NEW: N. Dakota Fenced Hunting Initiative Turns In Incomplete Petitions

by Tom Remington on August 12, 2008

According to North Dakota Secretary of State, Al Jaeger, the list of signatures on petitions handed in to him by the North Dakota Hunters for Fair Chase, was incomplete. Although NDHFC thought they had enough signatures to make the November 2008 ballot, Jaeger had to disqualify 164 signatures because they were contained on incomplete petitions.

North Dakota law requires each set of petitions to contain specific details to be considered as legal. Some of the petitions where missing pages, particularly one that was missing a list of the sponsoring committee’s names.

According to information I have received, North Dakota Hunters for Fair Chase have until August 27, 2008 to correct the problems and add more signatures. If this is completed by that date, an initiative could be allowed on the 2010 ballot.

The North Dakota Hunters for Fair Chase are attempting to pass a law that would ban all elk ranches which would include hunting preserves.

 

Lawmakers say bill has no chance of passing

 

By Matt Christensen
Times-News writer

www.magicvalley.com

 

"Wolves may be the hot wildlife issue this winter, but the battle over domestic elk farms is still smoldering.

Legislators have reintroduced a bill this session (SB-1313), similar to a proposal that died last year, to ban new domestic elk farms and close so-called shooter operations -- private elk farms where hunters who pay thousands can stalk trophy-size elk within an enclosure.

Lawmakers say the bill has no chance again this year but have drafted it again as a political statement.

"Here's the thing about it," said Assistant Minority Leader David Langhorst, "I filed the bill just so it would get printed. I don't want to go through the same fight as last year. I just want to keep this issue alive."

Critics of domestic elk operations, which include Democrats in the Legislature, allege the farms threaten to spread disease to wild elk herds should domestics escape."

 

 One statement shouldn't shut down elk industry

"Once again, elk and deer farmers in Idaho find themselves in a position where their very livelihood is being threatenedby agenda-driven politicians. State Sen. David Langhorst, D-Boise, has introduced legislation (SB-1313) to essentially ban new domestic elk farms and close existing privately-owned elk hunting ranches.

It appears doubtful SB-1313 will pass. In fact, Sen. Langhorst says he is introducing the bill essentially to make a statement. But just exactly what kind of statement is he making? The families who depend on their ranches to make a living can hardly find comfort in the fact that their future financial well-being hangs in the balance simply because an Idaho Democrat wants to make a political statement. Families who have purchased land and converted it into ranches have put their financial livelihood on the line to build a future for themselves and their families. And yet, in one fell swoop their businesses could be permanently closed simply because one lawmaker does not like what they do. Does Sen. Langhorst have a plan to help employees at these ranches? What about the children of these ranchers? Who is going to feed and clothe them, or pay for their college education? What about their property which will now be rendered worthless? Is there anything in the works for taxpayers to compensate these ranchers for the fair market value of their land?
Of course not.

Real people with real lives will be affected by this legislation. Future investors in the Idaho economy will be denied the opportunity to open new elk farms if this legislation were to become law. We all need to stand guard and make sure one lawmakers' political statement does not become the vehicle to shut down an entire industry."

-SHAWN SCHAFER

Spinning Animal Disease for Political Gain - Black Bear Blog

The Outdoorsman

Idaho: Game, Fish Programs Cut to Fund Nongame By George Dovel

http://www.theoutdoorsmanid.blogspot.com/

Black Bear Blog- 12/18/07 By Tom Remmington

No Excuses For Being A Hunter

Below is a comment left on the Blog Critic after an article there written by Bill George, Jr. called, “Canned Hunting Needs to Stop”.

Duane, I wouldn’t typically rise to the challenge you’ve tossed out here, but I’m kinda bored. You’re falling into a real old rhetorical trap here. You counter ever potential argument before it can be made, tipping your own hand and negating the value of discussion. Sorta removes the incentive for response.

But I’ll do it anyway, so first things first…

It really IS as simple as, “if you don’t like it, don’t do it.”........ P

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND READ THIS ENTIRE ARTICLE!

 

 

Black Bear Blog- 5/1/07 By Tom Remmington

Visit this copy (pdf) of a story written in The New American. In the magazine there are actually two stories. One is the story about the elk escaping the Chief Joseph Ranch as told by the author Dennis Behreandt. The second part is a short piece written by Dr. Rammell himself.

Some of the pictures I will leave without a caption so you can make your own.

