VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Was watching my local 11 pm news and they stated the increased license fee proposal would be voted on June 20th and since there had not been an increase since 1998it would more than likely pass.

They also statedthe VDGIF was receiving a lot of correspondencein favor ofSunday hunting, especially now thatlicense fees will most likely be increasing. The Director of the VDGIF stated thata survey was conducted in 2000 and a majority of Virginian's did notsupport Sunday hunting. However, he feltthat it was time for another survey. Maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I'd support Sunday hunting if proposed, for sure.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Seems like there would be a lot of hunters that aren't able to hunt except on Sunday due to work and other considerations.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Yano, funny how they need to do another survey for Sunday Hunting, but yet none is needed / done for the License increase ain't it ??

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

if they put out a survey or whatever on Sunday hunting, be sure to let us know here

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps my letters, and newspaper publications have finally gotten through to some.

For those who don't know, I made a name for myself... I got parts my letters published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Roanoke Times, and the Fredericksburg Freelance Star. The squeaky wheel gets the grease as the saying goes....

Let's all hope that Sunday hunting will come to Virginia!!!!!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Yano, I'm wondering just what sort of "name" that was ?? ... lmao

You and "Miss Winston", gunna be attending the meeting later this month where they have more public input and then vote of the increase ??

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I wish they would only allow people who hunt to vote!!!! Then it would be a landslide for Sunday hunting!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Yano, are you who I think you are?

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Well, I sure a he|| hain't "Miss Daytona" !!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

LOL!!! I kinda figured.... How ya doing?!? ;)

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Has anyone ever gotten one of the VDGIF's surveys? I have gotten one in 25 years of hunting. One would think thatmost peoplewould atleastsupport having the option to hunt on Sundays. You would be suprised at the number of deer hunters who actually oppose hunting on Sundays. Hopefully thislicense feeincrease that is looming will open the eyes of some of the harder headed hunters.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Nada, no survey ever recieved here either.

The things that irk me almost as much if not morethen the lack of the VDGIF's lack of support (I realize the the legislator must vote it in, but the VDGIF could be behind us and support it) for Sunday Hunting, is ..

The fact they went out and bought additional land in the not too distant past, knowing full well that their financial picture wasn't good ... no very smart or sound business practice in my book !!!

Wosre than that, is they are apparently to skeered to hold district meetings in each of the 11 districts to meet face to face with their customers (us) to present and discuss the proposed increases. Instead they want us to either submit our comments (which I did) or for us to hoof it all the way to Richmond on our nickle. I don't think it's asking too much for District meetings to meet us face to face, do you ?

Although I actually support the license increase, the lack of Sunday Hunting and the two items above, really pizz me of to no end !!!!!!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I guess we will see how it plays out. Does anyone know what the VA Bowhunters Assoc. and VA Deerhunters Assoc stance is on these issues?

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

You said it, yano!!!! ;)

I would guess they wouldn't want to have a sit down, face to face, meeting with me, after all the rucus I caused!!!!

Then again, after all the scathing letters, emails, and newspaper articles that I sent in, the VDGIF and all the district members would probably end up doing this to me:

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

VAhuntr, the VDHA are the worst of the bunch. They are absolutely, totally, 100%, AGAINST hunting on a Sunday!!! [:@]

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I kinda figured that....not sure what the stance of the Bowhunters Assoc. is....I know the Bowhunters Assoc.has some good information about the licence increase on their website....under the heading "News".


http://www.geocities.com/~vbarchers/

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I think the VBA is FOR hunting on Sunday. I recognized some of the names of the members on their site and remember reading some quote from them in a newspaper where they voiced their opinion, and also from that petition website that that guy named Darrell did.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

We all need to let everyone know to be expecting one of these surveys some time or the other. Lets all post here if we or someone we know gets one. It will be interesting to see ifthis surveyhappens.

I mentioned in my earlier post that I had only received one survey but my wife reminded me of the one I got last year. For those who have never seen or received one of these, they can be pretty in depth. The 1st one I received was probably 3 or 4 years ago. I was skeptical at first because itseemed like many of the questions were asking about the deer and any other big gameyou had taken the year before. I actually had to go back to my check in cards to give them the info they were asking. The rest of thesurvey asked a few questions about crossbows and small game hunting.

