Registered: Mar 2007
Location: Maine/Virginia
Posts: 239

Please go over to the UKC Coonhounds board and read about what is going on in Virginia. Everyone needs to support their follow dog hunters or we will all be next!


-Marc

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-SQ_Hunter_Gray

GRAY'S MOUNTAIN FEIST

http://graysmountainfeist.com/

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO TAKE YOU THERE ...

http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthrea...threadid=166287

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Registered: Mar 2007
Location: Maine/Virginia
Posts: 239

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hokieman
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO TAKE YOU THERE ...

http://forums.ukcdogs.com/showthrea...threadid=166287

---

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-SQ_Hunter_Gray

GRAY'S MOUNTAIN FEIST

http://graysmountainfeist.com/

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

The Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance (VHDA) was formed as an umbrella organization, part of the Commonwealth Sportsmen’s Alliance PAC, to give Virginia Sportsmen a political voice within the law. Many groups came together because many of the"old line established or nationally affiliated organizations" simply were more interested in going along to get along. They did not criticize the DGIF Board or staff when it was needed! Now the DGIF Board has undertaken a dangerous course the Hound Study that they say"Will determine the future of hunting in Virginia"! Virginia’s Sportsmen need a strong voice to tell the bureaucrats and politicians not to tread on our rights! They want their Sportsmen’s organization to be bold defenders of their Heritage not elitists that ignore the hunting traditions that are as old as Virginia herself!

DO YOUR PART TODAY AND JOIN VIRGINIA HUNTING DOG ALLIANCE AND PRESERVE YOUR HERITAGE AND THE HERITAGE OF FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COME !!!

__________________
United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association
LETS GO COONHUNTIN BOYS

PROUD MEMBER OF :
TEAM OAK MOUNTAIN FRITO
TEAM WIPEOUT SCOOTER D
TEAM ALL GRAND TRACKMAN
TEAM ROCK BOTTOM SWEAT IT

CURT AHRING STUD BARN CENTRAL
5162 County Rd #233
Monroe City, MO 63456
*** NEW NUMBER ***
CELL- 217-617-0792

FOR REFFERENCE ON TRACKMAN & SWEAT IT
CALL BUZZ LYNCH @ 615-368-7319

CONGRATS TO CURT AHRING FOR BEING BREEDER OF THE YEAR 4 YRS AND RUNNING.

CONGRATS TO ALL GRAND TRACKMAN FOR BEING SIRE OF THE YEAR 3YRS AND RUNNING.

CURT WANTS TO THANK HIS WIFE KERRI FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND LOVING SUPPORT OF CURT'S CRUSADES OVER THE YEARS. HE REALLY APPRECIATES HER AND LOVES HER DEARLY. THANKS KERRI FOR SUPPORTING TEAM TRACKMAN AND KEEPING OL CURT IN LINE... IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU.


COME JOIN TEAM TRACKMAN FB PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrackman

Nite-Time Hunting & Pet Supply
James, Benga, J.D. & Isabella Atwell
3875 North Scenic Hwy.
Bastian Va, 24314
1-276-688-3281
1-304-922-1103
1-304-922-2311

VISIT :
http://www.nitetimesupply.com

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

Bill Cochran has printed part of a letter from VHDA Interim Co-Chairman Dr. Bryan Morris on Bill’s web site.

http://www.roanoke.com/outdoors/bil...il/wb/xp-index



This is the first effort to expand our communications to Alliance members. Tell your friends to go to www.vahda.org and join the Alliance. In the coming weeks we will continue to spread the word!



We need your help to get the Hunt Clubs to join the Alliance and getting their members to sign up.


Hound hunting debate mounts
by Bill Cochran

BILL: My name is Bryan Morris and I am the president of the United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association and interim co-chair of the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance. I am writing in reference to our position with the hound hunting study and the resolution that has passed the Board of Supervisors in several Southside Virginia counties.

The resolution in question merely emphasizes to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries that these counties are in favor of hound hunting, which plays a large part in their local economies. The resolution does state opposition for the current study by the DGIF and Virginia Tech.

The reasoning behind our opposition is as follows:

The impetus for the study is a reported increase in complaints [about hound hunters], but no numbers have been reported to substantiate this claim. Mr. [Bob] Duncan, [DGIF wildlife chief], was asked about the number of complaints, and was unable to give an estimate. We would like to be informed of the specific number and nature of the complaints, which sparked this study.

