by Guy Page
The Vermont Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee late this morning passed out S.258, the controversial hunting/fishing/trapping regulation bill.
S.258 would give the state Fish and Wildlife Board a merely advisory role in rule-making. Rule-making power would go to the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife. S.258 also would give the Legislature the power to select the majority of board members, a power now granted to the governor alone. It also requires that more voice be given to the non-hunting/fishing/trapping users of the Vermont outdoors. Coyote hunting with dogs is banned under S.258.
The bill is strongly supported by anti-hunting and trapping organizations.
The bill followed a failed attempt in December to force the Fish and Wildlife Board to pass restrictive trapping regulations. The Fish & Wildlife Board is considered to be more receptive to allowing hunters, anglers and trappers continue their traditional practices.
S.258 now goes to the full floor of the Senate, with discussion and vote occurring as soon as this week. A key senator told VDC before the Town Meeting break that S258 lacks the votes to pass the Senate. However, that’s an ‘unofficial’ assessment now about two weeks old. Changes in the bill, or in the wishes of a few senators, could sway the vote to a yes.