Hunter's Gathering at the Capital

[BlacktailBowhunter]

It is important that hundreds of hunters show up for this. So who is going?


Who: House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee
When: February 26th, 2009, 5:30pm
Where: Hearing Room D
Capitol Building
Salem, Oregon
What: “The State of Hunting In Oregon”



The members of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Communities Committee would like to invite you to come to a special “hunter” hearing to talk about the state of hunting in Oregon. This is a chance of a lifetime to talk to Oregon Legislators about your hunting experiences here in Oregon.

This hearing is open to everyone that hunts! So bring your family members and have them share their stories too! The Committee would love to hear about hunting from your sons and daughters. We want to fill this hearing room for two hours with hunters that love their sport. So plan now on attending!

Special arrangements have been made to have the hearing at night, so that more people could attend after work. Wear your organization’s jackets, hats and shirts and let the committee know what hunting in Oregon is all about.

Let your friends know about this unique opportunity to share what hunting is all about with Oregon’s Legislators.

[loper]

Way to be proactive. I was going to do this on Monday.

Although mine was going to have a few palatable choices for those who can't or won't attend.

[225nontypical]

Paul i will be there.

[Old Soldier]

Thanks Paul was just looking to see if this was posted.

Bring your family and friends if you want to testify or not be there!!!
Hunters change to be seen and heard!!!

We should be able to get hundreds of hunters there. If it was HSUS there would be.

[Don Becker]

My brother, Jon and I will be there. Don

[Old Coot]

I'm not clear on whether this is an actual hearing, or a social meet-greet-and-chat function.

If it is a hearing, I have testified before legislative committees and would like to offer some first-hand observations and suggestions. Remember, you are there to win friends and influence people. Even though the committee members are mere humans, they expect certain protocols to be followed, and can be displeased when the protocols are ignored. If you act like you have a clue, your remarks are more likely to get listened to.

There may be a sign-up sheet for those who wish to speak. Usually it is at the door. There may be a time limit for each individual's comments.

If you plan on speaking to the committee, have a plan of what you are going to say; personal notes are fine but print them in large letters that are easy to read because once you get to the mike you will likely get nervous. For the same reason, limit your notes to one or two pages so they don't get scrambled. Don't ramble. Have one or two points in mind, state the point, add a a supporting remark or two, and a statistical source or citation if you have one. Don't invent statistics.

If you will speak, you may be required to state your full name, address and maybe occupation before you begin your remarks. This is NOT a secret government plot to deny you your first or second amendment rights. It is protocol.

If you will speak, know the chairperson's name before you start, then begin by addressing the group, " Chairman So-and-so, and members of the committee, I would like to say...." (Hint, the names are usually in front of each person.)

When you finish speaking, "Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for your time and consideration."

Take a few minutes and brush up on your high-school civics lessons so you don't appear uninformed or irrational. DON'T get up there and say, "ODFW ought to pass a law that...." ODFW cannot pass ANY laws. Only the legislature can make law, and you will be talking directly to members of that body. DON'T get up there and say, "ODFW ought to write more tickets for...". ODFW is not an enforcement agency. They don't give tickets or arrest people; in Oregon the primary responsibility for game law enforcement is delegated to the Oregon State Police.

DON'T make threats. Don't curse. Don't rant. You are trying to get people to look favorably upon you, your fellow hunters and your hunting heritage. Insulting people doesn't endear you to them, nor make them want to do you any favors. The goal is to show the legislators that we are a cross-section of rational Oregonians, not a buffalo-plaid group of extremist paranoid hayseeds.

DON'T show up with your rifle, shotgun, bow, sidearm or toad sticker unless you have a special fondness for intimate and very prolonged conversations with the cops. Similarly, camo'd faces probably aren't appropriate dress for a meeting in the Capitol - or getting past security.

DO take a couple of minutes to duck into the restroom before the session starts and make sure your shirt-tails are tucked in, your hair is more-or-less combed and your fly is closed. The legislators are used to being wined, dined and hustled by highly-paid professional lobbiests who look like the cover of GQ magazine and act like they own Harvard. You need not wear a suit and tie, but don't show up looking like you just crawled out from under the bridge - if you need to wear work clothes in order to make the meeting, that's fine, it's working people who make the world run - but knock the mud off your boots outside first. You wouldn't want legislators tracking filth into your house, would you?

