| Bernard Vermont F&W is holding Public Hearings on proposed trapping and coyote hunting regulation changes tonight and tomorrow night; a hearing in Rutland was conducted last night. This is an excellent opportunity to see and participate in the rule making process, and at the same time support our fellow sportspeople. There is one more in-person hearing this evening in Montpelier, and another all-virtual hearing Thursday: - Wednesday, June 21, 6:30-8:30 pm. Montpelier High School,
5 High School Drive, Montpelier VT | map - Thursday, June 22, 6:30-8:30. ONLINE ONLY
Click the link you find on this VT F&W Dept page. The rules changes that were approved by the Fish and Wildlife Board on April 5th are available here. The current list of proposed amendments to these rules suggested by the VT F&W Department can be found here. In regards to Vermont adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs) for trapping: The Vermont Trappers Association (VTA) took the lead in suggesting that Vermont adopt these practices - making Vermont the first state in the nation to do so for the benefit and promotion of animal welfare. Changes proposed by the VTA on the Trapping regulations can be found here. In regards to coyote hunting with dogs: This is an activity that up to now has been completely unregulated which clearly needs an attempt at regulation prior to it being banned outright. Changes proposed by the VTC on Coyote Hounding on the proposed regulations can be found here. There is room for the consideration and discussion on further tweaks to what was proposed by the F&W Board, just as there is room for consideration and discussion of tweaking what the F&W has suggested for changes. An important voice in this discussion however is YOU. If you cannot attend the in-person meeting this evening, please consider attending the virtual one, and please consider providing written comment by sending your thoughts to: ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov The deadline for comments is June 30th. Make sure to provide your name and town of residence, and be polite. Thank you for reading; thank you for your continued support of the VTFSC and our member clubs; and please consider a donation to help us help you defend our rights. 
Best Regards, Vermont Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
http://www.vtfsc.com/ | 
