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Post by johnrockwood on Jun 7, 2016 5:46:17 GMT -5
Folks, here's the kind of publicity we get when the wrong people start going to the Legislature to try to circumvent the efforts of the Executive Director of NYSTA. The following article appeared in one of the Syracuse newspapers recently.
Coyotes Wildlife, like this coyote, would be threatened by proposed state legislation allowing "live cable restraint" traps. (Photo by JP Bonnelly, courtesy of Humane Society of the United States. )
Print Email Special to syracuse.com By Special to syracuse.com on May 31, 2016 at 6:30 AM, updated May 31, 2016 at 6:34 AM
Brian Shapiro is New York state director of The Humane Society of the United States.
By Brian Shapiro
In New York state, we've been blessed with an abundant diversity of natural wildlife to interact with, enjoy and marvel at. Our parks, trails and even suburban backyards serve as sanctuaries filled with a vibrant collection of some of the planet's most wonderful creatures. Gov. Andrew Cuomo agrees, stating "The protection and improvement of our natural environment is more than just an investment in the quality of life for all our citizens; it benefits local economies in all corners of the state."
However, there's troubling legislation in Albany this session, posing a significant threat to wildlife and even our beloved family pets. Despite banning inhumane snare traps many decades ago, the state Legislature is considering an ill-conceived bill (A9462a/S2953c) that would legalize their widespread use. If passed, snares will be set in nearly every county in the state. This has gone mostly unnoticed by state residents, county officials and most lawmakers.
By shrewdly relabeling these devices as "live cable restraints," proponents use false semantics in an attempt to convince the public that these are not the grisly devices the word "snare" implies. They most certainly are. When an animal steps into the snare, a loop of thin, metal aircraft cable closes around the neck, tightening as the animal frantically struggles to escape and loosening only when the animal loses consciousness or collapses from exhaustion. Once the animal rallies, this terrible cycle repeats. The animal will often thrash around, causing deep lacerations in its neck or even a sordid death by hanging or suffocation should the lock become jammed.
Trapped animals can suffer for hours or even days since state trapping regulations only require that snares be checked once every 24 hours, or up to 48 hours in some parts of the state. A trapper may use any means to kill a snared animal — including bludgeoning, drowning and suffocation. If the trapper releases the animal or it escapes, the result may be prolonged suffering from injuries sustained while ensnared or even starvation, due to a compromised state and reduced ability to forage for food. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators, including many in Onondaga County, have seen the devastating effects that snare traps inflict upon wildlife.
It's not far-fetched to compare these snares to land mines, known for causing incalculable harm to "non-target" victims. Snares are inexpensive, lightweight devices set in high numbers and often forgotten. They will capture any animal of the right height with the misfortune of passing through them. Endangered species, eagles, owls, bobcats and even family pets can and will be caught.
This legislation also transfers authority over the use of snares from duly elected legislators to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, a regulatory agency not directly accountable to the voting public.
During my tenure as the executive director of an Upstate animal shelter, and former chair of the Ulster County Environmental Committee, I've witnessed the pain and damage that trapping inflicts upon wildlife and companion animals. Should this bill pass, we'll see exponential suffering as a result of our natural landscape being littered with these neck snare devices, not to mention an increased burden placed on wildlife rehabilitators and shelters that will have to care for the inevitable influx of injured animals.
There is no justification to pass this bill and it's a misnomer to refer to these wire cables as being a "humane" snare. There is no such thing. Our elected officials did the right thing last year when they soundly defeated this bill in the state assembly and they should definitely do so again this session.
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Post by whartonrattrapper on Jun 7, 2016 8:11:45 GMT -5
Folks, here's the kind of publicity we get when the wrong people start going to the Legislature to try to circumvent the efforts of the Executive Director of NYSTA. The following article appeared in one of the Syracuse newspapers recently. John, Did you think he would get in line with NYSTA? Or am I missing something?
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Post by peltseeker on Jun 7, 2016 13:37:22 GMT -5
Hmmmm did a state wide AP response go out from nysta Or was the hope to sneak it through before the animal activists get misinformed once again as nysta hides in the shadows fingers crossed??? I for one am not an advocate for CR use and only support its passage for those that wish to use them as i will not... I feel that their use will be detrimental to trapping as a whole and in the long run we will loose more than gain from their inclusion in the regulations... With all the positive light shed on trapping these days from discovery history and national geographic channels you would think that nysta would jump at the chance to rebut the artcle state wide rather than an awww shucks......
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Zagman
#2 Newhouse
Posts: 2,186
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Post by Zagman on Jun 7, 2016 18:30:32 GMT -5
I was contacted by the local county clubs representative about this article (it was online before it was in Sunday's paper) I was asked to give a written response. I think no matter WHO started this bill, it would get a similar response from this type of guy. Not siding with anyone, I just don't think that's the issue right now. This issue is: do we respond in kind, and if so, WHO?
