Legislation To Ban Foot-hold Trap's

[SNAREMAN]

REP.WENKE district 063[kalamazoo]is introduceing legislation to ban the use of foot-hold trap's in mich.I am asking EVERONE to contact their rep.and let them know the sportsmen of this state will not VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD SUPPORT SUCH LEGISLATION!!!Even if you don't trap,please take a min.and send a letter/e-mail to your rep.They may be after trapping now,but BOWHUNTING,BEAR HUNTI[The trapper's NG,HUNTING WITH DOG'S ECT..WILL BE NEXT!!!You can find your rep. at www.house.mi.gov/find_a_rep.asp

It is house bill 4497. www.legislature.mi.gov/

[Critter]

Consider it done.

[VARMINTHUNTERLAKEORION]

Help put a Stop to this - Send and re-send letters to this guy and tell everyone that you know, and have them do the same with everyone to do the same thing and So On and So On. Even though it's something to do with Trapping - We "All" as Hunters and Sportsman of all types need to get involved - Who knows what may be next if this is allowed to become law.

[backstrap bill]

Done!

[QuakrTrakr]

What's the HR#? Give us a link to make it easy for EVERYONE to help. Details, Details.

[grandslam]

Hopefully we as sportmen and women can pull together on this one....unlike the dove hunting issue!

[SNAREMAN]

It is house bill 4497. www.legislature.mi.gov/ (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/)

[QuakrTrakr]

It is house bill 4497. www.legislature.mi.gov/ (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/)
Thanks! That make's it easier! FWIW!
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(52awl4ftm3enaw55popqihzp))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=2007-HB-4497
Let's get this ball rolling!

[Bow Hunter Brandon]

Here is a thread I stated with all the contact information of each rep involved in this thing.

Should make it easy for everyone.

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178046

[Bow Hunter Brandon]

PDF version of info found at www.midha.org/anti-trapping.pdf this has better links in it.
HTML Version of info found at www.midha.org/anti-trapping.htm this has better links is easier to use.

The following bill was introduced by Lorence Wenke.
HB-4497 was introduced and needs to be addressed right away before it even leaves committee. This is an Anti-Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Bill.

Please take the time to contact the sponsors of the bill listed below, your representative, and the Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee members.
Ask the sponsors to reconsider their anti-hunting, fishing, and trapping stance. Ask your representative to take your position into consideration and let the other members of the house know about it including the committee and sponsors and finally ask the committee members to unanimously reject this bill outright.

HOUSE BILL No. 4497
March 20, 2007, Introduced by Reps. Lorence Wenke, Steve Bieda, Alma Smith , Fran Amos, Paul Opsommer and Kim Meltzer and referred to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources.

A bill to amend 1994 PA 451, entitled

"Natural resources and environmental protection act,"

(MCL 324.101 to 324.90106) by adding section 40111b.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

SEC. 40111B. A PERSON SHALL NOT TAKE GAME USING A JAWED

LEGHOLD TRAP.

The Sponsors of the bill were.
Lorence Wenke. Republican Counties: Calhoun & Kalamazoo
E-mail Address: lorencewenke@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-9119
Phone: 517-373-1787
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0997 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Steve Bieda, Democrat Counties: Macomb
E-mail Address: stevebieda@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5906
Phone: 517-373-1772
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S0789 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Alma Smith, Democrat Counties: Washtenaw
E-mail Address: almasmith@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5797
Phone: 517-373-1771
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S0988 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Fran Amos, Republican Counties: Oakland
E-mail Address: franamos@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-7512
Phone: 517-373-0615
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0892 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Paul Opsommer, Republican Counties: Clinton & Gratiot
E-mail Address: paulopsommer@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5780
Phone: 517-373-1778
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N1197 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Kim Meltzer Republican Counties: Macomb
E-mail Address: kimmeltzer@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5974
Phone: 517-373-0820
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0797 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

If you live in any of the following counties: Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Washtenaw, Oakland, Clinton & Gratiot your representative needs to hear from you.
They are the ones that introduced this bill and are working to take away hunting, fishing, and trapping in this state.
You should call, email, fax and write. If you email, take the time to print out the letter and send it by U.S. Mail as well.