DO take your hat off when you enter the building and especially in the Hearing Room. Make your mother proud of your manners.

DON'T be intimidated by the committee, the cameras, the microphone, or the crowds. As a hunter you have intimate hands-on knowledge of the subject at hand. YOU are the EXPERT and you have been INVITED to attend.

DON'T be offended by this post. It does not apply to 98% of the readers, but that other 2% can really wreck our train.

DO come. even if you don't intend to speak, let them see our numbers.

If the meeting is held in the Capitol and you haven't been there before, be sure to take a couple of minutes to check out the murals in the Rotunda - the grand entrance as it were. They are wonderful examples of Depression-era art. (The last depression, not this one.) Check out the ceiling a hundred feet above your head, too.

John

[chukarchaser]

Very well put O.C., thanks for posting this. I especially liked the part about the "extremist paranoid hayseeds".

CC

[Blacktail Slayer]

Originally Posted by chukarchaser

Very well put O.C., thanks for posting this.
CC

+1

[BrianMaguire]

Originally Posted by Old Coot

The legislators are used to being wined, dined and hustled by highly-paid professional lobbiests who look like the cover of GQ magazine and act like they own Harvard.

You must be talking about Al Elkins, I can see Al on the cover of GQ.

[rimrock]

Nice post Old Coot...

[loper]

Originally Posted by Old Coot

I'm not clear on whether this is an actual hearing, or a social meet-greet-and-chat function.

This is an actual hearing.

Bring 25 copies of written testimony (if applicable), and expect to have 3 minutes to say what you want to say.

[loper]

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

You must be talking about Al Elkins, I can see Al on the cover of GQ.

I hope he is following this thread.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

You must be talking about Al Elkins, I can see Al on the cover of GQ.

LMAO. That is funny.

[loper]

Over 200 looks but less than a dozen responses?

[beardbuster]

I'll be down there as well.

[Rank Amateur]

Re-looked at my calendar and of coarse, I'm working that day, don't get off till 6:30 pm. I hate work sometimes.

[RiverRogue]

Old Coot, your remarks are spot on! Another suggestion is practice what you are going to say, maybe in front of a family member or friend. Get comfortable with your presentation. Dont forget, don't ramble. If you have made your points, conclude and let another speak. As mentioned by Loper, make 25 copies of your remarks. Those will last long after you have left the building.

[Old Soldier]

OC hit the pin on the head.
1. Make is short 3 minutes
2. Make clear points
3. Do not ramble on and on
Hope to see a few hundred there. Yes I said hundred not hunters but I should have said a few hundred hunters.

[StevenB]

Are audio recorders permitted?

How many individuals will the room hold?
StevenB

[loper]

Originally Posted by StevenB

Are audio recorders permitted?

How many individuals will the room hold?
StevenB

If enough people show up they will set up overflow rooms with video and audio where you will be able to watch and hear your name calling you to testify.

That would be a GOOD problem to have.

[speedshooterxt]

We are Closing the shop early to be there and have spread the word, Wayne has prepared a bunch of stuff and will be speaking as well. See you guys there!

[Old Soldier]

Originally Posted by speedshooterxt

We are Closing the shop early to be there and have spread the word, Wayne has prepared a bunch of stuff and will be speaking as well. See you guys there!

Great sorry you have to close the shop but it is important for everyone to be there.
Thanks for the effort!!!!!

[StevenB]

ttt

I'm starting from Milwaukie area by 3PM the day of meeting.. Room in my Saturn. PM for details.

SB

[ehunter]

Steve call me I would like to tag along I can meet you on the way some where.

Originally Posted by StevenB

ttt

I'm starting from Milwaukie area by 3PM the day of meeting.. Room in my Saturn. PM for details.

SB

[StevenB]

Under 20 poll replies ? I am wondering if this topic could be posted without the poll.

I'll give it a try tomorrow if no one else does.

I'd like to know what topics are on the minds of Oregon hunters. Hound hunting as a management tool concerns me the most.

StevenB

[shinook65]

I'll be there with the kids...

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Ttt

[Blacktail Slayer]

I will be there and hopefully with some friends.

