Report On April 5 Trapping Committee Meeting

First, thanks to everyone that came to the meeting, or sent a letter or an email. We appreciate your much-needed support. We also had 3 State Assemblymen, one state senator and one Assembly hopeful there to support us.

Second, the meeting really was a study in the conflict of cultures. Our side presented data, facts and experience in order to preserve our heritage and our place in sound wildlife management. On the other side of the isle, I counted at least three times the other side implied that we were slave owners, and I counted at least 6 times when someone from their side was honest enough to say that they really wanted all trapping abolished in the state. The other side distorted facts and the committee and NDOW biologists pointed that out; the other side resorted to simply lying about the facts, and we demonstrated how badly they lied. The other side resorted to frequent personal attacks and slanderous and false statements.

Third, the Committee discussed pretty much every trapping-related topic there is . . . visitation, unlawful trapping, trap size, non-targets, and even trapper education. At the end of 9.5 hours of discussion, the committee chair had to suspend the rules and close the meeting, essentially "punting" most of these issues to the June Commission meeting to be held in Tonopah . . . where all these issues will again be on the agenda for discussion. The difference this time will be that the Commission will have to make some decisions and vote on these issues so its imperative that we be there in numbers. We waaaaaayyyyyyy outnumbered the antis at this meeting, thanks to incredible efforts by our side, with people coming from Reno, White Pine County, Lincoln County and Nye County. In a city of 2.5 million people, the antis mustered maybe 15-18 people. So much for the imagined army.

Please put June 20-21 on your calendar and plan to come to Tonopah. Depending on the schedule of the Commission meeting, there has been some talk of having an informal sort of Pre-Rendezvous before or after the meeting so let me know if you would like to participate (something along the lines of some dutch ovens, some cobbler, some horseshoes, some trapping instruction/lure making stuff, etc).

Thanks for the update. Wish I could have made it. Would have much rather been there then at my cousins drama filled wedding! Glad to here there was such a big turn out. Thanks to all that showed up and spoke up for our rights!

Heck yeah Tracy,
I'm all for bringing my Dutch's up and a cooler of things to conjure up.
And sounds like I should bring my wall tent. Judging by the 2 dates for the meeting.

Tracy
I'm sure you are aware that by 9pm.
There was only 2 maybe 3 antis left.
I can't believe that 3 different antis stated trapping was like slavery?????
Realy

It will be important to get the CAB's to support NTA. If all 17 boards support the trappers association it will be very hard for the Commission to not support us as well. I'll be in Tonopah. I've noticed most CAB's don't state their positions on each item during the State meetings. We need to make sure they all state their boards actions.

rockytrails wrote:

It will be important to get the CAB's to support NTA. If all 17 boards support the trappers association it will be very hard for the Commission to not support us as well. I'll be in Tonopah. I've noticed most CAB's don't state their positions on each item during the State meetings. We need to make sure they all state their boards actions.

Rocky:

You are exactly right. Now is the time to contact your CAB chairs. If we can get the 17 CABs to go our way, the Commission will have to think long and hard about opposing that.

I am kinda mad that i coudn't make it.  Had a call Friday morning that they needed help at the Middle School track meet and my grand-daughters birthday party in the afternoon. I'll put Tonopah and June 20-21 on my calender.  Hope to make this one.

Kelley

Cameron is correct. Anything could come out of the June 20-21 commission meeting in Tonopah.  Large numbers of trappers and supporters attending this meeting will be critical. We need to make a statement in Tonopah and at the County Wildlife Advisory Board meetings (CAB). The CAB meetings are normally the week just before the main Commission meeting. We need everyone helping on this one.  As it stands right now, the vote was 2-3 in our favor in Elko, 2-3 against us in Reno and I guess a tie in Vegas. Please, don't just sit back and assume others will carry the torch on this all important meeting.  Bring friends, family and especially ask other hunting groups (archery hunters, guides and outfitters, houndsmens, etc.) to attend. As Tracy mentioned, at least six or seven of the antis let the cat out of the bag and said they want ALL trapping banned in Nevada.  That is their end goal and when they get that done, it will be hunting with dogs next and then so on and so on. Arrange to car pool, rent a van/bus, hitchhike whatever it takes just please make plans to be at this meeting.

I'm planning to go for a few days, bring some atv's and hit the dunes. Some nice sand about 12 miles NW of Tonopah. The kid loves that stuff. A good way to get the family there.

My hat's off to you trappers of NV! You're setting a positive example for anyone who has ever planted steel, hung cable, or brushed in a cage! Based in fact, sound biology, resource management, and rational thought; know that your voice is being heard. Continue to organize, participate, and fight the good fight! We're cheering you on from states away. Keep up the good work ladies and gentlemen!