NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) taking applications

Last year Vermont sent a student from Colchester High School to Washington, D.C.

with the NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) educational event. 

 

 

The National Rifle Association is now accepting applications for the 2015 Youth Education

Summit. Current high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Admitted students

receive an expense-paid week in the Washington, DC area with the chance to earn $30,000 in

college scholarships. The summit offers a unique opportunity to learn more about American

history, government and the NRA while making friends with other students from all over the

country. Don't miss out on the experience of a lifetime!

 

http://www.friendsofnra.org/National.aspx?cid=90

 

Fwd: Batchelder Tapped for Head Game Warden Position

VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Press Release

 

For Immediate Release:  December 15, 2014

Media Contacts:  Louis Porter, 802-828-1000

 

Batchelder Tapped for Head Game Warden Position

 

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has announced that Lt. Jason Batchelder has been named the new director of fish and wildlife law enforcement.  Batchelder will begin the role of Colonel this week, filling the position vacated by Col. David LeCours who retired in October.

 

Batchelder has been with the department for ten years, working most recently in the Morrisville area, first as a field warden and then as the lieutenant for the northeast district since 2013. 

 

"I am pleased and excited that Lt. Batchelder will be our new head of law enforcement," said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter.  "During his time with the department, Lt. Batchelder has developed a reputation among his co-workers and with the general public of energetically, meticulously, and fairly pursuing fish and wildlife violators." 

 

Porter emphasized Batchelder's knowledge and experience in his selection for the position.  "Lt. Batchelder has a deep understanding of the vital role that law enforcement plays as part of the department's overall mission," said Porter.

 

Batchelder grew up in Derby, Vt.  He worked for the U.S. Coast Guard in Virginia and Alaska for four years before graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 2001 and from the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council Academy in 2005.  He currently lives in Morrisville with his wife and two young children.  Batchelder is an avid hunter, angler and runner. 

 

"Lt. Batchelder's calm, thoughtful demeanor will be an important asset to the department in this position," said Porter.

 

– 30 –

 

Tom Rogers

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Information and Outreach

Davis 2 Building, 1 National Life Drive

Montpelier, VT  05620

[phone]      802-377-2628

[website]   www.vtfishandwildlife.com

 

 

 

Montpelier Bridge: Berlin Pond Survey Revived, Montpelier Ready to React

 

The City of Montpelier continues to be obstructive to public use of the Berlin Pond. 

Trying to access the story through the link can be very, very slow. 

http://www.montpelierbridge.com/2014/12/berlin-pond-survey-revived-montpelier-ready-to-react/

 

Berlin Pond Survey Revived, Montpelier Ready to React

Posted by thebridge on December 5, 2014 in 2014 Issues, December 4, 2014, News, News & Features

by Carla Occaso

BERLIN — Will Berlin Pond get a boat launch or ramp? What would it look like? At first glance it depends upon the results of a land survey authorized by Berlin. However, if Berlin's findings favor boating access, Montpelier officials are ready to conduct their own investigation.

 

Berlin officials have recently met with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and decided to advance work on a survey that had been thwarted by a petition filed last spring by a group called Citizens to Protect Berlin Pond. That group sought a ruling to completely ban all human activity on the pond in order to preserve the purity of Montpelier's, and some of Berlin's, source for drinking water. However, the Department of Environmental Conservation ruled against a total ban on Aug. 14 and continued allowing some public recreation such as non motorized boating, swimming and fishing. That DEC ruling gave Berlin officials a reason to continue pursuing the land survey.

 

"We have asked the surveyor to move forward and complete the survey. It probably will not be finished until next spring" due to weather, said Dana Hadley, Berlin town administrator on Dec. 1.

 

Berlin is working with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife to establish what access would be like if the town is determined to own land at the shoreline. Speaking to The Bridge by telephone Dec. 1, Michael Wichrowski, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department land and facilities administrator, said the access area is not so much going to be some kind of huge boat launch as more of a spot "where people can park and drag a boat to water's edge. There is no boat launch or boat ramp that people keep saying there is going to be … it is really going to be more of an access. On all of our properties we provide access to the water … at this point there no plans for construction." The Fish and Wildlife Department is helping to pay for the survey up to around half the cost, which is expected to be around $10,000.