The story written by Dennis Behreandt, the overall content of the story is true. There are some specific parts that probably at the time the story was written were thought to be accurate but have proven not to be. It doesn’t change the events that took place during the slaughter of the elk.

If pictures could talk I think some of these would tell us much.

Caption from New American magazine: Heavily armed: Idaho Fish and Game officer checks his military-style assault rifle while hunting for elk that escaped from the Chief Joseph Idaho ranch. According to rancher Rex Rammell, the officer had just killed four of his elk right outside the pen being used to recapture the animals.

This image certainly paints a thousand words. This shows both arrogance and ignorance combined with the lack of respect for a dead animal. I know of no hunter who would do that after a kill. If Idaho Fish and Game was intending to send a message, they certainly did.

As I have already heard one reader say, there’s only one thing more intimidating than having a law enforcement officer, wearing sunglasses and pointing a finger in your face. And that’s being surrounded by the same.

For those of you who continue to ask me why game wardens are universally disliked, here’s one good reason.

Reader's Opinion- 4/23/07

Story published at Times News, Twin Falls, Idaho (magicvalley.com)

 

Elk farm restrictions were based on myths, fears

 

In response to the latest editorial regarding Idaho's domestic elk industry, I would like to set the record straight. Referring as "failure" that the Legislature chose not to add more burdens on a legitimate, fledgling agricultural pursuit is an interesting spin.
   The Legislature looks at the facts/truth related to a specific issue when making its decisions. Initiatives are not always handled in the same manner. When the opposition's outright lies and misinformation fail to convince legislators, they are then used to deceive the general public by creating false fears and opinions. Knowledge is power, and when we do not educate the public accurately and honestly on an issue, uninformed and uneducated decisions are made that may negatively affect the livelihoods of fellow Idahoans.
   Equally interesting is the opposition continues to refer to the eastern Idaho domestic elk escape as some sort of "natural disaster." The majority of the hype surrounding that incident was created by the same groups that are now trying to destroy this industry. This misinformation resulted in more than 43 privately owned livestock being slaughtered by Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers. These animals were all found to be free of chronic wasting disease, tuberculosis and brucellosis; and contrary to what the opposition states, all animals were found to be pure elk, not red deer hybrids.–
   The issue of ethics and fair chase is questioned in regard to elk hunting ranches, so one may ask, "what is fair chase?" There is no "correct" answer. The definition of fair chase is in the eye of the beholder. If one begins to question the ethics of this type of hunting, then using blinds, scents, camouflage, etc., in the pursuit of game could also come under fire. There is no law that says you have to use the above methods in hunting, and there are no laws that state that you have to hunt on a private hunting ranch either. If we begin to attack one type of hunting, then all hunting is at risk.–
   The Idaho Sportsmen Caucus Advisory Council claims to represent thousands of Idaho sportsmen against elk ranching. In January, ISCAC joined efforts with animal rights groups protesting elk ranching at the Capitol. Despite their misinformation campaign, a mere 100 attended. The anti-wolf rally had at least 300 to 400 people attend. On the subject of wolves, many of the same people who are slandering the health-certified domestic elk industry were behind the re-introduction of Canadian (non-native) wolves to Idaho, such as David Langhorst. They want you to believe that wolves have had no significant impact on Idaho's big game either. Once again, the misinformation campaign continues.
   SB-1074 would have required the licensing of livestock. If we were to license one form of livestock, we would be opening the door to license all livestock in the state.
   It is within our right in Idaho to raise privately owned domestic elk. A license turns ownership into a revocable privilege. Therefore, by domestic elk ranchers supporting such a vague bill, we would be compromising not only our private property rights and our right to the free enterprise system but the rights of all Idaho livestock owners.
   In conclusion, SB-1074 failed because it was ultimately masterminded by the same people who initiated the livestock slaughter campaign in regard to the eastern Idaho escape. SB-1074 was very broad with too much gray area, adding unnecessary regulations to an industry already heavily regulated by both domestic elk and livestock statutes. We have proven time and time again that our domestic elk are not a threat to Idaho's wild elk.

Kristy Sternes of Emmett is an Idaho elk rancher and president of Idaho Elk Breeders Association.

 

Radio Interview- 4/07

http://www.eastidahonews.com/nls/audio/podcasts/Thursday04192007.mp3

 

Ethics and fair chase

These were terms the animal-rights’ organization Humane Society of the United States used in 1996 to attempt to end most black bear-hunting methods in Idaho. Sportsmen, however, were united, successfully convincing the public to defeat Idaho’s first animal-rights’ initiative.

