This legislative session a bill was introduced to push back the gray squirrel season start in New Hampshire from September 1st to September 15th. This was done for nursing gray squirrel mothers to have more time with their dependent young before hunting season began. A kind thing to do.
Not only did the initial committee vote go against pushing back the season start date to help dependent gray squirrel young, but Representative Tim Lang (R) of Sanbornton introduced an amendment to have an OPEN SEASON, 365 DAYS OF GRAY SQUIRREL SLAUGHTER! This heartless 'Lang Amendment' passed out of committee.
It is outrageous that with high public support to want to help mother gray squirrels and their babies, Representative Lang did a sneaky amendment in order to help his friends, Representative Howard Pearl and Representative Jim Spillane, fulfill their wishes of an open season on squirrels instead. If this becomes law, gray squirrels can be killed indiscriminately 365 days a year, producing wanton waste and lead in the environment. Also, unsafe conditions for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts if there is year round hunting and shooting of gray squirrels. People just for kicks would be able to shoot up squirrels all year and toss their lifeless bodies.
We can still stop this as there are several steps before this could get to the Governor's desk, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO STOP THIS!
Please sign and share this petition so we have the numbers to show that the majority of the public does not want year round gray squirrel slaughter!!!
Update #12 years ago
A public hearing date is set for Tues, April 19th at 9:50 am in the NH Senate. If this passes to the Governor, there will be year round killing of gray squirrels including the mothers and babies. PLEASE if you are from NH you can sign in OPPOSED at this link http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/remotecommittee/senate.aspx
Go to April 19th, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, HB 1356 OPPOSED
Also, send an email to the committee if you have testimony and maybe attend the hearing.
