Pachaug Outdoor Club

POC member John Tamburri won the ATA Class "C" Preliminary 100 Singles Event shooting 92X100 and followed that up on 12/12/09 by winning the 200 Singles SILVER DOLLAR SHOOTERS CLUB Championship shooting a 191X200 score.
Silver Dollar Shooter's Club Championship Winners
A great shoot, and good dinner for all members, and thanks to all who participated.
The winners - HAA Champion Ray Lee with 380.
Singles winners: - AA Ray Lee-199; A Lawrence Bowen-194; B David Harrison-192; C John Tamburri-191; D Mike Bunk-184; Lady Jen McCord-176; Sub Jr. Emanuel Boyer-187; Vet Kaye Ohye-196; Sr. Vet Roberts Weyker-197; Super Sr. Vet Richard Betz -191.
Handicap winners: - 18-21 yards - Scott Hamlin-94; 22-24 yards - Gerald Vasicek - 90; 25-27 yards - Javier Arruza -92; Lady Jean McCord - 84; Sub Jr. - Emanuel Boyer - 84; Vet - Bill Dayton -93; Sr. Vet - Jess Crofoot; and Super Sr. Vet - Harmon Stearns - 88.
Doubles winners: - AA Jim Walker -96; A Bill Dayton -92; B Jess Crooot -90; C Larry Bowen -92; D Jay Brokaw -89; Sub Jr. Emanuel Boyer -84; Vet Jm Blevins -94; Sr. Vet Malcolm McCord -87; and Super Sr. Vet Tom McElroy - 68.
Great Shooting everyone.

Comparing the License Fees of Northeast States as of 11/10/09

Download the pdf files shown below of the charts comparing the license fees of northeast states as of 11/10/09. Note under Resident Marine Recreational Fishing License Fees - Northeast States, the CT fee was reduced to $10 in the last budget session.
We strongly suggest you save these for future reference. There will be a bill to change these onerous fees when the Legislature begins in Feb. 2010. Our basic message is: RECREATIONAL fees, where citizens opt to participate, are substantially different from business licensing fees, which will be passed on to the consumer, or mandatory administrative fees. Review the ongoing data at the CCS website www.ctsportsmen.com under “Hot Issues” to formulate your position.
Write, make a Phone Call and E-mail YOUR State Legislators! We urge you communicate with your State Representative and State Senator. You can find your CT legislator at Negativity or in the Blue pages under “Connecticut, State of” then “Legislators”. Also, inform your friends who have an interest. Ask them to communicate.
While we urge you to use your own words, use the KISS principle, and please…do not be insulting or use negativity towards any Senator, Representative, or anyone else in the Capitol. Identify yourself, the Town and the State you represent. State your position and why you Support or Oppose this issue. Be Brief, if they have questions they will ask. If you get a secretary, ALWAYS ask for the legislator’s response to your position. If you receive no response after a reasonable period, FOLLOW-UP WITH ANOTHER COMMUNICATION.
Contact Governor Rell & voice your opinion. Be courteous. Urge Recreational Fee Correction! E-Mail Governor.RellGovernor.Rell@ct.gov or use the Online Form www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?a=1317&q=289136
It is important ALL sportsmen communicate NOW and during the upcoming 2010 Legislative Session (Feb-May 2010)! Be a Communicator – they don’t know what your concerns are or what you want unless YOU tell them!

nonresident_marine_licenses_Oct_2009 resident_combo_licenses_northeast_states_Oct_2009 resident_fw_fishing_northeast_states_Oct_2009 resident_marine_licenses_Oct_2009

New Hunting Regulations

Dear Connecticut Hunter,
There were a number of regulation changes that became effective this past August. Below is a short description of these changes. For a complete description of these changes, go to the Connecticut Wildlife Division's hunting and trapping page at www.ct.gov/dep/hunting .
Also, deer hunters who hunt on private land in deer management zone 7 (New Haven County area) are allowed to take 1 additional antlerless deer during the shotgun/rifle season and 1 additional antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season. In zones 11 and 12 (Fairfield County area and shoreline towns), hunters on private land are allowed to take 2 additional antlerless deer during the shotgun/rifle season and 2 additional antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season.