 

The land survey could possibly show that Berlin doesn't own frontage at the targeted spot — an area at the north side of the pond — in which case plans to improve access would be dropped. Or, it could show ample Berlin-owned property, and pave the way for public access. In that case, Montpelier officials plan to do a counter survey, according to City Councilman Thierry Guerlain by phone on Dec. 1, but council members are not going to commit dollars until they find out what boundaries are defined. Montpelier City Council voted against allocating funds to help pay for a land survey "for the area being considered for pond access by the Town of Berlin," as worded in the Nov. 19 City Council agenda. Council members unanimously agreed not to fund a survey at present. Yet, if "there is a move to put a boat ramp on Montpelier's and the hospital's drinking water," Guerlain said. The city will "do our own survey if that survey is in any way suspect," he said.

 

"We (Montpelier City Council) are fully backing and supporting the people that want to keep all activity off Berlin Pond," Guerlain said. "The state of Vermont basically wants to put a boat launch in our water supply, where we spent tens of thousands of dollars to supply the city and Central Vermont Hospital. We support no activity on the pond. There are dozens of other places to go fishing, kayaking and swimming."

 

Montpelier actively kept up ordinances forbidding people from entering the water from 1884 to 2012 by purchasing most of the land around the pond, exercising its own authority and using its own police force. However, five years ago the Vermont Supreme Court sided with some kayakers who ultimately successfully argued a body of water as large as Berlin Pond is governed by the state.

Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence... (very interesting comments)

Vermont's gun control element and their big dollar lobbyists are telling the legislature

that the demographics in Vermont have changed. It is now time to kick hunters/shooters/

trappers/anglers and kick them hard.  Hence, all of the opponents of outdoor sporting

activities are jumping on board this campaign.  Read the article and the comments.

The vast majority of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Departments funding comes from license

and permit fees and the Pittman-Robertson (guns, ammo, archery) and Dingell-Johnson

(fishing equipment) federal excise fees. The writer thinks hunters, trappers and anglers
have too much say in Vermont. Like the antigun advocates, they say it is their state now.

Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence...

http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/21/walter-medwid-time-change-managing-vermonts-wildlife/

Fwd: BFP Letter: Traps pose indiscriminate threat to animals (Stand Together or Hang Separately)

Did you really think the antis would limit themselves to banning/regulating guns out of existence?  Attacks are on all fronts.

Lately there has been an increase in anti hunting/trapping Op-eds and LTE's in the Vermont papers. Here is a BFP Letter:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/opinion/readers/letters/2014/11/26/traps-pose-indiscriminate-threat-animals/70104272/

 

Traps pose indiscriminate threat to animals

 

Official trapping season is upon us in Vermont so it's important for Vermonters to be aware of the indiscriminate nature of traps and their inherent danger to dogs, cats, endangered and even federally protected species such as eagles.

 

The national organization Born Free USA estimates that 300,000 times a year, non-targeted animals are captured in traps throughout the United States.

 

Traps and snares, which are currently illegal in Vermont, cannot differentiate between a cherished family pet or a raccoon or an endangered lynx or a bobcat.

 

The lynx is an endangered species in Vermont and I find it appalling that trapping offers us no guarantees that one won't end up either injured or killed by a trap set for another animal. Even more worrisome, at least two Vermont dogs were killed over the past year at the hands of these body gripping traps.

 

Animals captured in traps can suffer dehydration, physical trauma, predation by other animals among the horrors. The state of Vermont requires trappers check their traps every 24 hours, but that is a very difficult regulation to enforce and therefore animals may suffer even longer periods of time.

While we can't protect our wildlife from these traps, we can do our best to keep our pets safe by keeping cats indoors and dogs leashed.

 

JACKIE TAUBERMAN

Burlington

 

Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence...

