URGENT: TN to outlaw hog hunting with dogs.

[Outlaw 3]

From what I can tell, it looks like TWRA is going to cut out all hog hunting with dogs in the state on all WMAs. This literally cuts our dog hunting opportunities in half here in East TN. They are allowing for the taking of hogs on other hunts, but not with dogs. They are also giving many more opportunity for people to take bears on deer and archery hunts. Under their new proposal, still hunters will have 32 days to kill a bear, and dog hunter will only have 22. On their website all the information is contained in a proposal. They are asking for comments and concerns. I strongly suggest that if you care about houndsmen's rights, you go to this link and say your piece. They are trying to control the hog population, but they are removing the most effective method to do so (dogs). It is pretty obvious from reading the entire proposal that deer and smallgame hunters are more than taken care of and we are being sacrificed.

http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/7023

http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/sy...ons%20DRAFT.pdf

[Pops]

this crap will continue as long as hunter allow it. as long as there is one guy that will sell dogs to a gov't organization or take a gov't contract or just help them out, the gov't will hack away at doggers knowing they still get them to help out when things are out of control. the best thing you can do is treat them like the idiots they are and leave them swinging in the breeze. and when the transplanted urbanites on their 20 AC "farmettes" (that don't actually produce a crop) ask for help make them pay through the nose because they are half the reason the dogging goes away.

[pegleg]

this is a touchy and delicate subject. because many hog hunters show pictures video etc. that may shock the public opinion. I think hog guys should police themselves just a little bit better in regards to public image. the second issue is the use of "dangerous" dog breeds and their public image. both sensitive issues that will need to be addressed along with the typical "dog/hog baiting/fighting" that the hsus portrays the sport as.

I support everyone's right to the use of hunting dogs and would be willing to write and send a e mail or letter if you can find the contact info. i don't have the time to dig through your states regulations and proposals on its web site but you find the link and I'm sure more folks will help out by voicing their support of hunting a nonnative invasive species that cause untold damage with the most effective sporting means available hunting dogs.

good luck and hopefully people can get this turned around. have you tried to get your states agri business groups to support you too?

[Outlaw 3]

Here is the email address.

twra.comment@tn.gov

They are requesting comments on this proposed change, so anything you can do would be appreciated. Stessing that dogging hogs is the most effective method of population control, is the direction I went.

[BoarHunter1]

this is a touchy and delicate subject. because many hog hunters show pictures video etc. that may shock the public opinion. I think hog guys should police themselves just a little bit better in regards to public image. the second issue is the use of "dangerous" dog breeds and their public image. both sensitive issues that will need to be addressed along with the typical "dog/hog baiting/fighting" that the hsus portrays the sport as.

+1

[DirtAddict]

To help everyone out here's a template you can use to start your email.

Note the Subject line must include the phrase "Hunting Seasons Proposals Comments"

----------------------------
To: twra.comment@tn.gov
Subject: Hunting Seasons Proposals Comments

To whom it may concern:

Wild pigs are a highly successful and destructive species and there is data to support that of all currently allowed sport hunting methods, hunting with dogs is more effective at controlling wild pig populations. While the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission may feel pressure to stop this type of hunting, the groups that oppose dog hunting base their opinion solely on emotion and/or political motivations. Please continue to establish wildlife management rules based on science. The use of dogs by hunters to manage wild pig populations should be broadly allowed in Tennessee.

Sincerely,
XXX

[Outlaw 3]

Thanks for the support.

[tpark]

TWRA told me in January this was going to happen. They said Houndsmen turned the hogs loose all over the state so they where not going to let them hunt them.

[Outlaw 3]

We are having a meeting at Tellico Plains High School at 7 PM on Saturday the 17th. We have invited some members from the state legislature. This meeting is open to the public and attendance is encouraged.

[Shorty]

this is a touchy and delicate subject. because many hog hunters show pictures video etc. that may shock the public opinion. I think hog guys should police themselves just a little bit better in regards to public image. the second issue is the use of "dangerous" dog breeds and their public image. both sensitive issues that will need to be addressed along with the typical "dog/hog baiting/fighting" that the hsus portrays the sport as.

+2

[tomtom]

Amen Pops. Tell it like it is. Nasty little comrades. All of them. Doesnt have a thing to do with animal cruelty. Other than the little skirts who push the Agenda.