HarryM
02-21-2007, 05:16 PM
Just when you think you have heard everything, something else pops up that leaves you speechless. Governor John Lynch (D-NH), after recently stabbing NH sportsman in the back over the funding (or more appropriately the non-funding as is the case) of NH Fish & Game has come up with a bright idea for solving the departments funding problem. Governor Lynch has proposed that the State of NH auction off 50 (yes, I repeat 50) moose hunting permits to the highest bidders with a starting bid of $5000. I have heard some colossally stupid ideas in the past, but this one surely takes the cake. I attended today’s F&G hearing at department HQ in Concord, and the commission was at a loss for words. It was so utterly ridiculous that members of the commission were wondering on just how to begin deliberations. Eventually, the arguments started flowing out against Governor Lynch’ proposal.
First, the state biologists at NH Fish and Game do an excellent job at managing our animal populations and determining the proper number of animals, which can be harvested without over stressing the population of fish and game animals – if this number of 50 is in addition to the existing number of moose permits issued, there was no science or study ever done to determine if our heard can sustain a loss of an additional 50 animals; Second, if the number 50 is included in the current permits issued, this is extremely unfair to those who purchase a chance in the moose lottery. If some high roller with a big bagful of cash lays down $5K+ for the permit, plus another grand or so for a guide, plus meals, lodging and the rest they are going to want something in return for all that money – and there is little doubt what that something is… permits in the best WMU’s with the highest success ratios in A1, A2, B, C1 and C2. For those not familiar with the way moose permits are issued, only a certain number of permits are issued to each WMU. The sad result is now you have the best hunting grounds going to the rich guys, and the least desirable WMU’s going to those of us common folk with more modest incomes (and that’s even if we are lucky enough to win the lottery). I have purchased a chance in the moose lottery for as long as I care to remember and have never won, and neither have any of my friends who also buy in to this – how unfair!!! Third, if it is not blatantly apparent that this is the “selling off” and utter exploitation of one of our states most treasured natural resources, then I don’t know what is; Fourth, if Governor Lynch is successful with this hair-brained risky scheme, then what is next – will the best fishing goes to the highest bidder ???!!! You may think that is not possible, but if they are successful with hunters, guess who’s next my fishing brethren. Fifth, This will have a hugely negative impact on moose lottery sales exacerbating already tough revenue generating times within the department – why buy a ticket when you already know that you will not get one of the better WMU’s to hunt in – those permits will be reserved for the wealthy elites who can afford it. Hence, many will stop buying chances.
News of this is only just beginning to hit the streets, and judging from reactions of those I have seen and/or spoken to so far, this is going to cause a firestorm of controversy. After the hearing, the halls were filled with plenty of laughter, eye rolling and mockery at such an outrageous proposal. It truly shows just how out of touch Governor Lynch is with the natural recourses and sportsmen of this state. Even if you are not a hunter, I would hope that everyone will write letters to the editors of their paper of choice to voice opposition of this proposal.
First, the state biologists at NH Fish and Game do an excellent job at managing our animal populations and determining the proper number of animals, which can be harvested without over stressing the population of fish and game animals – if this number of 50 is in addition to the existing number of moose permits issued, there was no science or study ever done to determine if our heard can sustain a loss of an additional 50 animals; Second, if the number 50 is included in the current permits issued, this is extremely unfair to those who purchase a chance in the moose lottery. If some high roller with a big bagful of cash lays down $5K+ for the permit, plus another grand or so for a guide, plus meals, lodging and the rest they are going to want something in return for all that money – and there is little doubt what that something is… permits in the best WMU’s with the highest success ratios in A1, A2, B, C1 and C2. For those not familiar with the way moose permits are issued, only a certain number of permits are issued to each WMU. The sad result is now you have the best hunting grounds going to the rich guys, and the least desirable WMU’s going to those of us common folk with more modest incomes (and that’s even if we are lucky enough to win the lottery). I have purchased a chance in the moose lottery for as long as I care to remember and have never won, and neither have any of my friends who also buy in to this – how unfair!!! Third, if it is not blatantly apparent that this is the “selling off” and utter exploitation of one of our states most treasured natural resources, then I don’t know what is; Fourth, if Governor Lynch is successful with this hair-brained risky scheme, then what is next – will the best fishing goes to the highest bidder ???!!! You may think that is not possible, but if they are successful with hunters, guess who’s next my fishing brethren. Fifth, This will have a hugely negative impact on moose lottery sales exacerbating already tough revenue generating times within the department – why buy a ticket when you already know that you will not get one of the better WMU’s to hunt in – those permits will be reserved for the wealthy elites who can afford it. Hence, many will stop buying chances.
News of this is only just beginning to hit the streets, and judging from reactions of those I have seen and/or spoken to so far, this is going to cause a firestorm of controversy. After the hearing, the halls were filled with plenty of laughter, eye rolling and mockery at such an outrageous proposal. It truly shows just how out of touch Governor Lynch is with the natural recourses and sportsmen of this state. Even if you are not a hunter, I would hope that everyone will write letters to the editors of their paper of choice to voice opposition of this proposal.