The vast majority of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Departments funding comes from license

and permit fees and the Pittman-Robertson (guns, ammo, archery) and Dingell-Johnson

(fishing equipment) federal excise fees.  The writer thinks hunters, trappers and anglers
have too much say in Vermont.  Like the antigun advocates, they say it is their state now.

http://vtdigger.org/2014/11/21/walter-medwid-time-change-managing-vermonts-wildlife/

Vermont Conservation Plate Unveiling w/Gov. Shumlin on Monday

 

VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Media Advisory

 

Contact: VTF&W -- Susan Warner or John Hall, 802-828-1000

 

 

Conservation License Plate Unveiling w/ Gov. Shumlin

Monday, November 10

 

WHAT:  Governor Shumlin will unveil three new conservation license plate designs – a loon, brook trout, and white-tailed deer.

 

WHEN:  Monday, November 10, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

 

WHERE:  The Governor's Ceremonial Office in the second floor of the State House, Montpelier, Vt.

 

WHO:  Governor Shumlin, D.M.V. Commissioner Robert Ide, Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter, F&W director of public relations Susan Warner, wildlife division director Mark Scott, wildlife diversity program coordinator Steve Parren, D.E.C. Environmental Analyst Rick Hopkins. 

 

 BACKGROUND INFO: 

• Conservation plates have raised over $2 million since they were first released in 1997. 
• The original conservation plate was the peregrine falcon – the catamount plate was added in 2006.
• Funds from the sale of the plates are split between the Nongame Wildlife Fund and the Watershed Grant Fund.
• Funds in excess of the needs of the current programs will go to the Green Mountain Conservation Camps, where kids ages 12 to 16 learn about ecology and the outdoors
• The Nongame Wildlife Fund protects animals such as lynx, loons, bats, turtles, and bald eagles. 
• The Watershed Grant Fund gives money to projects such as streambank plantings, a native plant nursery, and fish passage improvements.
• The loon was chosen by the public to replace the peregrine falcon through an online poll conducted by the Fish & Wildlife Department. 
• Brook trout were chosen to represent the Watershed Grant Fund because they require clean water and intact habitat to thrive. 
• The image for the brook trout plate was painted by former Fish & Wildlife commissioner Patrick Berry just before he stepped down as commissioner earlier in 2014.  The deer and loon images were painted by Berlin, Vermont artist Linda Mirabile.
• Conservation license plates are purchased when drivers register their vehicle, either online or at the Montpelier, D.M.V.
• Conservation license plates are currently on 5,699 registered vehicles in Vermont.

 

 

 

 

John Hall, Outreach Division

[phone]      802-828-1000      [fax]      802-828-1250

[email]    john.hall@state.vt.us

[website]    www.vtfishandwildlife.com

 

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

1 National Life Drive, Davis 2

Montpelier VT 05620

 

              

 

Mandatory background/registration system in Vermont

 

The gun control advocates in Vermont see the passing of mandatory background/registration

checks in Washington State as cause for the same law to be enacted in Vermont.   Read the

the entire Vermont gun control logo, which calls for Vermont to be the next state.

 

What would this law do?  Click on the link below for what you will soon face in Montpelier.

https://washingtonarmscollectors.org/reference/nra-ila-594-talking-points/

Federation (hunter orange) postcard sent to VT legislators seeking re-election

 

The incumbents running for re-election today should start receiving the Vermont

Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs postcard that is an attachment to this E-mail.  The

postcard corrects misinformation of gun control advocates and proves that Vermont

is not a major gun source for Massachusetts.  Nor, any other states.

 

 

The numbers cited are as displayed on the BATFE Gun Trace Back web sites

for the years 2011-2013.  The BATFE data shows Vermont is not a major gun

source state, as reported by WCAX News on June 10. 

http://www.wcax.com/story/25739860/report-vermont-not-a-major-source-of-guns

 

 

The Boston Globe reported on April 24, that Massachusetts is the source of 46 percent

of the handguns in Boston that were traced back to the gun's state of origin.  In spite of

the extremely restrictive Massachusetts gun control laws.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/04/24/gun-buyback-has-collected-handguns-walsh-administration-says-during-regional-summit-gun-violence/v8p0i1qwTsds56gqCobwKI/story.html

 

 

Massachusetts public officials and gun control advocates have long blamed other states

for guns in Massachusetts.  But, the BATFE data has shown and the Boston Globe have

reported, that Massachusetts is the largest source state for the guns its own state officials

have traced back to the gun's state of origin. 