Deer Hunting

* Establishes new procedures for tagging and reporting deer.
* Extends private land muzzleloader deer season to end of December.
* Creates a second junior deer hunting training day.

Turkey Hunting

* Establishes new procedures for tagging and reporting turkeys.
* Moves spring turkey season forward by one week to start on last Wednesday in April.
* Ends spring turkey season on last Saturday in May.
* Allows spring turkey hunters to obtain both a state land and private land permit.
* Establishes a second junior turkey hunting training day and extends hunting hours on junior turkey hunting training days to 5:00pm.

Archery/Bowhunting Regulation Changes

* Eliminates interview process for physically disabled persons to obtain a crossbow permit.
* Eliminates orange clothing requirements for bow hunting during firearms deer seasons on state lands that are designated as bowhunting only when hunting from an elevated stand.
* Allows crossbows on private lands in Deer Management Zones 11 and 12 during January bow season.
* Allows deer hunters on private land to use a bow during entire shotgun/rifle season on a statewide basis and exempts them from orange clothing requirements when hunting from an elevated stand.

Goose Hunting

* Removes 3 shell limit for hunters during September goose season.

Trapping

* Eliminates season bag limit on beaver and extends beaver trapping season to March 31.
* Adjusts fisher trapping season to be November 20 through December 31 and increases the season bag limit on fisher from two to four.

Regards,
The DEP-Wildlife Division
Connecticut DEP Hunting and Trapping Website: www.ct.gov/dep/hunting
Report Deer and Turkey Kills online: www.ct.gov/dep/hunting
Report Deer and Turkey Kills by telephone: 1-877-DEP-HUNT or 1-877-337-4868

New License and Permit Fees 2009

The latest DEP FEES. Most NOTABLY, MARINE FISHING LICENSE HAS BEEN REDUCED BACK TO $10.00
Click Here for more information Fee Increases DEP 2009

Gun Rights "Terminated"

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the People’s Republic of California, has “terminated” the Second Amendment in his state.
The “Ammo Surveillance Act,” Assembly Bill 962, requires California citizens to be fingerprinted and tracked for every single ammo purchase.
By signing AB 962 into law, Schwarzenegger’s liberal Hollywood roots are once again showing through.
Yes, the same guy who made millions sporting every weapon known to man in action flicks is mandating gun owners be treated like common criminals for exercising their Second Amendment right.
On top of that, the bill requires all purchases to take place “face-to-face” effectively banning online and catalog sales. Is this what the Founders intended by “shall not be infringed?”
Thank goodness Article II should keep the “governator” confined to California.
For more information, please read Luke’s post on the NAGR Blog

100% License Fee Increase – Action required!

