COALITION OF CONNECTICUT SPORTSMEN

P.O. Box 2506, Hartford, CT 06146, (203) 245-8076

www.ctsportsmen.com

 

 

Testimony presented to the Environment Committee (2/10/03)

IN SUPPORT of S. B. No. 862 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

by Robert T. Crook, Director

 

 

While we support this bill, there does appear to be a problem with Sec. 2. As we understand the intent of dealing with “attractants,” the purpose was not to diminish use, rather the opposite, particularly in regard to artificial “attractants” to promote further reduction of the deer herd in certain areas. The proposed wording restricts/makes illegal ALL artificial/natural substances currently legally used in ALL areas of the state. Clearly the wording must be changed. 

 

Throughout the proposal the term “using any method consistent with professional wildlife management principles” is found. We understand that there may be some reluctance on the part of animal activists to accept this terminology as over-broad. We disagree and do not believe there should be a listing of all alternatives. Sportsmen are seriously concerned about overpopulated species as indicative of mismanagement of those species and are supportive of both scientific and traditional methods that accomplish the management goal. For their part, DEP has included in “professional wildlife management principles” non-lethal consideration procedures in Section 1 (b) of this bill.

 

The remainder of this bill consists of technical changes that have been discussed over the past few years with little or no controversy.

 

We urge SUPPORT.

 

 http://www.cga.state.ct.us/2003/tob/s/2003SB-00862-R00-SB.htm