Virginia legislative activity regarding lifting the ban on Sunday hunting
The Trailblazers as an organization does not develop or submit a policy position on the issue of lifting the Sunday ban on hunting in Virginia. However, members are encouraged to follow the issue as it evolves in the 2012 General Assembly session and to submit their personal comments to whomever they choose. As of January 14, 2012, the early stage of the formal law making process, it is important to contact bill patrons and members of the committee to which a bill has been referred. Not knowing which bills will be withdrawn or sent to the full house or Senate, it is also important to comment to your delegate or senator regardless of committee membership. The Virginia State Constitution allows hunting but is silent on days of the week when hunting is allowable. Current legislation bans hunting on Sunday on both public and private land. Some current proposed bills seek to define or restrict allowable Sunday hunting or to entirely remove the Sunday hunting ban from VA code. To track proposed bills and to see which have been referred to committee, which committee, withdrawn, or new ones filed, go to http://lis.virginia.gov/lis.htm
Some bills already filed are: HB 921 Lingamfelter, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+HB921 - (any Sun w/o restrictions)
HB 369 Webert, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+HB0369 – {Private land only)
HB 989 Morefield, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+HB989 (lifts time of day restriction)
HB 1002, Ramadan, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+HB1002 (any Sunday, private land, Northern VA counties only)
SB 173, Petersen, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+SB173 (any Sunday, private land)
SB 151, Puckett, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+sum+SB151 (any Sunday, any animal, private or public lands)
Dues for 2012 are due before February 15, 2012. Please download the application and release form and mail with your dues check to the address shown on the application.
Beginning January 1, 2012, you must pay a daily use fee or have a permit to ride at Phelps or any VA wildlife management area. You do not have to get this special permit if you hold a valid Virginia hunting, trapping, or fishing license or have a current certificate of boat registration with VDGIF. For more information go to this link
VIRGINIA DGIF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF HUNTING ON SUNDAYS: The board of the Virginia Depatment of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) passed a resolution in June supporting changing current law banning hunting on Sundays to allow hunting on Sundays in Virginia. Their recommendation will go to the Governor's office which will determine the Governor's position on the issue. It's public information that the current Governor supports gun rights. Separate from DGIF, this issue could find overwhelming support in the General Assembly due to gun rights legislators who believe hunting with weapons on Sundays is a constitutional right. DGIF claims that the preponderance of public comments received on this issue to end the Sunday hunting ban compelled them to make this recommendation. Here is DGIF's recommendation. Much of it is linked to increasing revenue and increasing the number of game hunters in Virginia. No mention is made of the taxpayers who currently have only 1/7th of the week during gun hunting season to safely use public lands for family outings, horseback riding, hiking, biking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the public lands that their taxes support.
Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries:
Official Position Regarding Hunting on Sunday in Virginia
RICHMOND –
The Board of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (the "Board") declares its support for the repeal of the statutory prohibition on Sunday Hunting in Virginia.
Board Supports Lifting Statutory Prohibition on Sunday Hunting
WHEREAS
, the right of the people to "hunt, fish, and harvest game" is protected by Article XI, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, subject only to regulations and restrictions prescribed by the General Assembly; and
WHEREAS
, Virginia’s Sunday laws can be traced back to the early British colonies in Virginia; then continued in the early 20th century ostensibly as a means of protecting Virginia wildlife populations from over hunting, and
WHEREAS,
modern science confirms the Virginia ban on Sunday hunting serves no biological purpose and is counterproductive to matters of game management; and
WHEREAS
, those states that have removed prohibitions on Sunday hunting have not experienced any discernible impact on the desirable health or vibrancy of game populations; and
WHEREAS
, Sunday hunting will provide the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (the "Department") and its biologists with a new tool to manage wildlife populations by encouraging increased and concentrated hunting in areas of overpopulation; and
WHEREAS,
the Commonwealth has experienced a substantial decline in hunting participation by both in-state and out-of-state hunters over the past several decades, with license sales falling in both absolute and relative numbers; and
WHEREAS
, youth participation is necessary to maintain a hunting tradition in Virginia, we can effectively double the number of hunting days for youth during the school year by opening Sunday, and
WHEREAS
, Sunday hunting is an effective means of recruiting new hunters and increasing the value of the licenses for existing hunters of all ages by providing additional opportunity for adults and youth to spend time in the field; and
WHEREAS
, Sunday hunting is expected to generate a substantial increase in out-of-state licenses sales and resultant revenues for the Department due to an additional weekend hunting day; and
WHEREAS
, Sunday hunting will provide a substantial economic benefit to the Commonwealth's tourism industry, particularly in rural areas and businesses, by increasing the money spent locally by resident and non-resident hunters alike on hunting equipment, gas, food, lodging and other incidental items; and
WHEREAS
, the Department is funded almost entirely by the constituents it serves, a large number of whom are hunters; and
WHEREAS
, hunting license sales and their associated federal matching funds are the largest single revenue source available to the Department for carrying out its mission, including acquisition of public lands and private easements for wildlife management, hunting access and conservation; and
WHEREAS
, Sunday hunting will help ensure that future generations have the opportunity to participate in a sport that is an important part of the Commonwealth’s heritage; and
**WHEREAS
, the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries recognizes that this facet of game management is entirely within the purview of the General Assembly; and
Draft Page 7 of Draft Page 9 Item # 3-A
**WHEREAS
, if the General Assembly lifts the ban on Sunday Hunting, it is recognized that this action will affect a much broader stakeholder group than just hunters, and the Board will engage these groups in dialogue before passing any new regulations.
