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Mr. Price:

Thanks for your input. Please know that I do recognize the importance of outdoorsmen to our heritage and our economy. Without attempting to engage you in a running debate, know that I appreciate your comments as they relate to public lands. Just remember that my original statement mentioned the multiple uses of both public and private lands.
I do attempt to thoroughly research any issue. In fact, I asked a constituent today who does some lobbying on hunting issues for his input. I would be interested in VDGIF's take on your Wednesday suggestion as well. I'll look for that opportunity in the coming days and weeks. Thank you.

Ed Scott
----- Original Message -----
From: Price, Martin
To: 'Delegate-Elect Ed Scott'
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 11:03 AM
Subject: RE: Sunday hunting


Mr.. Scott,

there are a few things I would like to point out, you stated "I would be interested in hearing from interested constituents on both sides of the issue and from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as it would impact their work." In reality Sunday hunting would have no impact on their work load, as a matter of fact it would make their job easier, as the law stands today they have to devote Game Wardens on Sundays simply to enforce the ban, with the ban lifted that burden on the game wardens would be lifted also.

You mention "that much of Virginia's private and public lands are used for multiple recreational purposes." Who provides the majority of funds used to maintain and purchase the public lands that hunting is allowed on? We both know it is outdoorsmen that provide these funds through the purchase of hunting and fishing license along with additional taxes put on hunting and fishing merchandise. I can assure you that if you compared the number of non-hunting/fishing people who use the public land that is financed by outdoorsman to the number of outdoorsman who use it, you will find that the outdoorsman who pay for this land and its upkeep far surpasses the number of non-hunting/fishing people.

If the non-paying non-hunting/fishing people, feel it is important to have a day a week without hunting to allow them to use the property that outdoorsman provide them, why not change that day to Wednesday. This would be beneficial to Va. businesses and outdoorsman and still give the non-paying individuals their time on the properties provided to them by outdoorsman.

I would like to thank you for replying the first time to my concerns and would hope that you can see an outdoorsman's take on this issue. We pay for the majority of the upkeep of these properties and also the purchase of additional properties, why should we not be allowed to use what we paid for on the Sundays? Why should a very, very small minority of people who provide virtually no financial support for these properties dictate to those who do pay what days they can and can not hunt.

If you want to become the outdoorsman's hero why not sponsor a bill or referendum to switch the Sunday hunting ban to Wednesday? Give the VDGIF a call and ask them how many people buy hunting and fishing license every year. Think about the votes you could garner.

respectfully,

Martin Price



-----Original Message-----
From: Delegate-Elect Ed Scott [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 12:36 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Sunday hunting


Mr. Price:

Thank you for your inquiry about Sunday hunting. I recognize that this topic is important to a number of Virginians and have read a number of articles on the issue. Before making a final determination, I would be interested in hearing from interested constituents on both sides of the issue and from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as it would impact their work.
Hunting and fishing are an important part of our heritage as Americans and as Virginians. This is one reason why I look forward to joining the Virginia Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus that is being formed in the General Assembly.
Current policy does recognize religious tradition, but it also recognizes that much of Virginia's private and public lands are used for multiple recreational purposes. For those reasons, I am inclined to support current policy, but welcome your continued input on this issue as it does merit periodic review. Thank you for your inquiry.

Ed Scott
Delegate-Elect

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