The survey last year was more of a logbook. I was asked to write down the days I hunted, what I saw, when I saw it,# of mature bucks, # of does, # of immature bucks/doe.Wanted me to do the samething for bear and turkey. It evenwanted to know about the kind and frequency of small game observed during a hunt. I think I should get a discounted license for all that work;)!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

who cares what organizations are against or for it. the niddy gritty of the whole thing is that they dont have to justify increases with allowing sunday hunting. they know that we will pay the price to hunt nomatter what they raise it to. and they have been blowin smoke up our a#$es for too long about this subject. this is a commonwealth state and is not about to change anything especially when they have nothing to loose. noone is going to say im not hunting anymore cause they raised the price of a license by 5 bucks and wont allow me to hunt on sundays.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

original: VA HEAD HUNTER
You are probably right about theVA realising rate increases or lack of Sunday hunting will not cause many hunters to stop hunting. However, you should care what the different organizations stand for, whether they are hunting related or not. If for no other reason, atleast you will have the knowledge of what they stand for. Many bills, laws, regulations, etc., etc., get passed every year becauseso manyare ignorant of what is happening around them.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

oh dont get me wrong i do care. i just meant that no matter whos for it or against it its not going to change. id love to see it change. if anything we need sunday hunting around here just to thin out the deer. on my farm our numbers are crazy and we have been taking about 30 deer a season on average.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Sorry if I misunderstood you. My whole point of posting the original post was to point out the following:

1. The VDGIF will almost definately raise the license fee(who did'nt already know that?)
2. They claim they will send out a new survey concerning hunting on Sundays.
3. They claim in the past the majority of hunters in VA do not support it.
4. Just to let people know to be watching and listening for any news.


It will be interesting to see if the survey actually happens and what the results will be. If a majority of VA hunters support hunting on Sundays, will the VDGIF go to bat for us with the General Assembly? Without the backing of the VDGIF we will never have Sunday hunting IMO.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Yeah.... That's what I heard too. :eek: I mean, come on man... Name me ONE hunter in Virginia who supports the Sunday hunting ban!!!

BINGO!! That right there says it all. We desperately need both the VDGIF and the VA Farm Bureau to support Sunday hunting, before the General Assembly will even think of allowing it to pass.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Unfortunately I know several who do not support hunting on Sundays. These are alsothe same people who will not shoot a doe, but have no problems shooting a spike[:@].

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

we need sunday hunting here in fauqier county cause the numbers are out of control and more cars are getting the deer then hunters it seems. out on rt 17 all you see are deer carcases scattered all over the place

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I e-mailed the DGIF last week and haven't gotten a responce yet about the Sunday hunting survey

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

im glad to see that VBA has changed ther position on sunday hunting. i quit the vba in the late 80's becuase they voted NO to sunday hunting.

i really dont see what the big deal is. i really would like the option of hunting on sunday. it does not mean that i will hunt every sunday-i just want an option. how many saturdays did we have that were either pouring rain or hot only to have a front move thru saturday night and sunday's weather was perfect?

i would at least be in favor having sundays open for the first week of each of the seasons.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

I've lived in 5 different states and none of them banned Sunday hunting. I've had people try to explain the reason for it, but it seems to me that its only actual basis is religious.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

well its all about change or the lack of change. its alot easier for a state which allows it to ban it then it is for a state that doesnt allow it to allow it. i dont think it will change for a while. its one of those old laws on the books that looks like its going to be around for awhile longer. there is always going to be more people against it then for it

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Thin out some of your 60-80 year old churchgoing types and you'll have Sunday hunting next year ... ;)

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

it will take time but with the growth of subdivisions and the more dead deer on the roads its got to change soon i would think. i just saw a nice buck bloated up on the side of 17 this evening and it was so sad cause he looked like he was gonna be a nice one this year.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Good Bye virginia


Just a heads up I have moved to Texas.


I used to be president of the Cub Run Archerys, member of Belvoir Bowhunters & old VBA



I Bought a smal ranch with wt deer & free rangign Axis deer and boar.


Here is a hello to my old Virginia hunting buddies and where to find me


Tink Nathan,
Camp Verde Outpost Ranch,
275 Witt Rd,
Center Point TX 78010-3600


in Kerr Co 15 miles from Kerrville TX.

I still own the TwoTinks trade marks.

I am engaged to a Texas born Outdoors Lady named KC

I am doing well boys
Have a broken right Ankle with 2 plates & 7 screws and a camo green cast I get to keep.


Ican shoot froma wheel chair can't drive my new car Photo inset


Hope you get Sunday hunting they did it in Maryland


Ask MBS how they did it


Tink Nathan
AKA
Old AfricanBowhunter
ranch line isTel 1-830 634 2878

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

If they are going to do a survey then I would hope they would go by previous licenced hunters and not a random selection of the general public, of which many are anti-hunters or animal activists!!!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Im here to say that im all for sunday hunting!! I know no one thats against it!! and if anyone has a deer problem (too many) i have the gun and portable reloading bench,,,WILL TRAVEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Hey guys....

I know I've been pretty silent lately, as I wasn't sure if it was okay (yet) to start bringing it to the public.
{Huh? Butch, what the heck are you talking about?} ;)

You see, I was busy writing letters, doing research, and finally got in touch with the VDGIF for their opinion. I wrote a very nice, respectful, letter and ended up getting invited to a meeting with Col. Massengill (one on one in his office!) {can you say scared s***-less?!?!?!} [&:]

I was thinking that with me being one of the loudest complainers and rabble rousers, that I was in some serious doo doo. But it did not turn out that way.