 

 

To inaccurately claim that Vermont is a major source of guns in other states defames the

character of the people of Vermont and demeans the value of the products and services

Vermonters sell and certainly does not help in promoting Vermont's tourism.

Lake Champlain ranked among top smallmouth bass fisheries in North America

VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Press Release

 

For Immediate Release: October 14, 2014

Media Contact: Shawn Good, 802-786-3863

 

Lake Champlain ranked among top smallmouth bass fisheries in North America

 

BURLINGTON, Vt. – Lake Champlain has received yet another world-class fishing designation.  Renowned fishing media outlet, World Fishing Network, ranks Lake Champlain one of the seven best smallmouth bass lakes in North America. 

 

The ranking, which was first reported on WFN's website, describes Lake Champlain as "perhaps the best lake in all of North America for both quality largemouth and smallmouth bass."

 

"This reinforces what Vermonters have known for years, that Lake Champlain has some of the best bass fishing anywhere," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "Not only does the big lake have some of the best fishing, it also offers some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, especially at this time of year."

 

Smallmouth bass, which can be found throughout the entirety of the 120-mile lake, have flourished in Champlain's fertile waters where they have access to optimal habitat and an immense forage base. Champlain's rocky bottom composition and strong populations of yellow perch and crayfish create ideal conditions for smallmouth bass to prosper. 

 

Vermont fisheries biologist Shawn Good, who manages bass populations at the lake's southern end and is also an avid bass angler, agrees with WFN's assessment.

 

"The bass population data I've collected over the years through electrofishing surveys clearly indicates that bass are abundant, healthy and thriving," said Good.

 

"Champlain is a true gem, and it's important to take note that bass fishing is only one of the many world-class fishing opportunities available in the lake," said Good. "With more than 90 species of fish present, probably no other lake in the country offers so many different species to target."

 

The full WFN report went on to state, "The combined fishery makes Champlain a popular destination for the biggest tournament circuits in the U.S., like B.A.S.S. and FLW. Though anglers can try and go for broke and chase monster largemouths, for the most consistent results, finding smallmouth bass schools along the northern part of the lake is the way to go, especially on the Vermont side. Like with Lake Erie, fall is the best time for smallmouth on Champlain, as bass follow the baitfish into the shallows as the water cools."

 

Accomplished professional tournament angler Kevin VanDam always looks forward to fishing Lake Champlain.

 

"What makes Lake Champlain unique is that you can catch fish – both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass alike – just about any way you want to," said VanDam. "It's an amazing fishery with diverse habitat throughout and large, healthy populations of many species of fish.  Whether you're an avid tournament angler or recreational fisherman, you'll want to experience Lake Champlain fishing.  It's simply that good."

 

The other six top smallmouth fisheries noted in the article include: Lake Erie – New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania and Ohio; Lake Simcoe – Ontario; Lake St. Clair – Michigan and Ontario; Dale Hollow Lake – Tennessee and Kentucky; Grand Traverse Bay – Michigan; and Sturgeon Bay – Wisconsin.

 

Lakes receiving honorable mention in the WFN rankings include: Bay de Noc – Michigan; Pickwick Lake – Alabama and Tennessee; Candlewood Lake - Connecticut; Rainy Lake – Ontario; Lake of the Woods – Minnesota and Ontario; Kentucky Lake – Kentucky and Tennessee; and St. Lawrence River – New York, Quebec and Ontario.

 

To purchase a Vermont fishing license or to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

 

Brief

Lake Champlain has received yet another world-class fishing designation.  Renowned fishing media outlet, World Fishing Network, ranks Lake Champlain one of the seven best smallmouth bass lakes in North America. 

 

The ranking describes Lake Champlain as "perhaps the best lake in all of North America for both quality largemouth and smallmouth bass."

 

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter said: "This reinforces what Vermonters have known for years, that Lake Champlain has some of the best bass fishing anywhere. Not only does the big lake have some of the best fishing, it also offers some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, especially at this time of year."

 

Caption for attached VT F&W photo

Vermont youth angler Caleb Smith with a beautiful Lake Champlain smallmouth bass that was caught and released last year. 

