by Guy Page
A bill sponsored by a Senate committee would prohibit Vermont hunters from tracking coyotes with the help of dogs.
S281, introduced Jan. 27 into the Vermont Senate, would “prohibit the pursuit of coyote with the aid of dogs, either for the training of dogs or for the taking of coyote.”
Its sponsor is the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. Chaired by Sen. Chris Bray (D-Addison), its members also include Vice-Chair Richard Westman (R-Lamoille), Mark MacDonald (D-Orange), Brian Campion (D-Bennington), and Dick McCormack (D-Windsor).
The bill was sent by the full Senate to Natural Resources and Energy for study and testimony. If approved by the committee, S281 will return to the full Senate for a vote, and then would go to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
In Vermont, coyotes can be hunted at any time during the year, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. A regulated trapping season begins the fourth Saturday in October and runs through December 31.
The Eastern coyote (Canis latrans) is not native to Vermont. It moved eastward from west of the Mississippi and first appeared in Vermont in the late 1940s, according to this Fish & Wildlife page, which offers extensive information on the Vermont coyote.
Categories: Legislation
Pretty sure all the natives & hunters will want to personally hunt me after I state that I’m staunchly against trapping and this style of hunting. Sorry, but I love & respect wildlife and don’t wish to get into a tumultuous argument re: the subject. So let’s just say I’m OK with this despite being on the right politically & many are not despite also being aligned with conservative values.
Thats your right as an American but as an American i have my right to dis agree and still do it awsome part of America we can not agree and not stop another person to loose their rights because you dont agree
Untill there at ur door coyotes after everything u love cause over population
Here we go again ! First bear, then Coyotes, next rabbits ? How about ruffed grouse with pointers ? These Disney people must be stopped lest we become North Massachusetts !
Too late we already are North Massachusetts and rapidly becoming East California
You know they will never stop either, just keep pecking away at anything hunting related. Meanwhile everybody let’s their pets out to play and harass wildlife but that’s not an issue, only the trained hunting dogs are the problem
Like to have them explain their rationale if the have any as to why
Make no mistake about it.. this is a plan that the animal rights people use everywhere. It’s really very simple and needs to be resisted now or we won’t even recognize this state (and country) if people don’t speak up and these laws are allowed to pass.
Their plan is to start with the lowest hanging fruit.. the issues that they know have the least amount of participation. (Coyote competitions, dogs used for treeing bears, dogs used for running coyotes etc.) There really are not that many people participating in these activities so its easier picking. Next in line is abolishing seasons allowing dogs to be used for other forms of hunting like bird hunting and hare hunting.. there are more hunters participating but its the next level of fruit and is in their sights believe me. All they need is momentum. After they succeed with that its time for the higher stuff.. General hunting, trapping and eventually fishing.
Join organizations like the Vermont Traditions Coalition and the Vt. Federation of sportsman’s clubs.. lets stop this NOW!
To many have the mindset “Well I dont hunt with dogs it dosn’t effect me”. Yes it does, it effect all sportsman. Just like stated, once they win one battle then they will be on to the next . Trappers, rabbit Houndsmen whatever. All Hunters doesn’t matter what you hunt need to stand together. Strenth in numbers.
Hunting and trapping provide an abundance of scientific data for usfws and help promote the sustainable management of diverse ecosystems. They also help ensure vast tracks of land are left undeveloped, providing adequate habitat for all the wildlife. The people who choose to hunt, trap and fish are more knowledgeable and care more about ensuring the longevity of the land and animals then the legislators seeking to protect their furry teddy bears and build their starbucks. One must not forget, humans are predators and a part of the ecosystem too.
Oh, and hunting, fishing and trapping generate significant revenue that goes directly toward preservation of healthy of land, fish and animals. There is a permanent open season on coyotes (a licensed hunter can shoot them day or night 365 days a year) because they are a non native species that degrades our natural ecosystems. And good luck raising livestock with them around.
I too, like Kathy+Henry, love and respect wildlife, as I’m sure everyone commenting on this article does as well. However, I don’t see the reasoning behind this bill. Honestly! Am I missing something?
The “reason” for this bill is to allow far left legislators to express their contempt for rural white men and our culture. When I was in the House, that bigotry was on full display during the debate about coyote hunting contests.
Nobody saves more deer than coyote hunters. If they ban coyote hunting with hounds, deer numbers statewide will plummet. They will have to more and more heavily restrict controlled harvest of deer by people just so we can have a few extra coyotes around.
First of all they’re not coyotes, they’re coyotes. They’re dangerous to small children and pets. You need to start publishing the article here in flyover country of death and destruction do to the fact they have moved into the cities. They reproduce fast with large litters. There are lots of documents for you to use.
If they do pass this bill….. what will houndsmen do with the 1000s of working dogs. Turn them over the the humane Society. Save one to destroy another this is how the world thinks and that’s how they rationalize everything!
Interesting news from VTC
Public Hearing next Thursday to Address Anti-hunting Bills in the Vermont Senate! Coyote hunting, trapping, and fish and wildlife board under attack! Sign up to speak!
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy is currently reviewing a number of anti-hunting bills and will hold a remote (virtual) public hearing regarding three proposed new laws on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please sign up now and spread the word!
If you want a chance to be heard you must sign up in advance of the hearing through the following online form: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/wildlife-bills-feb-10-public-hearing
As always, the goal with the antis is to “pick the low-hanging fruit”. At first it was all trapping and all hounding, and now it is footholds and coyote hounds. They are chasing the most misunderstood practices, and they will work their way up the ladder if they succeed. Keep in mind that everything is relative. These are only “the worst” until they are gone. If hunting deer with rifles was the only thing we were allowed to do, then that would be “the worst” and they would NEED to end it!
