Call-your-commissionor Calling Blitz

[Multidigits]

Small game hunters--make the call this week about the small game seasons and deer/turkey changes that impact your hunting! Keep the phone lines hot.

[CPA Hunter]

What changes Multi?

[grouseguy]

THIS IS A REPOST TO THE SMALL GAME HUNTING FORUM FROM THE CYBER-HUNTERS-PUBLIC FORUM

Guys, the following is a copy of the letter I faxed today to my commissioner. I chose to fax since my commissioner is very hard of hearing and I was afraid he would miss something important over the phone. It's extremely important that we contact our commissioners and insist that they represent OUR interests at the meeting on the 6th.

December 2, 2002



VIA FACSIMILE
606-474-0648

Dr. Robert C. Webb
8th District Commissioner
KY Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources

Re: Proposed season changes

Doc:

As you are aware, I am a dedicated small game hunter residing in your district and as such, hereby request that you represent my interests on the following subjects at the next Commission Meeting on December 6, 2002. Two topics that are scheduled on the agenda for this meeting are near and dear to me, and could greatly impact my ability to enjoy the sport that I love.

First, I would hope that you would oppose further expansion of the firearms deer seasons. In my opinion, additional days of firearms deer seasons will not impact the total harvest since most hunters are able to harvest as many deer as they can use during the current season structure. If the KDFWR wants to increase the overall harvest, they need to be looking into gaining access in urban or otherwise closed areas for special “quota hunts”, along with increasing funding for programs like “Hunters for the Hungry” so that hunters can have an economical outlet for their excess venison.

Secondly, I would hope that you would support a proposal by 4th District Commissioner, Ron Southall, whereby rabbit and quail small game seasons would be combined into one statewide season beginning after modern rifle deer season (roughly the Monday before Thanksgiving) and running through the end of February.

I am aware of Deputy Commissioner Roy Grimes’ efforts opposing the statewide small game season. However, I would request that you try to look at this from the small game hunter's perspective rather than strictly biological. The front end of the small game seasons are being effectively eroded by the expansion of fall deer and turkey seasons, and I want to emphasize "effectively", since the small game seasons are technically open, but small game hunters will not utilize the opportunity during open firearms big game seasons. Most small game is pursued with the use of dogs and most small game hunters will not turn their dogs loose during open firearms big game seasons. Firearms deer season typically brings out the worst element of hunters, that normally only hunt during firearms deer seasons, and are often referred to as "slob hunters". Most small game hunters will not risk their dogs and the inevitable conflict that would follow by having to deal with this element. Therefore, expanding firearms big game seasons effectively shorten small game seasons.

Also, due to the expense involved in keeping dogs throughout the year, if this erosion of the small game season continues, I anticipate a decline in small game hunter numbers, which in turn affects the Department's revenues, but greater still, it will affect the resource itself. As you are aware, hunters are the best friend that game species have, who by their spending habits and conservation efforts provide the funding and necessary elements for the game to survive and prosper. Therefore, with firearms deer seasons running through the middle of December, and the current small game seasons only running through the end of January, or December if Mr. Grimes is ultimately successful in his efforts, then small game hunters will only be able to utilize a 2 - 6 week window to effectively pursue their sport. There is more to this equation than just biological concerns, which by the way, I question the current data that Mr. Grimes cites, in keeping a thriving small game program, including hunters and game in Kentucky. From the small game hunter's perspective, it’s not nearly as important when the season technically begins, because in reality it begins when firearms deer season ends, than when it ends, and I support February 28th.

Since the Commissioners are supposed to represent the voice of the average sportsman in policy making decisions, and the Department is dependent on hunter support, I would think that the wishes of the small game sportsmen would be the primary factor in determining small game seasons, since they have the most to loose if a flawed policy is enacted.

Doc, these issues are VERY IMPORTANT to me and other small game enthusiasts, and we will be watching closely the outcome of the Commission Meeting on the 6th. If for some reason you cannot support the small game position outlined above, I would like to request that you contact me to further discuss this matter.

Very truly yours;



Mark Rogers
695 W. Sunset Hill
Grayson, KY 41143
(606) 474-0403 home
(606) 475-5190 office

cc: Ron Southall

[CPA Hunter]

Thanks - I've been out of touch lately. As I see it, they are not technically changing small game dates, just what the deer season is doing to small game hunters. Not that I don't agree with the letter -- I do and I also will not take my beagles out during firearms season. Thanks.

[Multidigits]

This year the close date as proposed will be Jan. 1. Next year they'll ask to close it Dec. 15, and the next year after that it'll be deer gunhunting only. This is what they are wanting, based on a mystery survey that nobody seems to have seen????

[Birdman]

Boys the 7th district voted to back the Feb. closing, and I fill sure our commissioner will follow through with our request. Hope to see you boys at the meeting friday.

[grouseguy]

That's great news, Ronnie. When I talked to Mr. Southall, he felt his biggest opposition would come from the 7th and 8th. If Doug is on board in the 7th, there's a good chance that Doc will follow suit in the 8th. I'm planning to call Doc tomorrow to reemphasize my points.

[Multidigits]

Xtreme and myself will be at the meeting

[GSP]

I'll be there