So I took a day off work on Fri July 7th and met with Col. Massengill at 9:00am that day. Afterwards, I sat down at the PC and did some thinking and recalled all the sequences of events of the meeting. I started writing everything down, and all the details to the meeting, and ended up writing a 4 page "book"! :D

Now, this document has been reviewed, edited, tweaked, and finally grantedauthorization for release by the VDGIF. It will appearin Bill Cochran's column in the Roanoke Times and also Lee Graves' column in the Richmond Times Dispatch. Cool, huh?

Anyway, the meeting with Col. Massengill went incredibly well. He is a heck of a nice guy who cares deeply for the VDGIF and the sport of hunting and fishing. I went into that meeting very nervous, not knowing what to expect. But when I came out of there, I had a whole new outlook towards the VDGIF and hunting and fishing in Virginia.

Let's see if I can touch on the hot topics (and not rewrite a 4 page "book").....

License fee increase: The VDGIF needs funding, plain and simple. They are operating on such a limited budget, they need every dime they can scrape up. The number of hunters is rapidly declining and license sales are way down. Kids today are too involved with Play Station and X-Box to want to go out into the woods. Also, the other states have nonresident license fees of $100 - $125 bucks and Col. Massengill stated that the other states actually laugh at VA because our nonresident base license is only $85 bucks! The VDGIF just had to increase the cost of licenses because they need the additional revenue. Like all of us,they have to "pay the bills" so to say...

Sunday hunting: This was a big one and a very delicate issue. Col. Massengill stated that he doesn't have a problem with Sunday hunting and neither do any of the top wildlife biologists. The VDGIF itself is in a neutral position regarding Sunday hunting. Col. Massengill said that Senator Stolle is the one who always presents Bills to the committee to allow Sunday hunting. They never make it out of committee and go nowhere fast. The most seriously opposed people are the private land owners, farmers, and the VA Farm Bureau. Without their support, we don't stand a chance. However, Col. Massengill did state that slowly, surely, one of these years, Virginia will follow suit with the other states and little by little, allow Sunday hunting, only on private land, in limited instances, like MD and NC and WV. Eventually, not next year, not 3 years from now, but one of these years in the future, we will all see Sunday hunting in full.

I had a great time in the meeting and went in there unsure of what to expect. But by the time I was done, I had a whole new outlook and clear understanding of the troubles the VDGIF is in financially. I know I have said some dumb things and went off half-cocked, but now I just can't turn my back on them.... They need my support, they need your support, they need everyones support.

They need all hunters to band together and lend a hand by recruiting others to get interested in hunting and fishing. Col. Massengill did say that he is wanting to approach the state dept of education and see about getting an outdoor education course in the public schools, so the kids will get more interested in the outdoors instead of computers, and video games.

I saw the financial breakdown from Col. Massengill and how the top game wardens are now driving 4 door sedans instead of SUV's to help save money. Nobody goes on trips and nobody does anything that will cause an audit. They have really tightened their belts and are just trying to do their best with what limited funding they have.

I saw the deep concern on the face of Col. Massengill and how the VDGIF is still reeling from the negative press and the after affects of the safari.

Anyway, there is still way too much to write, so I guess it is safe to say, watch for the articles in the newspapers! I had a great meeting with Col. Massengilleven though we don't have Sunday hunting, and now have a $5 license fee increase. I know it's a pain you can't hunt on Sunday, but imagine not being able to hunt at all, due to lack of funds, lack of land, and a total shutdown of the VDGIF!

I know this sounds like I took a complete 180 degree turn, but, I guess you just have to see it for yourself, see the facts in person, and see just how badly hurt and financially strapped the VDGIF is. Col. Massengill said that he has an open door policy, so if you want to take a trip to Broad St. in Richmond, call up the VDGIF and talk to Col. Massengill yourself. He's really is a great guy to meet in person.

Butch A.

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

Good to see that they are finally trying to get kids more involved in the outdoors! I just hope thattheir timingis not too late!

RE: VA License Increase/Sunday Hunting Update
 

yawnnnnnnnnnn. they will dangle this issue in front of our faces every year. it doesnt change the fact that noones gonna stop hunting if they done allow it and the prices of licenses are not going to suffer either. so like always every year we will have this discussion until the older politicians and antis die off. then we may get our wish. and just a little fyi i talked to the guys that come out to our farm from the vdgif and they told me the increases were a direct result from how many more archery tags were sold last year because of the crossbow hunting being legal and the state saw an oppertunity to make more money. they also said that if numbers hadnt jumped like they did then they were going to outlaw crossbows again so i guess the crossbow law was a test to saee how much intrest and money would come about from it and from the looks of things id say it was a success for the state and now we have to deal with it. oh well its a commonwealth state. they are common as hell and out for our wealth.