Those opposed to the initiative, like Don Clower, saw it as a “divide and conquer” attempt by activists to “peck away at us, one little group at a time.”

Isn’t it ironic that some hunters are using the same terms and tactics to attempt to end elk ranching and domestic bull-hunting operations?

The Idaho Sportsman’s Caucus Advisory Council, a critic of elk ranching and domestic bull hunting marched at the Idaho State Capitol Jan. 16 with members of HSUS to celebrate “Camo Day.” The Council is promising to sponsor an initiative in 2008, also supported by HSUS.

Does anyone else see something wrong with a hunting-advisory organization being on the same side of an issue with an animal-rights’ group that seeks to ban all sport hunting?

When Rex Rammell’s elk escaped last year, critics claimed his and other domestic elk could spread disease to wild herds. When elk ranchers debunked this theory with solid data, critics then said they were against elk ranching and domestic bull-hunting operations because of its “image.”

When you remove emotions, the elk debate isn’t about disease or hunting methods. It is about private property rights. Domestic elk do not belong to Idaho’s sportsmen any more than your neighbor’s cattle belong to you. Like cattle, domestic elk are born, fed and harvested behind a fence. Unlike cattle, when domestic elk escape it makes national news.

Who determines what is “ethical” or what constitutes “fair chase?” What is considered ethical to some people, such as trapping or hunting, may be unacceptable to others. While hunting with hounds may be acceptable to some, others may view it as not being “fair chase.”

Once someone opens up a public debate on the “ethics” or “fair chase” of a hunting method, all other hunting activities are open to the same debate. While some hunters are content “sacrificing” elk ranching and domestic bull hunting in an attempt to save their particular hunting method, to whom will these same hunters turn to for help when the animal-rights’ groups come after their sport?

When looking at the big picture, hunters who are willing to sacrifice someone else’s activity to try to save their own will be sealing the fate of hunting as we know it today in Idaho. Activists will have confirmation that “divide and conquer” works, and hunters will see a wave of further attempts to eliminate additional hunting methods through both legislation and through the citizens’ initiative process.

Erik A. Simpson

 

Idaho Elk Breeders Response to Wyoming's Governor telling Idaho how to tend to their gardens

(Letter to the Editor of The Idaho Statesman)

There they go again.  The F&G and their radical left partners like The Wildlife Federation are once again spewing their familiar lies and misinformation concerning Idaho Elk Ranches. They apparently think that if they tell their lies often enough, that our public will begin to believe them.  Apparently the Democratic Governor of Wyoming wrote Governor Risch a letter requesting he ban all domestic elk ranching in our state, for fear of the spread of disease from domestic elk to WILD elk.  Maybe Governor Risch should respond asking what Wyoming's Governor plans to do about his disease infected WILD Elk and Bison who roam freely throughout Yellowstone?  Infecting numerous cattle ranches in Idaho, and possibly spreading disease to our Idaho WILD elk?  Wyoming doesn't even allow domesticated elk ranches, haven't for 30 years, thus it is apparent that their WILD elk were not infected by our Domesticated stock, now is it?  Wyoming has confirmed cases of Brucellosis and CWD in their WILD herds. Domestic Elk Ranches in Idaho have tested thousands of elk for such diseases, and have not found 1 positive case, NOT ONE! 

 

 Idaho will become infected by Wyoming's migrating herds which will cross into Idaho over the border, not from health certified domestic herds!  Because of the diligent testing and preventative measures taken by the ISDA and it's Elk Ranchers, it is nearly impossible for domestic elk to spread disease to WILD elk.  Idahoans should rest assured that their Domestic Elk Program is NOT the cause of diseases amongst WILD elk. 

 

-Roy Sternes, Emmett

 

 

Black Bear Blog- 4/14/07

Idaho Elk Ranching Faces War Of Words And False Accusations

 

Black Bear Blog- 2/18/07

Judy Boyle: Domestic Elk Ranches Are A Legitimate Enterprise

 

Black Bear Blog- 1/23/07

Another case of "Do as I say, not as I do"

http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/?p=1543

 

Black Bear Blog- 1/22/07

More twists and turns than an F5 tornado

http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/?p=1542

 

Black Bear Blog- 1/22/07

Oregon jumps in bed with HSUS

http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/?p=1540

 

Black Bear Blog- 1/18/07

Idaho Sportsman's Caucus Advisory Council needs to come out of the closet

http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/?p=1532

 

Black Bear Blog- 10/27/06

High-Fence Hunting