The DOUBLING of Recreational License Fees due to recent legislative changes in Bill No. 6802 AN ACT CONCERNING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUE FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE 30, 2011
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/2009PA-00003-R00HB-06802SS1-PA.htm Effective October 1, 2009
Will have significant negative impacts on Sportsmen and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The large fee increases of 100% may have a short term positive revenue impact, but will incur a long term negative impact to the state and particularly to the DEP. For the last three decades, DEP fee increases have been accomplished on a ten-year cycle, based on a modest attrition rate and revenue reduction in the first five years and increased revenue in the latter five. The reduction is due to discontinued participation due to price, opting to recreate out-of-state due to better pricing/opportunity, and normal attrition. The increase is due to fee increases in other states on a shorter time frame, increased personal income, and recruitment. As with all fees (taxes) much depends on the economy.
Sportsmen recognize the fiscal problem the state is facing is dramatic. We attempted support by breaking the 10 year cycle by promoting a 25% increase in fees and thought that reasonable and a compromise considering the 10 year cycle. We recognized increases were essential and our position on less than 100% was based upon the recreational aspect unlike virtually ALL other fees which were raised and could be passed on to the consumer. We hold to the position that most DEP fees, particularly Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, & Parks are Recreational and affect the public differently. All other fees are essentially business fees with a pass through to the consumer or service fees for bureaucratic administration. Apparently those developing the fee increases recognized no difference.
Without exception, Sportsmen input regard these Recreational fees developed behind closed doors with little or no input from the stake holders as outrageous.
Expecting that sportsmen will pay these fees is optimistic and will result in reduced participation, loss of recruitment, or disregard of license requirements. The DEP recreational recruitment of younger anglers and hunters (No Child Left Inside) as well as others with modest financial means will no longer participate and stop buying licenses. These fees are well above virtually all other states, and will prompt many to participate elsewhere (see below). More onerous is the distinct possibility that some will ignore the licenses completely, noting the minimal staffing of DEP Environmental Conservation Police.
From an environmental and quality of life view, what we may be confronted with is a reduction in all aspects of wildlife/fisheries management, little or no enforcement which has been the norm, and little or no recruitment. Deer are severely overpopulated through much of the state; Bears, Coyotes, and Beavers are problem species; Lyme disease abounds; and new wildlife diseases in nearby states are all of concern to hunters/trappers and they provide much of the study data. With fewer hunters/trappers expected, field data will seriously diminish and wildlife populations/problems will exponentially increase. Salt water fishing is severely restricted (seasons, length limit, bag take) due to Atlantic States Marine Fisheries dictates, and the tripling of Salt Water license fees clearly will cause a loss of revenue or nonparticipation. Fresh water fishing is well and improving, but with increased fees and with less funding and personnel that may also decline.
There appears to be little concern for small business owners engaged in outdoor recreational activities retailing to Hunting, Fishing, Bowhunting, and Boating, and other activities. In anticipation of the impact of projected nonparticipation and reduced recruitment affecting these establishments, many have concluded their businesses will not survive.
In addition, there appears to have been NO impact evaluation of nonresident participation. It is patently clear that nonresident license purchases will be virtually eliminated due to the outrageous fees, along with revenue brought to the state in terms of meals, lodging, fuel and other purchases at local non-sportsmen stores. Note Particularly in Sec. 443 the NEW Resident Salt Water License just passed during the Jan-Jun session @ $10 will now cost thirty dollars; the nonresident marine waters fishing license Passed at $15 will now cost sixty dollars. There was much consternation to any Salt Water fee, and it’s important to recognize what $30 for residents implies. Parks fees, also doubled, will seriously reduce public participation at Hammonasset and other state parks. Tourism and all local businesses will definitely suffer!
Comparative Licensing:
New York (NEW 09):
http://assembly.state.ny.us
/leg/?bn=A00159&sh=t PART KK S.59—B / A.159—B Increases Resident Sportsmen fees 20-35%; Nonresident 12-66%.
Rhode Island:
http://www.dem.ri.gov
/programs/bnatres/fishwild/wildfees.htm
Massachusetts:
http://www.mass.gov
/dfwele/dfw/recreation/licensing/license_fees.htm
DEP Environmental Conservation Police.
We’re informed current staffing is 41 total with 10 in leadership/administrative positions. This is comparable to a small/medium municipality in the state. Considering benefits and training (sick days, vacation, required recertification courses, seminars, etc) and the expanded role of these officers into areas (including Homeland Security, Parks, and many others) not previously required of “Conservation Officers” or “Game Wardens”, law enforcement of the basics (Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Boating) have had little enforcement. Newly hired officers have to attain a training level which takes 2-4 years before operating alone. Sportsmen have stressed officer increases for several years with little success. Most sportsmen will readily relate the few, if any, instances of ENCON contact in the field. The question then becomes with the inordinate increased fees, will the distinct possibility that some (many?) will ignore the licenses completely and poachers proliferate due to little/no enforcement?
Park fees also doubled.
Law Enforcement, Other concerns:
For handgun owners: Fees are doubled to $70 for renewal, $140 for new. In addition there is a cost of $18+ for cost of fingerprint check on initial if you haven’t been fingerprinted before (no change).We wonder where the inner city low income people (who probably need self-protection the most) will get the money to exercise their Constitutional right to self-protection.
Also note the Gun Trafficking Task Force which CCS has worked on for almost a decade is essentially eliminated along with the Gang Task Force. The Drug TF we’re told remains. This reliable media source also said the House Chairmen of both the Public Safety Committee and Judiciary Committee were unaware of these actions.
http://www.cga.ct.gov
/ofa/Documents/BudHlts/BudgetsHighlights2009.pdf p.11
In a week or so the Legislators will meet again to consider Implementer Bills. Urge your State Senator and Representative to include, address and correct these onerous fees in one of these bills! Otherwise we’ll have to address them when the Legislature again begins in February 2010. Correction now will diminish the sportsmen outrage and preclude confusion on licenses next year should a corrective bill pass.
Call/e-mail/write/meet your legislators, some don’t know of these increases. Go to http://www.ctsportsmen.com/ under Legislation to “How to find your legislators” or to the the Legislative website http://www.cga.ct.gov/ on the left click on House or Senate then “Find your legislator.” Communicate NOW!
References: http://www.cga.ct.gov
/2009/ACT/PA/2009PA-00003-R00HB-06802SS1-PA.htm
Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, NWCO, Taxidermy and all others: See Section(s) 438 to 462.
In Sec. 443: The NEW Resident Salt Water License just passed/signed Aug 3 @ $10 will now cost thirty dollars; the nonresident marine waters fishing license Passed at $15 will now cost sixty dollars. While the combination licenses mitigate minimally the increased fees, the cost is still outrageous.
Sec. 458 & 459: Deer Permits/Bow hunting.
Boating: Sec. 394.

