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Post by Marc Gray on Feb 6, 2013 13:05:56 GMT -5
We have been asked to write the draft petition to VDGIF requesting to extend future squirrel seasons in VA until the end of February. Please call Small Game Biologist, Mr. Marc Puckett to express your support for the extension. 434-392-9645. Be polite when you call, thanks!
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Post by Marc Gray on Feb 9, 2013 15:21:32 GMT -5
PROPOSED SQUIRREL SEASON EXTENSION
The Squirrel Hunters of the Commonwealth of Virginia respectfully propose an extension to the Regular Squirrel Season (hereafter season) through the end of February. Squirrels are an underutilized resource. Multiple states across the country have longer seasons and have been increasing bag limits. An extension of the season would provide social and economic benefits to the Commonwealth. A longer season equates to increased hunting opportunities and is directly related to additional expenditures which support the local economy.
More hunters purchasing fuel, meals, lodging and other amenities is welcomed in Virginia. Additional Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 fund allocations to the state in the form of excise taxes placed on licenses, ammunition and other equipment would boost the ability of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to further their work as stewards of Virginia’s natural resources. Lengthening the season would improve involvement of youth and other new hunters which is beneficial to hunter recruitment and retention. Given today’s busy schedules, mentoring new hunters becomes possible when more time is available to take someone out. The primary advantage to squirrel hunter success in February is that leaves are not yet on the trees and most other hunting seasons have ended. The chance exists to increase hunting opportunity with little conflict with other users of private, state and federal land in Virginia. The latest survey of wildlife-dependent activities produced by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reports an increase in hunting and fishing participation nationwide. The belief is that this is in direct relationship to the economic situation. We understand the need for consistency in regulations to protect the resource but the demand is there to supplement the diet of Virginians with the bountiful production of the Commonwealth.
Biologically, there is little reason to limit squirrel hunting during the month of February. It is well documented in the scientific literature that adult females are at a reduced risk of harvest when they are caring for young. This is due to decreased time spent a significant distance from a den. Adult females can easily retreat to the security of a den as a hunter approaches. Ask any serious squirrel hunter the demographics of their late season harvest and it will overwhelmingly be composed of males. Hunters that employ dogs will report treeing den tree after den tree. The sex ratios of gray and fox squirrels are such that excess males are available for harvest without depleting the resource. In fact, unless a block of habitat is extremely isolated, squirrel populations can withstand a harvest up to 60%. Given the timbered nature of vast expanses of Virginia and ready availability of refuge habitat closed to hunting, more squirrels are wasted by being casualties of vehicular traffic than put to use in the game bag.
I SUPPORT A SQUIRREL SEASON EXTENSION TO INCLUDE THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY (Call Mr. Marc Puckett, Small Game Coordinator to let him know: 434-392-9645)
Name City/County Phone
Marcus B. Gray Sweet Briar, Amherst County 434-258-4232
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Post by Marc Gray on Feb 28, 2013 16:57:03 GMT -5
The meeting is March 20 at the DGIF office in Richmond I believe.
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Post by Marc Gray on Mar 5, 2013 9:45:18 GMT -5
Please print out and get all your huntin' buddies to sign the petition THIS WEEK. Mail the completed petitions to JD McGee at 18009 Cox Road, Sutherland, VA 23885. We have hundred of signatures but are trying to make it to 1,000. Get them in to JD as soon as you can because he wants to have them in-hand for the meeting on March 20th. THANKS!
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Post by Marc Gray on Apr 3, 2013 8:01:42 GMT -5
The public comment period is open. Just visit the VDGIF website for details.
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Post by Marc Gray on Apr 14, 2013 7:32:26 GMT -5
Did you get your comments in?
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Post by phil46 on Apr 14, 2013 8:02:34 GMT -5
I got my comments in.
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Post by Marc Gray on Jul 11, 2013 19:53:20 GMT -5
We got February!
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Post by phil46 on Jul 11, 2013 20:11:17 GMT -5
Good news!
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Post by Marc Gray on Jul 11, 2013 20:15:58 GMT -5
We have a training season now too.
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