Post by cornfedcoon on Feb 26, 2011 17:56:02 GMT -5
Fellow trappers, I have been reading about the Illinois bill that is progressing through congress. It concerns me so I made up a letter to write to my congress representatives. If you just google "contacting congress" or "contacting state legislators" you can find their contact info in about a minute. I wanted to post this so that you can make critiques to it before I send it and also so some of you have a template to use. It will take a little bit of tweaking for everyone (most of you probably spend way more than $300) but I just thought it would help. Let me know what you think
Legislator Ruhl,
My name is Wayde Looker and I am a resident of Fredericktown. It is extremely important to me that you support our state's fur trappers. There always seems to be anti-trapping legislation being passed through different parts of the country (currently in Illinois). Many times trapping gets lost due to the popularity of hunting and fishing, however, trapping is very popular and there are thousands of trappers across the state.
You will find the animal rights activists will tell you that trapping is inhumane. I do not believe that these people have ever spent time on a trap line, otherwise they would see that trapping is, in fact, very humane. Trapping is also an outstanding conservation tool. Trapping is good for the species being trapped. As I am sure you know, our raccoon populations have been strongly affected by rabies and distemper, and our fox and coyote infected with mange. All three of these diseases are the direct result of furbearer overpopulations. Without trappers there would be very little control of furbearer populations. Therefore, by supporting our trappers you are also supporting Ohio's wildlife.
Finally, trapping contributes countless dollars to Ohio's economy. Every trapper purchases a Ohio Fur Takers Permit. Thousands of these permits are sold every year. Also, there is a lot of necessary equipment that goes into trapping success. Myself, a broke college student, spent over $300 at this years Ohio State Trappers Convention. For example, according to an ad in Fur-Fish-Game Magazine, one dozen Duke brand Dog Proof traps costs $149.95 plus tax. There are many trappers that run many dozen of these traps. All said, trapping adds what amounts to millions the economy. I would be more than happy to provide you with exact monetary amounts if you wish.
In conclusion, it is important to myself, as well as the thousands of other trappers across the state, that you support our trapping way of life. If you have any questions I would love to answer them.
Thank you for your time,
Wayde Looker
In my Political Science class we were taught that a congress representative knows there is significant interest in a subject if they get 10 calls/letters regarding the subject. Just 10! So call! Send the letter! Don't just sit by and let your rights be taken away without at least putting up a fight!
Legislator Ruhl,
My name is Wayde Looker and I am a resident of Fredericktown. It is extremely important to me that you support our state's fur trappers. There always seems to be anti-trapping legislation being passed through different parts of the country (currently in Illinois). Many times trapping gets lost due to the popularity of hunting and fishing, however, trapping is very popular and there are thousands of trappers across the state.
You will find the animal rights activists will tell you that trapping is inhumane. I do not believe that these people have ever spent time on a trap line, otherwise they would see that trapping is, in fact, very humane. Trapping is also an outstanding conservation tool. Trapping is good for the species being trapped. As I am sure you know, our raccoon populations have been strongly affected by rabies and distemper, and our fox and coyote infected with mange. All three of these diseases are the direct result of furbearer overpopulations. Without trappers there would be very little control of furbearer populations. Therefore, by supporting our trappers you are also supporting Ohio's wildlife.
Finally, trapping contributes countless dollars to Ohio's economy. Every trapper purchases a Ohio Fur Takers Permit. Thousands of these permits are sold every year. Also, there is a lot of necessary equipment that goes into trapping success. Myself, a broke college student, spent over $300 at this years Ohio State Trappers Convention. For example, according to an ad in Fur-Fish-Game Magazine, one dozen Duke brand Dog Proof traps costs $149.95 plus tax. There are many trappers that run many dozen of these traps. All said, trapping adds what amounts to millions the economy. I would be more than happy to provide you with exact monetary amounts if you wish.
In conclusion, it is important to myself, as well as the thousands of other trappers across the state, that you support our trapping way of life. If you have any questions I would love to answer them.
Thank you for your time,
Wayde Looker
In my Political Science class we were taught that a congress representative knows there is significant interest in a subject if they get 10 calls/letters regarding the subject. Just 10! So call! Send the letter! Don't just sit by and let your rights be taken away without at least putting up a fight!