Attention Deer and Turkey Hunters New Regulations for the Tagging and Reporting of Harvest

The regulations concerning the tagging and reporting of deer and turkeys harvested by hunters have undergone significant changes. The new regulations are designed to make the purchase of deer and turkey permits more convenient for sportsmen, as well as save money on the printing and distribution of permits and tags and improve harvest monitoring methods.
One of the most significant changes is that the DEP has done away with the Tyvek® tags that used to come with deer and turkey hunting permits. Instead, hunters are now required to use newly-designed Kill Tags to record information about deer or turkeys they harvest. Copies of the new Kill Tags are on page 37 of the 2009 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide and are also available on the DEP website at www.ct.gov/dep/hunting.
When hunters harvest a deer or turkey, they must fill out a Kill Tag, sign it, and keep the Kill Tag with the animal until it is brought to a check station or is processed for consumption. When transporting a harvested deer or turkey, the tag does not have to be attached to the animal. Hunters can carry the completed, signed Kill Tag in their pocket so there is no chance of losing it. However, if the animal is left in the woods or at a vehicle, the Kill Tag must remain with the animal. In this instance, it is recommended that the Kill Tag be placed in a plastic bag and secured to the animal.
In 2009, the number of days that deer must be brought to a check station has changed. Only deer taken during the first four days of the shotgun/rifle season (November 18-21) must be brought to a check station. A listing of deer check stations is available on the DEP's website, at DEP offices, and at most licensing agents. At all other times, hunters are required to report their deer and turkey kills within 24 hours using one of two methods.
Kills can be reported on the DEP website www.ct.gov/dep/hunting or by calling a toll free number (1-877-337-4868). Hunters are no longer required to mail in a kill report card. After reporting their kill via the internet or by telephone, hunters will be given a confirmation number to write on their Kill Tag. This confirmation number serves as proof that the kill was legally reported. Deer hunters in deer management zones 11 and 12 who take advantage of the Replacement Antlerless and Earn-a-Buck tag programs must complete this same tagging and reporting procedure prior to going to a check station that issues replacement tags. Hunters using Landowner Permits must also use the same tagging and reporting procedure. However, as in the past, they are not required to bring their deer to a check station.
Hunters with internet access may find that submitting their kill reports on the DEP website is easier than using the telephone reporting system. The telephone reporting system uses an automated attendant that prompts the user to answer a series of questions by pressing the appropriate numbered responses. On the website, hunters can answer questions by using convenient drop-down menus. Other advantages of using the internet to report is that hunters can review reports they have previously submitted and print out copies of these reports for their records.
Kill Tags and instructions on using the new reporting systems are on the DEP website www.ct.gov/dep/hunting. The DEP recognizes that it may take time for some hunters to adapt to the new system, but hopefully they will soon benefit from its convenience.
The DEP-Wildlife Division
Connecticut DEP Hunting and Trapping Website: www.ct.gov/dep/hunting
Report Deer and Turkey Kills online: www.ct.gov/dep/hunting
Report Deer and Turkey Kills by telephone: 1-877-DEP-HUNT or 1-877-337-4868

In the Dead of Night, Lawmakers Double Pistol and Hunting License Fees!