MZ
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wcs
Posts: 1,159
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Post by wcs on Jun 7, 2016 19:04:53 GMT -5
Folks, here's the kind of publicity we get when the wrong people start going to the Legislature to try to circumvent the efforts of the Executive Director of NYSTA. The following article appeared in one of the Syracuse newspapers recently.
Really? Some idiot writes an editorial filled with lies and misinformation and it's the fault of WHO exactly? I guess everyone should just shut up and pay your dues........no wonder
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Post by walleyed on Jun 7, 2016 19:26:57 GMT -5
This is just MORE Fall-Out From The NYSCC and The Loose Cannon Chairman of It's One-Man Fictitious "Fur Resources Committee" together with NYSTA's UNILATERAL RENEGADE President Eduardo Hogan.
Don't Blame The NYSTA Board Of Director's, NYSTA County Representatives, NYSTA Affiliated Trapping Clubs, or The NYSTA Rank & File General Membership for this Public Relations Fiasco.
No Sir,
The Blame for this one rests at the feet of just TWO Shameless Individuals.
All In My Humble Opinion, Of Course.
w"
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Post by ellwood on Jun 7, 2016 19:56:10 GMT -5
Responding to the article is nothing more than acknowledging that the anti stance has a valid argument.
The effort should be on the positive of the bill, and getting it passed.
Zagman points out an extremely valid point. We need to be organized, united and ONE voice.
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Post by bill1960 on Jun 7, 2016 21:22:14 GMT -5
This is just MORE Fall-Out From The NYSCC and The Loose Cannon Chairman of It's One-Man Fictitious "Fur Resources Committee" together with NYSTA's UNILATERAL RENEGADE President Eduardo Hogan. Don't Blame The NYSTA Board Of Director's, NYSTA County Representatives, NYSTA Affiliated Trapping Clubs, or The NYSTA Rank & File General Membership for this Public Relations Fiasco. No Sir, The Blame for this one rests at the feet of just TWO Shameless Individuals. w" Awesome Job Walleyed
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Post by Dave Morse on Jun 8, 2016 5:00:13 GMT -5
I'm still confused, how does the article in the paper have anything to do with who proposed the bill? Maybe we could invite the author of the article to one of our events and perhaps he will write another article that shows the CR,S in a positive light. Was our president elected or appointed? If the other guy had proposed the bill how would that have prevented the article for making the paper? Perhaps I could understand if I read it on Facebook or the (Official) nysta site.
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Post by rufus on Jun 8, 2016 5:54:45 GMT -5
It's our American culture to blame someone for anything that happens that we don't like. But what it really comes down to is to look in the mirror and start the blame their. As Trappers we like to fly under the radar, get in and out with no one noticing what we are doing. Partly because we don't want to loose traps, or don't want the competition to know where we are etc.
But the sad fact is as trappers we are loosing, because 80% of America does not really care about wildlife or what we do. 10% support us and 10% will do whatever it takes to stop us. The 10% opposed to our way of life is constantly pushing their propaganda to the 80%. All the while we try to exist and just be left alone. When it comes time for a vote or a thought on trapping the 80% have only heard what the HSUS has put in front of them. They have no reason to side with us because we have never given another prospective. Oh sure we publish things in trapping venues or sporting magazines, but the 80% doesn't read those.
We need to give the 80% of America a reason to support us and so far we have done a dismal job of doing that. Keep in mind its not that 80% of America is indifferent about animals. Animals just don't figure into their daily lives, but they certainly don't support inhumane treatment of them. And they don't understand wildlife management, so its up to us the individual to educate them. NYSTA certainly has a role but we as trappers have a duty beyond Membership. And Remember the battle is educating the 80%.
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MF
Posts: 106
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Post by MF on Jun 8, 2016 6:08:04 GMT -5
Perhaps I could understand if I read it on Facebook or the (Official) nysta site. Please expand a bit on your last sentence. Read what on Facebook or the NYSTA site?
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Post by E.Reynolds on Jun 8, 2016 6:43:10 GMT -5
This is just MORE Fall-Out From The NYSCC and The Loose Cannon Chairman of It's One-Man Fictitious "Fur Resources Committee" together with NYSTA's UNILATERAL RENEGADE President Eduardo Hogan. Don't Blame The NYSTA Board Of Director's, NYSTA County Representatives, NYSTA Affiliated Trapping Clubs, or The NYSTA Rank & File General Membership for this Public Relations Fiasco. No Sir, The Blame for this one rests at the feet of just TWO Shameless Individuals. w" And those two should be banned from anything sportsman related in NYS, marked as anti and treated as such.
