share could grow to $3 million, with Colorado State Parks getting “a similar amount.”
By DAVE BUCHANAN
The Daily Sentinel
Thursday, May 01, 2008
A citizen’s petition to ban the recreational shooting of prairie dogs came to a quick death Thursday at the hands of the Colorado Wildlife Commission.
Testimony on the controversial issue raised concerns on one side about cruelty to animals and hunting ethics and equally fervent concerns on the other side about protecting private property rights, game-damage control and introducing youths to hunting. It took more than an hour and was dominated by opponents to the petition.
“Shooting is the only way to control” prairie dogs, said Hotchkiss farmer Dave Whittlesey, who said he shoots “20 to 30 a day” on his property with little apparent effect on the prairie dog population.
His argument was repeated several times, with some farmers saying they shoot thousands of prairie dogs each year in attempts to alleviate damage to hay fields and other crops.
“Shooting is the only species-specific control,” said David Koontz of Hotchkiss. “We kill several thousand a year, and if I had to stop, I’d be out of business in five years.”
Veterinarian [beeep] Steele of Delta said he has euthanized “crippled horses after (they stumbled) into prairie dog holes.” He called prairie dog control a useful, entry-level activity for young hunters.
University of Denver Law Professor Jay Tuchstone, representing the Denver University law students who presented the petition, said the petition wasn’t about controlling pests, but rather the ethics issues involved in using prairie dogs as recreational targets.
“Hunting is the ethical and sustainable harvest of animals,” Tuchstone said. “This is slaughter. The object (with recreational shooting of prairie dogs) is to blow things to bits.”
The recreational aspect of the petition got little attention as most opponents focused on other issues.
Terry Fankhauser, executive vice president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, said prairie dogs not only reduce the available forage, but also cause weight loss in cattle.
“There’s definitely a loss to the cattle industry with prairie dogs,” Fankhauser said.
Wildlife Commissioner Tim Glenn of Salida, also a Chaffee County commissioner, said he has spoken to other county commissioners, all of whom opposed the ban.
“The concerns were not only about control, but also health, safety and public welfare,” said Glenn, citing information about prairie dogs being carriers of bubonic plague.
The wildlife commission also raised similar concerns, including protecting private property rights.
Saying she was “uncomfortable” with posing controls on private land use, Commissioner Claire O’Neal of Holyoke said a ban on recreational shooting would be a” huge law enforcement issue.”
Commissioner Robert Bray, a rancher near Redvale, said the issue “goes beyond (recreational shooting), it’s a gun rights and hunting rights issue.”
His motion to deny the petition passed 9-0.
In other business, the commission approved a resolution for oil and gas development as part of HB 1298. That bill requires the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to consult with the wildlife commission on development issues effecting wildlife and to “balance development with wildlife conservation.”
The resolution, which now goes to the oil and gas commission for consideration as part of the development regulations mandated by HB 1298, asks for no development in restricted-surface-occupancy areas and specific terms for reclamation of disturbed lands, including immediate and ongoing reseeding with an appropriate seed mix rather than a monoculture such as crested wheatgrass.
The petition asks for better use of timing restrictions, that those use limitations cover all stages of development and production, and that such timing limitations be loose enough to cover different species that might be affected by development.
In some cases, where mule deer and sage grouse habitat coincide, a strict limit on timing restrictions might force the DOW to choose to save one species and sacrifice the other.
The commission resolution also reserves the panel’s right to make additional comments about development regulations as new issues or new science appears.
The commission also heard from Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Harris Sherman, who said the passage of Senate Bill 13 might bring $1.5 million to the Division of Wildlife through state severance taxes paid for mineral extraction on private land. Sherman said the DOW’s share could grow to $3 million, with Colorado State Parks getting “a similar amount.”