 

Link to complete World Fishing Network article

http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/travel-directory/post/7-best-lakes-catch-smallmouth-bass

 

 

 

-30-

 

 

 

Chris Adams, Outreach Division

[phone]      802-236-1560    

[email]      chris.adams@state.vt.us

[website]    www.vtfishandwildlife.com

 

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

1 National Life Drive, Davis 2

Montpelier VT 05620-3702

 

              

 

Update on Gun Forum - Please Forward to Friends

The Informational Forum on Anticipated Changes to VT Gun Legislation which was held in Pawlet on Wednesday, October 8, indicated that any changes to Vermont Gun Laws will not be well received.  Although the legislature has not defined the specifics for proposed changes, a part of the preliminary discussion is universal background checks for all firearm transfers; the consensus of the attendees was that federal law covers initial gun transfers and no change is needed. 

 

Moderator, Senator Kevin Mullin, asked a panel of experts, what they thought the proposed changes would be and why change is needed.  Panel members were Evan Hughes, Vice President & Registered Lobbyist for Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Lars Jacob, Director of the Covey & Nye Shooting School, Senator Peg Flory, Esquire, who chairs the Senate Committee on Institutions including oversight of  VT Department of Corrections, Brian Kukon, Chief Master Firearms Instructor with an extensive background in Defensive Concealed Carry and Law for Use of Force, Chief William Humphries of Fair Haven Police Department and High Bailiff of Rutland County, and Representative Bob Helm of Fair Haven. After a brief statement from each panel member, the forum was opened to the audience for questions.

 

The audience was comprised of approximately 150 attendees who drove from all corners of the state to participate.  From the Northeast Kingdom to Westminster, from St. Albans, Essex, and Benson to Bennington, from Barre, Mendon, and Rutland City to our local towns, gun owners came to add their voices to the discussion.

 

Notables in the audience included Senator Joseph Benning of Caledonia County, Constable David Ricard of Pawlet,  Fire Chief Dale Decker of Pawlet, Rutland County State's Attorney Marc Brierre, Patricia McCoy, Poultney Town Clerk, and Wendy Wilton, Rutland City Treasurer.

 

The event was open to the general public; however, the focus was Vermonters' rights under Article 16 of the Vermont Constitution and whether our present gun laws are working.  In summary, the audience felt that our present laws and rights under those laws make us the safest state in the nation and we do not need changes; federal law requires background checks for initial purchase; compliance would not be universal since felons would not comply and medical records for persons with mental illness and legal drug use cannot be accessed under present Vermont law so these persons would not need to comply.   

 

Prior to adjourning the forum for an informal social, those running for elected offices in Vermont were encouraged to introduce themselves and state their stand on the "gun" issue.  In attendance were (1) candidate for governor, (4) senate candidates, (1) candidate for State's Attorney, and (5) candidates running for VT House.

 

All candidates were in favor of no change to Vermont law, except for (1) house candidate in favor of universal background checks and (1) house candidate who feels more gun laws are needed.  

 

I would like to thank the Pawlet Fire Department for the use of the Fire House; the Modern Woodmen of America for use of their amplifier and microphone; the moderator and panelists for their participation and candor; the sponsors of our advertising on Lakes Region Radio, GNAT-TV for use of their equipment; our crew of silent volunteers who put out posters and flyers, set up and broke down seating and those who baked and served great desserts and all those who attended to question, listen and learn.

 

Dolores Luebke, Organizer

West Pawlet, Vermont

Forum on Gun Legislation in the Vermont Legislature

 October 8, there was a forum at the fire station in Pawlet, VT.

Pawlet is in southern Rutland County and borders on NY State.

The subject of the event was upcoming gun control legislation in Vermont.

The panelist are listed in the attachment to this E-mail.

 

The fire station was quite full and after each panel member gave a brief

statement, then the panel fielded some very good questions from crowd.

This was followed by candidates for election speaking to the audience.

Photo credit to Val Harris.    3 photos below.

The audience

The forum panel (2 photos)

 

NRA Traditions Magazine has great article on Vermont NRA Women On Target (great photos)

The NRA Traditions Magazine Quarter III issue has just begun to arrive in the mail and it hit the NRA web site today.

