Despite the strong tradition of ethics that the vast majority of hunter and anglers abide by, there are those that disregard the laws that regulate hunting and fishing. To address these violations, the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact was created in 1989 to provide a mechanism to allow state fish and wildlife agencies to share information about fish and wildlife violations between the states. The availability of this information helps stop poachers and other violators from moving their illegal activity to another state after receiving a violation elsewhere.
Recently, Vermont became the 39th state to sign on to the Compact, after passing legislation last year. HB 53, sponsored by Representatives Lewis, McAllister, McNeil, and Reis (all are members of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus), was signed into law by Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) member Governor Shumlin on May 8, 2012.
Across Vermont’s eastern border, New Hampshire is on track to become the next state in the nation to join. Legislation (SB 133) to add New Hampshire to the Compact was introduced on January 3 by Senator Woodburn and was reported out of committee on February 6 with a finding of “Ought To Pass.”
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
