by Jeremy Ayotte 

Sen. Chris Bray has failed to demonstrate why the current board composition at the Fish and Game Department needs modifications. As he has said, “He wrote S.258 by himself over the summer and then gave it to the legislature lawyer.” (Sen. Bray, Feb 20th 2024, State House). 

Why?

He argues that he is representing a portion of society that’s not represented but has no names or lists to share with the public. One group I would say is Vermont Protect our Wildlife, upset because trapping is not fifty feet off the trail and coyote hunting with dogs has continued. 

One could argue the board he wants to replace failed to do what he thought should have happened last year in regards to legislation. Is S. 258 an emotional response? What biologists are we listening to? These groups lobby for their cause using manipulation and disregard for the voices of state biologists and the Fish and Wildlife Board who understand the ecological balance better than anyone else. 

There have been many updated versions of S.258. I can’t even find 3.1 or 3.2. Most of the time in the hearings the argument has seemed to focus on trapping and coyote hunting with hardly any discussion on changing the structure of the board. Can we please be honest? S. 258 is an attempt to gain momentum on ending certain forms of hunting that certain small interest groups desire. 

Let’s protect our traditions, ecosystems, and the right to sustainable harvest from decisions made without comprehensive dialogue or understanding. We need people on Town Meeting day to stand up and tell their elected officials that you don’t support S. 258. 

The author lives in Fletcher.