There is a great story about the NRA Women On Target Program in Vermont.  The story relates has a very nice

section about the Barre Fish & Game Club's quite successful NRA WOT events, run by Cyndy Jones.  The narrative

of the story is on page 17 and the great photos are on page 16. 

 

 

A great job by Cyndy, her crew at Barre F&G and all of the other clubs and the folks running NRA Women On Target

and NRA Day events all over Vermont.  16 of these events were conducted in Vermont, grant funded from the profits

of Vermont's six Friends of NRA events.  The grant was administered by the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.

The request for funding of NRA WOT events exceeded NRA funding so the federation funded several NRA WOT events.

 

Cheryl Ziembrosk was the 2013 NRA Volunteer of the Year for New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont and runs a NRA WOT

at the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club in St. Johnsbury.  Photo and narrative on Page 12.

 

 

http://www.friendsofnra.org/webdownloads/national/eventservices/14Q3_web.pdf

 

 

The NRA Traditions is The NRA Foundation's quarterly publication, designed to inform readers about the successful mission of the foundation to promote and expand our shooting sports traditions. Our mission with this publication is to bring you — our supporters, volunteers, and grant recipients—information about The NRA Foundation and the success of our Friends of NRA fundraising efforts.

 

State Senate Candidates at Barre F&G Club (Photos)

 

Are you speaking with your legislative candidates?

 

Last evening the Barre F&G Club had its monthly officer and trustee

meeting. The Washington County candidates for the Vermont State

Senate were offered an opportunity to address the meeting.

Washington County has three state senate seats.

Incumbent senators Ann Cummings, Anthony Pollina, Bill Doyle and

former state representative Patrica MacDonald, all candidates for

the three senate seats, addressed those present and fielded pointed

questions from the officers and trustees.

Photos of the three incumbents speaking are above. Candidate Pat

MacDonald arrived later in the meeting and the person taking photos,

Charles Ferry, had left with Senator Doyle.  So, there are no photos

available of Pat McDonald addressing those present.

 

FYI, the Barre Fish & Game Club is managed by a Board of 50 trustees.

http://www.barrefishandgameclub.com/

Gun Legislation Forum, Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 pm, Pawlet Fire House - Please pass it on!

 

A discussion on the upcoming legislative session in Vermont.

Candidate Forum at the Lamollle Valley F&G Club (Photos included)

 

Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Shap Smith speaks, listens and fields pointed questions.

Let your legislators know "Vermont's current laws serve our state very well."      More below.

 

 

To subscribe or unsubscribe to the VTGuns E-mail list, just request it.

 

Last night the Lamoille Valley F&G Club held a candidate's forum at their club house in Morrisville. 

The event included a roast turkey dinner.  Nine candidates for the House of Representatives,

including House Speaker Shap Smith, and the Lamoille County's incumbent Senator Richard

Westman, spoke to the group and fielded some pointed questions from club members.

The legislators seeking re-election are warning of a very challenging upcoming 2015-2016 

biennium in the Vermont Legislature with regard to gun control issues.  This is very serious.

The candidates reported that with the election rapidly approaching, followed quickly by the

return of the legislature to Montpelier in January, voters in favor of gun rights should be

making their opinions on gun rights known to the candidates. 

Are you contacting your candidates for office?  If you want to keep your rights, you had better

be talking to them.  Don't think the gun control advocates aren't letting candidates know their

position on promoting a gun control agenda.  There are no free rides in keeping your rights.

Vermont's gun laws serve this state well, which is why we have one of the lowest crime rates

and highest gun safety records in the country.  What problems are gun control advocates 

going to solve by making Vermont's honest citizens jump through their gun control hoops?

 

 

Forum on Upcoming Gun Legislation in VT, October 8, Pawlet

PRESS RELEASE

 

For Information:         Dolores Luebke, Organizer

                                    West Pawlet, Vermont

                                    802-645-0109; luebked@aim.com

 

Pawlet, VT

 

Informational Forum on Upcoming Gun Legislation in Vermont to be held on October 8

"Gun Legislation" was one of the discussions, along with how to fund healthcare, which was put off by the Vermont legislature until 2015.  Presently, Vermont is one of the safest states in the union and citizens have guaranteed "gun rights" under the Vermont constitution.