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Post by whartonrattrapper on Jun 8, 2016 7:27:40 GMT -5
Folks, here's the kind of publicity we get when the wrong people start going to the Legislature to try to circumvent the efforts of the Executive Director of NYSTA. The following article appeared in one of the Syracuse newspapers recently. John, Did you think he would get in line with NYSTA? Or am I missing something? This must be the wrong place to ask a question....so I'll ask another one, or two. How did ED Hogan become NYSTA president? What are the NYSTA president's responsibilities? Is the Executive Director the lead on all legislative matters? And lastly is there some kind of power struggle going on in NYSTA? Just wanting to be an informed member...even if I've been secretly wishing I'd have taken the $25 bucks and bought a couple Duke 330's......
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Post by trappermac on Jun 8, 2016 7:50:14 GMT -5
And lastly is there some kind of power struggle going on in NYSTA? That's the way it seems, looks like nothing but discord within the ranks of the NYSTA. Instead of focusing on how to rebut the spew issued by the author of the article, we're pointing fingers, blame, innuendos, etc. And nobody has the balls to call anyone out or inform the members..... who just want to know what the problem is and what is being done about it. Makes the organization look weak. If there is a problem, fix it. Failing to do so is a slap in the face to dues paying members and certainly will prevent new or sustaining membership. Zagger brought up the real issue here, what and who should rebut the article. My question is.....who in the NYSTA is going to lead the way?
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Post by peltseeker on Jun 8, 2016 8:11:19 GMT -5
Rufus i agree ...... I believe that the general population of this state and every other for that matter is clueless to todays trapper or that trapping is done by everyday men and women across America... We are the one percenters only in a different venue.. As i mentioned before the positive light shown on tv now is very good for us and i have personally seen an interest generated from shows like mountain men and life below zero and even swamp people that depict trapping as a way of life and a more natural way of living. Many groups go out and educate and solicit new members continually day in day out in many different ways... articles ads events all generated and pointed to educating the public about who they are and what it is they stand for.... Where would the NRA be today if they didnt do these things everyday??? Yet trapping remains this secretive dark pastime that you cant tell people you participate in for fear of attracting the scoff of the other one percenters ... The anti's... The only membership drive is at trapping events where those that attend are already members because low and behold thats how they found the event in the first place...so the circle remains small and membership remains low and one article from one misinformed individual has a greater effect because trapping remains hidden in the shadows....
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tmc
#2 Newhouse
Posts: 2,447
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Post by tmc on Jun 8, 2016 8:22:42 GMT -5
It's a coordinated effort. Sadly, far more coordinated than ours.
In our local paper Saturday, June 4 there was also a letter to the editor from a local woman associated with PETA, the inhumane society, et al wherein she writes about the horrific possibilities awaiting all of God's creatures - including us and our pets - if NY is allowed to misguidedly "legalize >gasp!!!< snare traps."
"...Animals caught in these snares are often so frantic that they throw themselves over branches or fences, causing them to hang to death. Even if the animal 'relaxes' due to sheer exhaustion from fighting the snare, the same excruciating cycle will repeat over and over again. This can go on for hours or days, as trappers only need to check snares once every 24 hours, or once every 48 hours in some areas..."
It's lengthy and is just as deplorably inaccurate - nay, deliberately misleading - throughout the rest of the "opinion piece." Skewed toward an agenda, playing on the emotions, forcing an amygdala hijack of what should be a rational response from the general public reading the propaganda. They know what they're doing. And they're very, very good at it. They always have been.
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Post by nightstalker1 on Jun 8, 2016 16:43:07 GMT -5
I'll give ex-president John Rockwood credit......when this sort of thing popped up during his term, he would always post here to inform the members of this site and the NYSTA of his views, opinions and actions.
Our new president remains silent...
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Post by trappermac on Jun 8, 2016 17:46:17 GMT -5
I'll give ex-president John Rockwood credit......when this sort of thing popped up during his term, he would always post here to inform the members of this site and the NYSTA of his views, opinions and actions. Our new president remains silent... 100% in agreement. I thought part of the new Pres's agenda was better communication??
