Hog hunting is getting a lot of attention at the state capital here lately, and we are getting screwed. Rep. Don Armes passed House Bill 2158 on 3/10/09 which will allow the shooting of feral hogs from helicopters ONLY on commercial hunting areas, “to help get rid of the hogs on the property.” While the bill was on the floor, Rep. Joe Dorman attached an amendment allowing anyone to spot light hogs at night. Currently, you must first obtain a permit through the ODWC before shooting hogs at night. There are several hurdles you must jump before obtaining said permit and Rep. Dorman’s amendment would have cut the red tape. The amendment passed and was attached to the bill, for all of 15 minutes, and then a call to resend the amendment was called, debated on and passed, thus erasing the amendment from the bill.
Here’s why this sucks, one, we don’t get to shoot hogs at night, which, as the great state of Texas has proven is an effective way to keep the pig numbers in check and two, why on earth would a commercial hunting area A: have a problem with hogs? And B: pay a helicopter to come in and shoot them? We all know a commercial hunting area could charge hunters to come in shoot the hogs and make money. Well, that’s exactly why this bill was passed. One high fence operator wants to charge people big bucks to go shoot hogs out of helicopters. Not to keep the pigs numbers in check. If the was the case then any land owner, farmers, hunting land leasers, anyone could rent a helicopter and shoot the pigs. That’s not the case what so ever.
The case against spotlighting hogs is that it will increase the night time poaching of deer. Poachers are poachers and allowing the spotlighting of hogs isn’t going to cause an increase of their activity. Look at Texas. You can shoot hogs and other game at night with a spotlight out of trucks with no hassle. Don’t you think if the poaching of deer was out of control Texas would shut the night hunting down?
Most of these guys and gals are not hunters or farmers. We will have to explain to them the destruction the hogs cause both hunters and farmers and that night hunting is indeed a useful tool in keeping their numbers in check. Hell, lie through your teeth. They do it all day long.
Representative Dorman is going to continue to try and attach the amendment to upcoming wildlife related bills. Please let him know you care!
Please contact your state Senator and Representative and tell them to support spotlighting hogs in Oklahoma.
House members directory
http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx
Senate directory
http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/directoryalpha.htm
Not sure who your legislator is?
http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/
Here’s why this sucks, one, we don’t get to shoot hogs at night, which, as the great state of Texas has proven is an effective way to keep the pig numbers in check and two, why on earth would a commercial hunting area A: have a problem with hogs? And B: pay a helicopter to come in and shoot them? We all know a commercial hunting area could charge hunters to come in shoot the hogs and make money. Well, that’s exactly why this bill was passed. One high fence operator wants to charge people big bucks to go shoot hogs out of helicopters. Not to keep the pigs numbers in check. If the was the case then any land owner, farmers, hunting land leasers, anyone could rent a helicopter and shoot the pigs. That’s not the case what so ever.
The case against spotlighting hogs is that it will increase the night time poaching of deer. Poachers are poachers and allowing the spotlighting of hogs isn’t going to cause an increase of their activity. Look at Texas. You can shoot hogs and other game at night with a spotlight out of trucks with no hassle. Don’t you think if the poaching of deer was out of control Texas would shut the night hunting down?
Most of these guys and gals are not hunters or farmers. We will have to explain to them the destruction the hogs cause both hunters and farmers and that night hunting is indeed a useful tool in keeping their numbers in check. Hell, lie through your teeth. They do it all day long.
Representative Dorman is going to continue to try and attach the amendment to upcoming wildlife related bills. Please let him know you care!
Please contact your state Senator and Representative and tell them to support spotlighting hogs in Oklahoma.
House members directory
http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx
Senate directory
http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/directoryalpha.htm
Not sure who your legislator is?
http://www.capitolconnect.com/oklahoma/