 

What is the proposed "gun" legislation?  A part of the preliminary discussion is universal registration of all firearms.  This action would require background checks for all gun transfers.  Universal mandated checks are not universal because criminals will not participate and do not follow laws.  In compliance with federal laws, there are already restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms. Vermont's gun laws work for our state, which is why we have one of the very lowest crime rates and best safety records in the country.  Freedom has always served responsible and law-abiding citizens well.

Vermont has long been known for the sensible stewardship of its wildlife.  Resident and out of state hunters enjoy hunting game while the state manages its wildlife population and benefits monetarily from the purchase of hunting licenses.  Will all this change under new legislation?

 

Is the legislature considering changes in the legality of types of firearms or ammunition or magazine capacity?  Will there be a set charge per firearm for registration?  Will the registry be made available to the public?  Will the database be competently designed and programmed or will registered gun owners have their privacy breached?

 

Why would the legislature feel compelled to change Vermont gun laws?  Is there a problem?  If so, is it not the job of the legislature to find a solution that is legal under the Constitution of the State of Vermont?  Why has a lobby group invested $39,000 to change Vermont law?

 

Vermonters, whether you are a hunter, target shooter, collector or simply own a firearm for self-defense, you need to be concerned. 

 

On Wednesday, October 8, a panel of experts will be holding an informational forum on the proposed legislation.  Senator Kevin Mullin, Chairman, Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs will act as moderator.  The panel will consist of Evan Hughes, Vice President & Registered Lobbyist for Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Lars Jacob, Fine Gun Expert, Director, Covey & Nye Shooting School, Senator Peg Flory, Esquire, Chairman, Senate Committee on Institutions including oversight of  VT Department of Corrections, Brian Kukon, Chief Master Firearms Instructor with an extensive background in Defensive Concealed Carry and Law for Use of Force, who is certified to teach instructors and general public nationwide, and Chief William Humphries of Fair Haven Police Department and High Bailiff of Rutland County, who also serves as a police officer in numerous rural communities and works with Lakes Region Police Cadets. 

 

Be aware.  Be informed.  Be involved.  Join the discussion starting at 6:30 pm on October 8.  The forum will be held at the Pawlet Fire House located on Route 133 in the Village of Pawlet.  For information, call (802) 770-2006.

Fwd: Vermont Bearhound Assoication & Operation Game Thief offers Reward

 

Attached is a press release from the Vermont Bearhound Association offering

a reward for the capture, prosecution and conviction of the person(s) who shot

the hunting dog "Bear" with three crossbow bolts.  The rewards total $3,000.00

The wounds inflicted upon this dog were intentional, cruel and simply unspeakable. 

The attachments has photos.  Anyone who did this inexcusable act should be arrested,

very publicly prosecuted and if convicted, subject to the fullest punishment of the law. .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 I have attached the Press Release that the Vermont Bearhound Association has offered a reward along with Operation Game Thief on the shooting of "Bear" with a cross bow while he was engaged in a hunt.

 

Please pass this along to others and please post it so if someone has information they can contact the law enforcement agencies.  

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Clint

Clint Gray,

Immediate Past-President

Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc.

 

Care Trak Northeast

http://www.caretraknortheast.com/

 

 Vermont Bearhound Association offeringa reward for the capture, prosecution and conviction of the person(s) who shotthe hunting dog "Bear" with three crossbow bolts.  The rewards total $3,000.00

The wounds inflicted upon this dog were intentional, cruel and simply unspeakable. 

The attachments has photos.  Anyone who did this inexcusable act should be arrested,

very publicly prosecuted and if convicted, subject to the fullest punishment of the law. .

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 I have attached the Press Release that the Vermont Bearhound Association has offered a reward along with Operation Game Thief on the shooting of "Bear" with a cross bow while he was engaged in a hunt.

 

Please pass this along to others and please post it so if someone has information they can contact the law enforcement agencies.  

Thank you for your assistance.

 

Clint

Clint Gray,

Immediate Past-President

Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc.