The study will be expensive. We have not been told the cost, but Virginia Tech advertised the assistant’s position at $30,000 per year with full faculty benefits. We do not see this as a judicious use of our licensing fees.

The profile of the focus group members continues to change. The original proposal involved a group of hunters that used dogs meeting to identify problems and offering options or proposals before legislation was imposed. When the study was announced at the DGIF June meeting, it was to include not only houndsmen, but also animal-welfare group members, still hunters, hikers and landowners.

As opposition to the study arose, we were then told that 70 percent of the study participants would be houndsmen. Now we are told houndsmen will make up 50 percent. How are we to be certain that the methods are not being changed to insure a predetermined outcome?

Mr. Duncan has stated on several occasions that there may be no changes made or legislative proposals. This is very difficult to believe. The results of this study will most certainly be the basis of proposed legislation. The backing of Virginia Tech and the DGIF will give enough credence to any bill to guarantee its path through the legislature. The original process would have allowed for houndsmen to work with the DGIF to institute programs and practices that would not involve restrictive legislation.

The method by which individuals are picked to be on the focus group is also questionable. What insurance is there to guard against “cherry picking?” How can we insure that our interests are being protected? The results of inquiry into a bear baiting issue by the DGIF, resulted in a proposal to ban tracking collars. No matter how “well intended” the resulting proposal was ill conceived and misguided. The issue was baiting, not telemetry.

In short, the study is unfounded and costly. It has questionable composition, means and methods. Therefore, the results will be questionable. Since this study will be the basis of upcoming legislation that will have the backing it needs to easily pass the legislature, we find it unacceptable in its current form.

We recognize that there are issues to address. We want to be part of the solution and not have it imposed upon us. We urge all of our membership to be courteous and professional. Information on the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance can be found at vahda.org.

BRYAN MORRIS
DVM

BILL: The hound hunting debate has gotten out of hand every time it’s been brought up. I just wish people would understand that we are all hunters and if we don’t stick together in some fashion it will be the downfall of us all.

FREDDY MCGUIRE

__________________
United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association
LETS GO COONHUNTIN BOYS

PROUD MEMBER OF :
TEAM OAK MOUNTAIN FRITO
TEAM WIPEOUT SCOOTER D
TEAM ALL GRAND TRACKMAN
TEAM ROCK BOTTOM SWEAT IT

CURT AHRING STUD BARN CENTRAL
5162 County Rd #233
Monroe City, MO 63456
*** NEW NUMBER ***
CELL- 217-617-0792

FOR REFFERENCE ON TRACKMAN & SWEAT IT
CALL BUZZ LYNCH @ 615-368-7319

CONGRATS TO CURT AHRING FOR BEING BREEDER OF THE YEAR 4 YRS AND RUNNING.

CONGRATS TO ALL GRAND TRACKMAN FOR BEING SIRE OF THE YEAR 3YRS AND RUNNING.

CURT WANTS TO THANK HIS WIFE KERRI FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND LOVING SUPPORT OF CURT'S CRUSADES OVER THE YEARS. HE REALLY APPRECIATES HER AND LOVES HER DEARLY. THANKS KERRI FOR SUPPORTING TEAM TRACKMAN AND KEEPING OL CURT IN LINE... IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU.


COME JOIN TEAM TRACKMAN FB PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrackman

Nite-Time Hunting & Pet Supply
James, Benga, J.D. & Isabella Atwell
3875 North Scenic Hwy.
Bastian Va, 24314
1-276-688-3281
1-304-922-1103
1-304-922-2311

VISIT :
http://www.nitetimesupply.com

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

ARTICLE IN CULPEPPER NEWS PAPER DEC 2, 2007

Critical time for hound hunting
Paula Lorentzen
Former professional horsewoman turned Realtor
Sunday, December 2, 2007


Hunting has been the cornerstone of the Department of Inland Fisheries Department since its creation, along with fishing, of course. Their main focus is wildlife population management and recreation.

In recent years, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has received an increasing number of comments and complaints regarding the use of dogs for hunting in Virginia. The level and tone of these documents has become increasingly challenging, suggesting strongly that they examine more closely the issues surrounding hunting hounds. One only has to look across the Atlantic, to Great Britain, to see the devastating effects on a way of life the recent ban on hunting with hounds has created.