NOW
, THEREFORE, we, the Board of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, do hereby urge the General Assembly to REPEAL the PROHIBITION ON SUNDAY HUNTING IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA. # # #
Following a discussion on the resolution, the Chairman called for a motion to adopt the resolution as presented. Mr. Reed mad the following motion, Mr. Chairman I hereby move the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries adopt the Resolution to Repeal the Prohibition on Sunday Hunting in the Commonwealth of Virginia with the changes indicated by Ms. Caruso. Motion Seconded by Mr. Yates. Ayes: Pollard, Colgate, Montgomery, Caruso, Burton, Reed, Yates Clarke and Hazel. Opposed: Mr. Turner.
* Mr. Reed's original copy is on file for review.*
** Final Language following the discussion period of the motion by Mr. Reed.**
Note, too, that DGIF is proposing a new user's fee for use of DGIF property, including wildlife management ares such as Phelps. The proposed fee is $3 per day or an annual pass costing the same as a hunting license. Fair enough if this is what it takes for DGIF to meet its budget requirements. But, how much revenue will be lost if potential users, i.e., nonhunters, can't safely use the lands at least one day a week during hunting season (hunting with weapons generally lasts at least 6 months)?
Read about the economic impact of the horse industry in Virginia at http://www.coopercenter.org/econ/publications/economic-impact-horse-industry-virginia
The Bureau of Land Management has selected Ms. E. Lynn Burkett as the Lower Potomac Field Manager of the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, located in Mason Neck. She is in the process of reviewing the history of the 34 year old, 46 stall barn and arena; investigating better public access to the equestrian facilities; considering various options on whether to rehabilitate or replace the current facility; working to improve opportunities for the general public to participate in various equestrian activities; and addressing environmental and watershed issues. On BLM's website there are a number of studies related to the existing conditions of the barn that were done at the request of BLM plus one study which Supervisor Hyland requested be done by Fairfax County. These studies can be found on BLM/Meadowwood web site. Supervisor Hyland, with BLM, is sponsoring a community wide public meeting: Tuesday, June 28th 7 p.m. Laurel Hill Golf Club 8701 Laurel Crest Road, Lorton This informational meeting is an opportunity to hear from the new manager of BLM and ask questions of both Supervisor Hyland and Ms. Burkett. We hope to see you there!
Dove Equestrian Center Fundraiser Trail Rides. The funds raised were crucial to our program which provides therapeutic recreational riding to Veterans with disabilities and we would love to have you join us again. Attached is the flyer for the June 18th 2011 Trail Ride. Please send it to your friends. Again, thank you for your support and visit our website at www.ldequestriancenter.com
Warning about Meth Labs in State and National Forests:
A Craig Co. Sheriff's Deputy who is on a Virginia State Police undercover drug task force reports that he and his crew have been rounding up area drug producers, primarily in Montgomery and Floyd county. It appears that meth cookers are using the woods and state and national forests instead of their homes or garages. They often use a "one" or "two bottle" method cooking process to make meth and place this contraption in the woods and drive away. They will return later to retrieve it once the cooking process has occurred. Every ingredient in meth is poisonous and dangerous and can easily blow up, causing serious injury and chemical burns. Do not touch or otherwise disturb trash consisting of soda bottles, two liter or smaller jars or other containers that have some unknown substance in or around them, coffee filters with unknown substance in or around them. Sometimes a red or pink substance may indicate the presence of red devil lye extract but the absence of this red or pink marking does not mean you are not seeing a meth contraption.