 

Care Trak Northeast

http://www.caretraknortheast.com/

 

                     

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

9-19-14

Clint Gray, Vermont Bearhound Association; 802-535-7111

 

On Saturday morning, September 13, 2014 in Starksboro a bear hound was shot by a perpetrator(s) using a cross bow.  The Walker type hound was shot (3) three times; once in the head and two downward into the back near the spine.

 

The dog "Bear" was engaged in the activity of hunting black bear when the incident occurred.  The dog "Bear" was being hunted by the owner, Oran Lamphere.

 

"Bear" was brought to the Bristol Animal Hospital in Bristol, Vermont where it underwent treatment and removal of the three cross bow bolts.

 

The Vermont Bearhound Association is offering a $2,000.00 reward along with an additional $500.00 from Operation Game Thief for a total of $2,500.00 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime.

 

Information can be given directly by contacting a local Game Warden in your area, or calling the Vermont State Police and convey the information to the dispatcher or ask to have a Vermont State Game Warden contact you.

 

In addition, information can be given to Operation Game Thief by calling toll free 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378) or report it on-line at

www.vtfishandwildlife.com

 

 

This incident involved this dog "Bear";   but it could have been your dog and if the perpetrator(s) are not caught, your dog could be next. 

 

In addition, the Vermont Bearhound Association has received inquiries about contributing to "Bear's" medical bills or toward the reward money.  If anyone is interested, checks should be made out to the Vermont Bearhound Association, earmarked "Bear's medical bills" OR "Bear's reward" and mailed to PO Box 224; Lyndonville, VT 05851.

Hammond Cove Range Closure for Renovations (VT F&W Range in Hartland, VT)

 

This range was built using NRA grant matching money towards the federal Pittman-Robertson funds

from the federal excise fees charged on the sale of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment. 

All hunters and shooters funded the construction of this range.  A good range you made possible.

 

VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Press Release

 

For Immediate Release:  September 16, 2014

Contact: Chris Saunders (802) 343-5487

 

Hammond Cove Range Closure for Renovations

 

HARTLAND, Vt. -- The Hammond Cove shooting range in Hartland, Vermont will be tentatively closed from September 22 through September 25 and again on October 7 for major renovations, according to an announcement from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. 

 

Please check the department's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) for updates prior to heading to the range.

 

The first fully-public range in Vermont, the Hammond Cove Shooting Range was funded, in part, by a National Rifle Association Public Range Grant and Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act funds.  Wildlife Restoration funds are generated through a dedicated excise tax on sporting guns and ammunition.

 

The range would not be possible without the dedication of the Hartland Fish & Game Club members.  They keep the range clean, repair target frames and open and close the gate each day.

Hammond's Cove is a key part of a larger department initiative to address the lack of public shooting ranges in Vermont.  Prior to its construction, there were no full-time, improved public ranges in the state.

 

For more information: http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Shooting_Ranges.cfm

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

John Hall, Outreach Division

[phone]      802-828-1000      [fax]      802-828-1250

[email]    john.hall@state.vt.us

[website]    www.vtfishandwildlife.com

 

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

1 National Life Drive, Davis 2

Montpelier VT 05620

 

              

 

University of Vermont holds new shooter's clinic

                                         Ingrid of the UVM Pistol Team teaches a clinic attendee



Sunday, 9/7,  the UVM Shooting Sports Club held a new shooters clinic opened to students at the university that have not previously shot a gun.
The Vermont Junior Shooting Sports Association provide the firearms and the ammunition was provided by grant from the Friends of The NRA.

The event also received a NRA Day grant, Friends of NRA funded and administered by the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.

 

 

The UVM Shooting teams provided the instructors and NRA Certified Range Safety Officers. 
Over 30 students attended this clinic and shot everything from .22 caliber pistols, 12 gauge shotguns and AR rifles. 
 Photos are in attachments to this E-mail.

Also, the Vermont Junior Shooting Sports Association (www.vjssa.org) is having a 22 rimfire pistol steel fundraiser match Sept 27th to raise money

for supporting them and other junior teams. Glock has donated a certificate for a free Glock (drawing winner's choice from a list of Glocks) as door prize drawing for those entered in the match.  See the VJSSA website for more info on the match. www.vjssa.org

http://www.facebook.com/UVMShootingSportsClub

Website:
www.uvm.edu/~shootclb