The time for ignoring this issue is long past. The future of hunting in Virginia is tied to dog hunting. This issue involves all hunters because it could impact all hunting. As an organization that represents hunters, the VDGIF is committed to working through any issues related to hunting with hounds.

The VDGIF has enlisted the help of researchers at Virginia Tech to work with the public, especially the stakeholders in this issue, and come up with a solution that will benefit hunters, landowners, and the commonwealth. The decision to involve Virginia Tech was made, in large part, to guarantee that no results would be predetermined.

Focus group meetings will be held this November and December. About half of the focus groups will be made up of bear, deer, fox and raccoon hunters. The other half will be made up of outdoor enthusiasts, landowners, government representatives and other hunters. At these meetings the main issues will be determined, then a VDGIF advisory committee with work in conjunction with a technical committee throughout the year, and later in the fall of 2008, input from the public will be needed.

The Hound Hunting Technical Committee will provide information on biological and technical issues to the citizen’s advisory committee in accordance with the Code of Virginia requirement that the agency use sound science to regulate wildlife. This committee is made up of Wildlife Biologists and Law Enforcement officers.

Now is your chance to be heard by becoming involved in this important study. Input from the public, particularly the hunting public is critical.

Your support and participation is vital to obtaining a positive result. Want to get involved? Take part in a survey conducted by Virginia Tech, linked through the VDGIF’s website and by mail (available early 2008). Go to public meetings held throughout the state. Receive email updates on the progress of the study throughout the project (starting in December).

In the spring and summer of 2008, the public will have the opportunity to review reports and comment on them as they are developed. Write letters and e-mails which can be included in the information to be reviewed by the advisory group. You can sign up for e-mail alerts by going to dgif.virginia.gov/houndhunting. Email letters to HoundHunting@dgif.virginia.gov.


Paula Lorentzen is a former professional horsewoman turned Realtor. Visit her website at paulalorentzen.lnfre.com

__________________
United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association
LETS GO COONHUNTIN BOYS

PROUD MEMBER OF :
TEAM OAK MOUNTAIN FRITO
TEAM WIPEOUT SCOOTER D
TEAM ALL GRAND TRACKMAN
TEAM ROCK BOTTOM SWEAT IT

CURT AHRING STUD BARN CENTRAL
5162 County Rd #233
Monroe City, MO 63456
*** NEW NUMBER ***
CELL- 217-617-0792

FOR REFFERENCE ON TRACKMAN & SWEAT IT
CALL BUZZ LYNCH @ 615-368-7319

CONGRATS TO CURT AHRING FOR BEING BREEDER OF THE YEAR 4 YRS AND RUNNING.

CONGRATS TO ALL GRAND TRACKMAN FOR BEING SIRE OF THE YEAR 3YRS AND RUNNING.

CURT WANTS TO THANK HIS WIFE KERRI FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND LOVING SUPPORT OF CURT'S CRUSADES OVER THE YEARS. HE REALLY APPRECIATES HER AND LOVES HER DEARLY. THANKS KERRI FOR SUPPORTING TEAM TRACKMAN AND KEEPING OL CURT IN LINE... IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU.


COME JOIN TEAM TRACKMAN FB PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrackman

Nite-Time Hunting & Pet Supply
James, Benga, J.D. & Isabella Atwell
3875 North Scenic Hwy.
Bastian Va, 24314
1-276-688-3281
1-304-922-1103
1-304-922-2311

VISIT :
http://www.nitetimesupply.com

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Registered: Mar 2007
Location: Maine/Virginia
Posts: 239

Has anyone come up with a good form letter to send Senators and Representatives, etc.? One that would work for e-mail as well as snail-mail? In Virginia, our politicians are required to keep actual letters on file for a certain period of time. Hand-written letters enjoy the longest lifetime to remind folks who voted for them and how the people feel. E-mails work great in addition to sending letters but e-mails (last time I heard) do not have to be filed.


-Marc

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-SQ_Hunter_Gray

GRAY'S MOUNTAIN FEIST

http://graysmountainfeist.com/

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

Please urge everyone to call their legislator and ask them to support the restructuring of the DGIF Board of Directors!. We haven't drafted a formal letter for everyone to use.