[scottishsetter]

BTT keep this up! 'We" need to BE present to be heard.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Originally Posted by scottishsetter

BTT keep this up! 'We" need to BE present to be heard.

Just being present is a voice in its self.

BTBH

[BlacktailBowhunter]

ttt

[StevenB]

I think being at this event mattes more than being at a hunt on the opening day of a two day sheep hunt.

Here is a Google Map for the location.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um...&cd=1&resnum=4

StevenB

[loper]

[Blacktail Slayer]

Here is some good information that should be brought up at the meeting.

2007 Report from the “Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies”

(Hunter in Oregon 2006 #’s)

1. # Hunters: 236,769
2. Days hunting: 2.7 million
3. Retail Sales: $505.8 million
4. Total Multiplier Effect: $827.4 million
5. Salaries, Wages, Owners Income: $259 million
6. Jobs: 8,913
7. State Tax Revenue: $54.6 million
8. Federal Tax Revenue: $61 million

( U.S Hunter #’s)
1. Total U.S. retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
2. American hunters through special federal excise taxes to help pay for wildlife conservation: About $280 million
3. Hunters private donations to conservation: $300 million
4. Hunting license and tag sales: $725 million
*The total of 2,3,4 to preserve, protect, and enhance wildlife and habitat= $1.3 billion
5. Total US retail spending by hunters: Nearly $25 billion
6. The amount of federal, state, and local tax revenues generated by hunters was: About $9.2 billion

According to the National Sporting Goods Association: More Americans go hunting than play softball or tennis.


Report funded by Multi-state Conservation Grant Program.
Information from State and Federal Fish and Wildlife agencies.
www.southwickassociates.com

[Blacktail Slayer]

This is as far as I have got on this topic. What do you all think?



Hunting has a sense of beauty, mystery, and magic to it. What better way than having a GREEN way to recreate, way of income, and a possible treat of organic food. There is however an overall trend of declining hunters; that have been lost to leisure activities such as TV, computers, and video games. Sportsmen and women have formed the backbone of wildlife conservation. A failure to halt the decline of hunters or possible increase of hunters will lead to reduced funding available to federal and state agencies, which will in turn lead to a decline in wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and outdoor experience opportunities. With the increase of Oregon residents turning more towards an urban culture; we must communicate better with the youth, women, and minorities of hunting. We need to show them what the outdoors and hunting has to offer. Youth, women, and minorities are the next generation of hunters. We must help ignite this spark for youth,women, and minorities so they can start their journey with nature, wildlife, and create a lifetime of memories with friends and family. Introducing and education people about hunting will bring them close to nature, learn to cherish wildlife, and continue the conservation of wildlife. Major issues impacting hunter recruitment and retention are: lack of access of places to hunt, regulation complexity, competing interests, marketing, education, and lack or declining game animal populations.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Originally Posted by Blacktail Slayer

This is as far as I have got on this topic. What do you all think?



Hunting has a sense of beauty, mystery, and magic to it. What better way than having a GREEN way to recreate, way of income, and a possible treat of organic food. There is however an overall trend of declining hunters; that have been lost to leisure activities such as TV, computers, and video games. Sportsmen and women have formed the backbone of wildlife conservation. A failure to halt the decline of hunters or possible increase of hunters will lead to reduced funding available to federal and state agencies, which will in turn lead to a decline in wildlife habitat, wildlife populations, and outdoor experience opportunities. With the increase of Oregon residents turning more towards an urban culture; we must communicate better with the youth and minorities of hunting. We need to show them what the outdoors and hunting has to offer. Youth, women, and minorities are the next generation of hunters. We must help ignite this spark for youth,women, and minorities so they can start their journey with nature, wildlife, and create a lifetime of memories with friends and family. Introducing and education people about hunting will bring them close to nature, learn to cherish wildlife, and continue the conservation of wildlife. Major issues impacting hunter recruitment and retention are: lack of access of places to hunt, regulation complexity, competing interests, marketing, education, and lack or declining game animal populations.

That looks good. I will PM you my thoughts on one subject line in here.

[loper]

Hopefully weather-related issues won't affect the turnout.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

Looks like over 40 at this point. Hopefully a LOT more will be there.

Paul