If you think you see a meth cooking contraption or any strange looking trash, leave it alone, move away from it immediately, and report it once you are a very safe distance from it. If you think you see someone who is involved in cooking meth, leave them alone, ignore them, move away from them without engaging in any conversation, and once at a very safe distance or in a safe place, write down all identifying information you can, time, day, place, vehicle info (license plate, type, make, color, etc.) and everything you can to describe the individual(s) and report it immediately to
John R. Price
New Castle Ranger District
GW/Jeff National Forest
540/864-5195
email - jrprice@fs.fed.us
Denis Ayers of the US Park Police is in search of crossbreds or draft crosses geldings.
If anyone wishes to donate their horses to the US Park Police, a tax deduction appraisal can be arranged.
For more information please contact Caroline Cox at PleaseCallCarl@BlazeBroadband.com.
CPSC, Lasko Products, Inc. Announce Recall of Four Models of Box Fans Manufactured in 2002-2004
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Lasko Products, Inc. of West Chester, PA, is recalling approximately 4.8 million box fans manufactured from July 31, 2002 through July 31, 2004. A potential electrical failure in the fan motor can pose a fire hazard. The recall includes four models of box fans which were sold at major retail stores, home improvement centers, hardware stores and other retailers nationwide between late 2002 and as late as 2005.
Consumers should stop using these fans immediately.
For more information go to http://www.laskoproducts.com/recall/fan11_recall.html
February 24, 2011 information from Sally Aungier, Vice President, VA Horse Council
The State Vet’s Office has issued the following statement providing guidance on the interpretation of the new Coggins regulations. Please be sure to pass this information along.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has recently revised Virginia’s regulation concerning the control of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The intent of this revision is to protect Virginia’s horse population from this debilitating disease by ensuring that all horses participating for public events or congregating in public places have been tested and found negative for EIA; horse owners will be able to participate in organized events or utilize public recreational spaces such as Virginia’s state parks knowing that they are not putting their horse at increased risk for contracting EIA. The revised regulation will have the following effects:
* Horse owners will need to have a current negative Coggins Test certificate for any horse that they take to an equine event or other public place for recreational use. Coggins Test certificates are good for twelve months from the date the blood sample needed for the test was drawn from the horse.
* Horse owners do not need to carry the original certificate with them unless it is required by the event organizers. A legible copy will be acceptable under the new regulation.
* Horse owners do not need to carry the certificate with them while riding. They can keep the certificate in their vehicle or trailer.
EIA can have serious consequences for horses, their owners, and the vitality of Virginia’s horse industry. Therefore, the State Veterinarian recommends that all horses be tested for EIA annually. A horse owner who has their horses tested annually and keeps copies of the current test certificates in their truck or trailer will not need to worry about being noncompliant with this regulation; they will be prepared to enjoy any equine event or recreational opportunity that Virginia has to offer.
Sally Aungier
Updated State Rule Regarding Coggins Tests
Note updated language regarding Coggins tests from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. You can be charged with a Class I Misdemeanor for failure to have a valid Coggins with you or charged with civil penalties for presenting fraudulent papers. Please be sure to have a valid and current Coggins report for the horse you have with you for EVERY Trailblazers ride. We cannot allow you to participate in a ride if you do not have a current Coggins for each horse you bring to an event. And, please don’t ask us to accept results for “Lucky” when you have “Beauty” with you, even if all your horses had Coggins pulled at the same time.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that effective March 2, 2011, an updated regulation will take effect regarding the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia. The updated regulation specifies that "all horses assembled at a show, fair, race meet or other such function or participating in any activity on properties where horses belonging to different owners may come into contact with each other in Virginia must be accompanied by a report of an official negative test for equine infectious anemia." For years horse owners have been required to have a valid Coggins test when horses are assembled, and the updated regulation clarifies this. Assembly of horses for a trail ride on public property such as a state park is an example of an activity requiring horse owners to have a valid Coggins report with them.
Starting March 2, rangers in state and national parks may check for Coggins papers, and owners without valid test reports could be charged with a Class I Misdemeanor and asked to leave the park. As is currently the case under existing regulations, owners presenting fraudulent paperwork can be charged with civil penalties as well.
"Equine Infectious Anemia is a serious disease," said Dr. Richard Wilkes, VDACS State Veterinarian. "It affects all members of the equine species and is found in nearly every country of the world. All infected horses, even those that are asymptomatic, become carriers and are infectious for life. Infected animals must either be destroyed or remain permanently isolated from other equines to prevent transmission. The change in regulation is not drastic, but it is important and horse owners need to take seriously the need for a valid Coggins test each year prior to any assemblage with other equines." Wilkes says that horse owners may get a Coggins test by contacting their local large animal veterinarian. They routinely pull blood samples and submit them for Coggins testing.
For more information, horse owners should contact their veterinarian or VDACS' Office of Veterinary Services at 804.786.2483. |
Virginia Horse Trails Guide Available from Virginia Horse Council
http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/activities/details/Horseback%20Riding/
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