__________________
United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association
LETS GO COONHUNTIN BOYS

PROUD MEMBER OF :
TEAM OAK MOUNTAIN FRITO
TEAM WIPEOUT SCOOTER D
TEAM ALL GRAND TRACKMAN
TEAM ROCK BOTTOM SWEAT IT

CURT AHRING STUD BARN CENTRAL
5162 County Rd #233
Monroe City, MO 63456
*** NEW NUMBER ***
CELL- 217-617-0792

FOR REFFERENCE ON TRACKMAN & SWEAT IT
CALL BUZZ LYNCH @ 615-368-7319

CONGRATS TO CURT AHRING FOR BEING BREEDER OF THE YEAR 4 YRS AND RUNNING.

CONGRATS TO ALL GRAND TRACKMAN FOR BEING SIRE OF THE YEAR 3YRS AND RUNNING.

CURT WANTS TO THANK HIS WIFE KERRI FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND LOVING SUPPORT OF CURT'S CRUSADES OVER THE YEARS. HE REALLY APPRECIATES HER AND LOVES HER DEARLY. THANKS KERRI FOR SUPPORTING TEAM TRACKMAN AND KEEPING OL CURT IN LINE... IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU.


COME JOIN TEAM TRACKMAN FB PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrackman

Nite-Time Hunting & Pet Supply
James, Benga, J.D. & Isabella Atwell
3875 North Scenic Hwy.
Bastian Va, 24314
1-276-688-3281
1-304-922-1103
1-304-922-2311

VISIT :
http://www.nitetimesupply.com

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Registered: May 2005
Location: SWVA
Posts: 2011

Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance has grown to be the largest outdoor sporting organization in Virginia! We still have a great deal to do.
Our heritage and very culture are under attack. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has advanced the timetable for its hunting dog study. Focus groups that were to have met "after the first of the year" are already holding meetings! While they call us alarmist, they are working hard to destroy our tradition of hunting with hounds. Wardens are telling hunters every day that "they" are going to end hunting with dogs in Virginia within five years!

If you want to save your heritage: we need EVERYONE to do the following:

1. Call your two legislators and POLITELY ask them to support the Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance's effort to change the selection of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Board of Directors. Tell them that you are counting on them to defend your right to hunt with dogs.

2. Get your hunt club to send us their mailing list with email addresses! Tell everyone you hunt with or know to go to our website http://vahda.org and JOIN NOW!

3. Send Virginia Hunting Dog Alliance a donation now and ask your club to send a donation to help with this fight.

We must get our fellow hunters to help now. Please don't wait for someone else to act. It will only take a few minutes for you to phone your General Assembly members. Even more helpful would be a personal visit to discuss your concerns face to face.

The future of Hound Hunting in Virginia is up to you!

Sincerely,

THE VIRGINIA HUNTING DOG ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

__________________
United Eastern Virginia Hunting Dog Association
LETS GO COONHUNTIN BOYS

PROUD MEMBER OF :
TEAM OAK MOUNTAIN FRITO
TEAM WIPEOUT SCOOTER D
TEAM ALL GRAND TRACKMAN
TEAM ROCK BOTTOM SWEAT IT

CURT AHRING STUD BARN CENTRAL
5162 County Rd #233
Monroe City, MO 63456
*** NEW NUMBER ***
CELL- 217-617-0792

FOR REFFERENCE ON TRACKMAN & SWEAT IT
CALL BUZZ LYNCH @ 615-368-7319

CONGRATS TO CURT AHRING FOR BEING BREEDER OF THE YEAR 4 YRS AND RUNNING.

CONGRATS TO ALL GRAND TRACKMAN FOR BEING SIRE OF THE YEAR 3YRS AND RUNNING.

CURT WANTS TO THANK HIS WIFE KERRI FOR ALL HER HARD WORK AND LOVING SUPPORT OF CURT'S CRUSADES OVER THE YEARS. HE REALLY APPRECIATES HER AND LOVES HER DEARLY. THANKS KERRI FOR SUPPORTING TEAM TRACKMAN AND KEEPING OL CURT IN LINE... IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN DONE WITHOUT YOU.


COME JOIN TEAM TRACKMAN FB PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/TeamTrackman

Nite-Time Hunting & Pet Supply
James, Benga, J.D. & Isabella Atwell
3875 North Scenic Hwy.
Bastian Va, 24314
1-276-688-3281
1-304-922-1103
1-304-922-2311

VISIT :
http://www.nitetimesupply.com

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