Why It Matters: Fish and wildlife agencies have long been the preferred authority and managers of both game and nongame species, and their habitats, throughout the country. As such, the current practice of implementing management practices that are based on sound science should continue to be the standard. Any deviation from such practices, and the ceding of such management authority to legislative bodies should be heavily discouraged and met head-on where these attempts arise. In Vermont, that very scenario is playing out via House Bill 132 (HB 132).
Highlights:
- Vermont HB 132 would prohibit the taking of furbearers over bait with firearms, bow and arrow, and crossbows.
- In HB 132, the term “bait” means any animal, vegetable, fruit, or mineral matter placed with the intention of attracting wildlife.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) maintains that wildlife management authority should remain with the agency.
On February 3, 2025, Vermont HB 132 was introduced in the House Committee on Environment. HB 132 seeks to address and prohibit longstanding practices and traditions as it concerns the taking of furbearers with the aid of bait. Prohibitions on such methods would disrupt the management of Vermont’s furbearing species where such practices contribute to the legal take and resulting furbearer management of such species.
For example, with no natural predators on the landscape, coyote management is left to sportsmen and women who elect to pursue such quarry at the direction of, and prescribed methodology from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VTFWD), which includes the approved means of assisting take. The VTFWD has long been recognized as the primary, and most well-equipped manager of fish and wildlife in the Green Mountain State. The VTFWD is staffed by trained professionals with backgrounds in a wide variety of expertise. These professionals carry out on-the-ground conservation efforts and possess an intimate understanding of the state’s conservation priorities. VTFWD and their Board of Commissioners are therefore uniquely positioned as the appropriate authority to make any changes to current hunting practices or methods of take should science support the need for a change. Should any changes be warranted, CSF highly encourages that those decisions be driven by the professional fish and wildlife managers that the state has trusted to protect Vermont’s cherished public trust resources through the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
CSF has submitted testimony opposing the legislation and is looking forward to working with the leaders and members of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to ensure HB 132 does not advance further in the legislative process, ultimately keeping wildlife management authority with the vetted professionals at the VTFWD.