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Post by bill1960 on Jun 8, 2016 18:54:51 GMT -5
John, Did you think he would get in line with NYSTA? Or am I missing something? This must be the wrong place to ask a question....so I'll ask another one, or two. How did ED Hogan become NYSTA president? What are the NYSTA president's responsibilities? Is the Executive Director the lead on all legislative matters? And lastly is there some kind of power struggle going on in NYSTA? Just wanting to be an informed member...even if I've been secretly wishing I'd have taken the $25 bucks and bought a couple Duke 330's...... whartonrattrapper If you are a member of NYSTA you can go on the web site and find out all that you ask by reading the bylaws and the minutes for the past meetings
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Post by bill1960 on Jun 8, 2016 19:05:21 GMT -5
Rufus i agree ...... I believe that the general population of this state and every other for that matter is clueless to todays trapper or that trapping is done by everyday men and women across America... We are the one percenters only in a different venue.. As i mentioned before the positive light shown on tv now is very good for us and i have personally seen an interest generated from shows like mountain men and life below zero and even swamp people that depict trapping as a way of life and a more natural way of living. Many groups go out and educate and solicit new members continually day in day out in many different ways... articles ads events all generated and pointed to educating the public about who they are and what it is they stand for.... Where would the NRA be today if they didnt do these things everyday??? Yet trapping remains this secretive dark pastime that you cant tell people you participate in for fear of attracting the scoff of the other one percenters ... The anti's... The only membership drive is at trapping events where those that attend are already members because low and behold thats how they found the event in the first place...so the circle remains small and membership remains low and one article from one misinformed individual has a greater effect because trapping remains hidden in the shadows.... PELTSEEKER Start coming to NYSTA meetings and tell the board how they should be educating the public and how to do it and what they should be doing for membership drives. they sure could use someone of your experience to help out with this
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Post by REDNECK on Jun 9, 2016 11:24:05 GMT -5
I don't post much as for I put my foot in my mouth last Time I did but as a Member of the nysta I am lost on a lot that Is going on in the organization I blame my self do to I can't make it to any of the meeting do to I live to far away and no time so I read all I can on other sights about what's going on in ny about trapping laws .conflicts and so on but I still pay my membership every year and hope this issue gets resolved and our president will post more and give some of his insight as a president and pop in on events an speek to the members on how we all feel on issues not bashing any one just reading a lot of post saying the same things ...red
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Post by bobsamuelson on Jun 11, 2016 11:10:31 GMT -5
In response to a couple of things:
The president of NYSTA is voted on, by ballot, that is mailed to all current members at the time of the election. That being said, the last election received very little response from membership! Hopefully, the new website will facilitate better communication throughout NYSTA, from the BOD to the membership!
We have been trying to get email address for a while now. The importance of using emails when we need to communicate with the membership is highlited with this issue! If someone doesn't see anything on this forum, it may be too late to respond! If we had email addresses we could address these type of situations in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks! Just saying...
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Post by whartonrattrapper on Jun 13, 2016 7:08:47 GMT -5
In response to a couple of things: The president of NYSTA is voted on, by ballot, that is mailed to all current members at the time of the election. That being said, the last election received very little response from membership! Hopefully, the new website will facilitate better communication throughout NYSTA, from the BOD to the membership! We have been trying to get email address for a while now. The importance of using emails when we need to communicate with the membership is highlited with this issue! If someone doesn't see anything on this forum, it may be too late to respond! If we had email addresses we could address these type of situations in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks! Just saying... Thanks for your response Bob. I have never received a ballot for any NYSTA elections. No wonder there was little response.
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Post by slyfox74 on Jun 16, 2016 11:26:27 GMT -5
It's our American culture to blame someone for anything that happens that we don't like. But what it really comes down to is to look in the mirror and start the blame their. As Trappers we like to fly under the radar, get in and out with no one noticing what we are doing. Partly because we don't want to loose traps, or don't want the competition to know where we are etc. But the sad fact is as trappers we are loosing, because 80% of America does not really care about wildlife or what we do. 10% support us and 10% will do whatever it takes to stop us. The 10% opposed to our way of life is constantly pushing their propaganda to the 80%. All the while we try to exist and just be left alone. When it comes time for a vote or a thought on trapping the 80% have only heard what the HSUS has put in front of them. They have no reason to side with us because we have never given another prospective. Oh sure we publish things in trapping venues or sporting magazines, but the 80% doesn't read those. We need to give the 80% of America a reason to support us and so far we have done a dismal job of doing that. Keep in mind its not that 80% of America is indifferent about animals. Animals just don't figure into their daily lives, but they certainly don't support inhumane treatment of them. And they don't understand wildlife management, so its up to us the individual to educate them. NYSTA certainly has a role but we as trappers have a duty beyond Membership. And Remember the battle is educating the 80%. I think everyone should read this again . This is exactly the truth. I have been saying this for quite a while. We as trappers very much need to educate the mainstream people as to the benefits and merits of our craft. The 10% that are anti, have tons of resources and piles of money with which to spread their opinions to the unknowledgeable 80%. We as trappers, need a mainstream advertising campaign that is pro fur, and pro trapping. Shedding a good light on what we do, why we do it, and more importantly, why we SHOULD do it. NYSTA, together with the NTA, should hire a PR firm, and an advertising agency and get to work answering some of these misconceptions that have been spread about us and our craft.
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Post by peltseeker on Jun 16, 2016 19:53:06 GMT -5
Well said sly !!!!!!!
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