Please contact Governor Jodi Rell today and respectfully urge her not to balance the state’s budget on the backs of law-abiding-gun owners and sportsmen!
After negotiating down to a more modest 25% fee increase for pistol licenses and hunting licenses during the regular legislative session, Democratic leaders met behind closed doors working out a deal to jack the fees back up to the 100% increase originally proposed. Legislators then rubber-stamped the hikes as part of the larger budget in votes taking place in the wee hours of this morning.
These increases will do little to raise revenue but will deal a crushing blow to law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen. People who wish to exercise their Constitutional right to self protection will now have to pay exorbitant fees to do so and those without the means to pay the price will lose the right altogether. In this ailing economy, hunters will choose to stay home at a time when the deer population is exploding in Connecticut. Prospective hunters and those with limited incomes won’t take to the field, thus contributing to the demise of a cherished past-time handed down from generation to generation.
Please call Governor Jodi Rell (R) TODAY and respectfully urge her not to sign a bill making these fees a reality. Governor Rell can be reached by phone at 860-566-4840 or toll-free at 800-406-1527 or email Governor.Rell@ct.gov.
The Governor has claimed on many occasions to be a friend to gun owners, hunters and sportsmen but her actions tell a different story. These same 100% increases were introduced earlier in the year by the Governor herself. Respectfully tell Governor Rell that you oppose these outrageous fee hikes and she should as well.

The State DEP is continuing the study documenting the presence/absence and distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and is requesting assistance.

Dear Connecticut Sportsmen,    25 August 2009
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is participating in a National Surveillance Study documenting the presence/absence and distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a disease that affects the brain and nervous system in deer and moose. To test for this disease, samples are taken from the heads of deer, (tonsils and brain stem). The project was initiated in 2003 and currently over 1,800 deer heads have been tested. So far this disease has not been found in Connecticut .
Due to a significant decrease in check station days this coming season your assistance is critical to our collection efforts. Currently, we are collecting samples from road kill and hunter harvested deer. If you would like to donate the head of your harvested deer for CWD testing please call the phone number below. Donated heads will be picked up as promptly as possible, usually within one business day. We are only sampling adult and yearling deer, no fawns please.
Please pass this information along to your fellow hunters and feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have.
Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation. Sincerely,
Travis Goodie, Research Assistant II
Franklin WMA (860) 462-6060
Andrew LaBonte, Wildlife Biologist
Franklin WMA, 391 Route 32, N. Franklin , CT 06254 (860) 642-7239

Help Block Animal Rightist Regulatory Czar

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is extremely concerned about President Obama’s choice for a powerful regulatory position in the White House. Cass Sunstein, the president’s pick to head the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), has been an advocate for the animal rights movement and is an anti-hunter. As a part of the federal budget office, OIRA has extensive authority to block rules, including those that protect hunting and conservation.
Sunstein claims that, “we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation.” He also supports allowing lawsuits on behalf of animals, a right currently only extended to human beings.
Your support is needed to block him from being in a position to harm America’s sportsmen.
This is why it is crucial that your organization contact BOTH of your state’s US Senators and urge them to vote NO on confirming Cass Sunstein as the head of the OIRA. Additionally, the USSA would ask that you encourage your membership to call both Senators’ offices in Washington, DC as well as FAX letters to their DC and state based offices.
Simply Click Here for all the information you need to learn about Sunstein and to contact your Senators.
Chad Laman
Associate Director of Education
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
Our Sport. Our Heritage. Our Fight
Ph: (614) 888-4868 ext. 224 I Cell: (614) 588-6522
claman@ussportsmen.org

www.ussportsmen.org
Cass_Sunstein_Talking_Points_-_FINAL
Sunstein_Blog
Sunstein_Op-Ed
Sample_Constituent_Letter