All the bills can be found on the Committee’s webpage or accessed here via the following links:
• S.129, A restructuring of the fish and wildlife board is the Senate version of a bill to eliminate the Fish and Wildlife Board. The Board is currently comprised of fourteen citizens (one from each county to represent their county) who have rulemaking authority as a body, are informed and guided by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and are required to consider public input on all rule changes. Each member is appointed by the sitting Governor and may only serve one time.
S.129 would discard this model in favor of an advisory board of twelve members, eight of whom would be appointed by members of the legislature “with consideration of geographic diversity”. yesterday, Commissioner Herrick asked the right question. To paraphrase, “We already have a board of citizens who are informed by science. Why do you want to change the board structure if you are not looking for different outcomes? Why would you want outcomes that are not informed by science?” This bill clearly panders to the anti-hunting crowd that wants to get control of the board and use it to reduce hunting opportunities. We have an open, inclusive, informed, and accessible system in place, and as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
A crucial part of our system of government is the push and pull between the administrative, legislative, and judicial branches. With legislation like this, so heavily weighted to legislative appointments in a state department, the legislature essentially usurps the authority of the administration to manage their departments.
• S.201, A complete ban on foothold traps plays upon misplaced fears about trapping and the way it is conducted. In the last 3 decades over $42M has been spent on studying, developing, and advancing new methods and designs that have truly brought trapping into the 21st century as a science with a focus on the welfare of the trapped animal.
• S.281, A complete ban on hunting coyotes with dogs. There is a narrative being put forth that pursuit hounds are a threat to public safety. This is a bill written to specifically attack one form of hunting due to a perceived threat. The Vermont Veterinary Medical association states that from 2012-2016 over 550 children were bitten by dogs and required medical attention. This doesn’t include children who were bitten but did not require medical attention, adults or other pets who were bitten, or livestock or property damage. We have a bill in the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry that would create a liability for all dog owners. It is fair, level, and reasonable: unlike singling out an individual hunting practice.
My Best Regards,
Mike Covey
Executive Director
Vermont Traditions Coalition
802-461-3786
Pertaining to your accusations about children being bitten , 550 ??? I hope you have substantial evidence that hounds were the majority of this statistic Bc I for one who’s owned hounds my entire life have found them to be overwhelmingly kind and friendly to humans and find this the most unjust reason for ending a century of tradition. The impact you will have on the 1000s of hound’s residing in vt will be catastrophic if passed. Hunting with hounds is one of the oldest ways to hunt In The country and you all should be ashamed for even considering breaking that.
Public Hearing next Thursday to Address Anti-hunting Bills in the Vermont Senate! Coyote hunting, trapping, and fish and wildlife board under attack! Sign up to speak!
The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy is currently reviewing a number of anti-hunting bills and will hold a remote (virtual) public hearing regarding three proposed new laws on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please sign up now and spread the word!
If you want a chance to be heard you must sign up in advance of the hearing through the following online form: https://legislature.vermont.gov/links/wildlife-bills-feb-10-public-hearing
As always, the goal with the antis is to “pick the low-hanging fruit”. At first it was all trapping and all hounding, and now it is footholds and coyote hounds. They are chasing the most misunderstood practices, and they will work their way up the ladder if they succeed. Keep in mind that everything is relative. These are only “the worst” until they are gone. If hunting deer with rifles was the only thing we were allowed to do, then that would be “the worst” and they would NEED to end it!
All the bills can be found on the Committee’s webpage or accessed here via the following links:
• S.129, A restructuring of the fish and wildlife board is the Senate version of a bill to eliminate the Fish and Wildlife Board. The Board is currently comprised of fourteen citizens (one from each county to represent their county) who have rulemaking authority as a body, are informed and guided by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, and are required to consider public input on all rule changes. Each member is appointed by the sitting Governor and may only serve one time.
S.129 would discard this model in favor of an advisory board of twelve members, eight of whom would be appointed by members of the legislature “with consideration of geographic diversity”. yesterday, Commissioner Herrick asked the right question. To paraphrase, “We already have a board of citizens who are informed by science. Why do you want to change the board structure if you are not looking for different outcomes? Why would you want outcomes that are not informed by science?” This bill clearly panders to the anti-hunting crowd that wants to get control of the board and use it to reduce hunting opportunities. We have an open, inclusive, informed, and accessible system in place, and as the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
A crucial part of our system of government is the push and pull between the administrative, legislative, and judicial branches. With legislation like this, so heavily weighted to legislative appointments in a state department, the legislature essentially usurps the authority of the administration to manage their departments.
• S.201, A complete ban on foothold traps plays upon misplaced fears about trapping and the way it is conducted. In the last 3 decades over $42M has been spent on studying, developing, and advancing new methods and designs that have truly brought trapping into the 21st century as a science with a focus on the welfare of the trapped animal.
• S.281, A complete ban on hunting coyotes with dogs. There is a narrative being put forth that pursuit hounds are a threat to public safety. This is a bill written to specifically attack one form of hunting due to a perceived threat. The Vermont Veterinary Medical association states that from 2012-2016 over 550 children were bitten by dogs and required medical attention. This doesn’t include children who were bitten but did not require medical attention, adults or other pets who were bitten, or livestock or property damage. We have a bill in the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry that would create a liability for all dog owners. It is fair, level, and reasonable: unlike singling out an individual hunting practice.
My Best Regards,
Mike Covey
Executive Director
Vermont Traditions Coalition
802-461-3786
Coyote’s chase & kill deer & most other small game your pet cat or small dog kill farm animals these should be protected any way possible from the coyotes with a bounty on coyote’s heads with dogs with guns with traps not native to Vermont & not good for Vermont its like leave your pet out all night it did not run away a coyote took it killed it and ate it.