If you don’t live in these districts, please, still take the time to voice your displeasure with the introduction of this bill. Let them know you will be letting your representative know your feelings as well.

The Bill was introduced to the Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee.

Committee members are as follows and need to be contacted about HB-4497
Joel Sheltrown (D), Committee Chair, 103rd District Counties: Iosco, Missaukee, Ogemaw & Roscommon
E-mail Address:joelsheltrown@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5495
Phone: 517-373-3817
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S1387 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Kate Ebli (D), Majority Vice-Chair, 56th District Counties: Monroe
E-mail Address:KateEbli@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5782
Phone: 517-373-2617
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0990 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Terry L. Brown (D), 84th District Counties: Huron &Tuscola
E-mail Address:terrybrown@house.mi.gov
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S1188 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Ted Hammon (D), 50th District Counties: Genesee
E-mail Address: tedhammon@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5812
Phone: 517-373-3906
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0899 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Kathleen Law (D), 23rd District Counties: Wayne
E-mail Address: kathleenlaw@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5922
Phone: 517-373-0855
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S0787 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Steven Lindberg (D), 109th District Counties: Alger, Luce, Marquette & Schoolcraft
E-mail Address: stevenlindberg@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-9366
Phone: 517-373-0498
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S1488 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Mike Simpson (D), 65th District Counties: Eaton, Jackson & Lenawee
E-mail Address: mikesimpson@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5242
Phone: 517-373-1775
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0999 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Tom Casperson (R), Minority Vice-Chair, 108th District Counties: Delta Dickinson& Menominee
E-mail Address:
tomcasperson@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-9370
Phone: 517-373-0156
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S1487 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

Howard Walker (R), 104th District Counties: Grand Traverse & Kalkaska
E-mail Address: howardwalker@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-9420
Phone: 517-373-1766
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
S1388 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

John Stakoe (R), 44th District Counties: Oakland
E-mail Address: johnstakoe@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-5843
Phone: 517-373-2616
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N0893 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514


Kenneth B. Horn (R), 94th District Counties: Saginaw
E-mail Address: kennethhorn@house.mi.gov
Fax: 517-373-3589
Phone: 517-373-0837
Lansing Office Mailing Address:
N1198 House Office Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514

David Mead, Committee Clerk,
517-373-2013

These are the people that will be voting on this bill in committee. Each and every one of them needs to be contacted and be told of your opposition to the HB-4497.

If you live in the following Counties: Saginaw, Oakland, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Delta Dickinson, Menominee, Eaton, Jackson, Lenawee, Alger, Luce, Marquette, Schoolcraft, Wayne, Genesee, Huron, Tuscola, Monroe, : Iosco, Missaukee, Ogemaw, & Roscommon.
Your representative will be voting on this bill in committee. It’s especially important that you take the time to contact them. Call, fax, write and email. If you email take the time to print it first and send it in the mail as well.

If you don’t live in these districts please take the time to still contact each and every one of these committee members as well as your representative and let them know that you want this bill stopped quickly and unanimously in the committee.




Some facts that could be stated in your letter to these members of the committee:

Properly-sized foothold traps are simply restraint devices. They grip the animal by the foot (pads) and hold them until they are released or killed by the trapper. No bones are broken by the trap. Wildlife agencies including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources utilize foothold traps for capture and relocation of animals for stocking, because it is the most humane, non-injurious, least stressful tool available. Trapped animals do not fight or suffer. Many times the animals are found asleep or laying down when the trapper arrives.
There is no such thing as a "steel-jawed leghold trap". They are correctly called foothold traps or live-hold foot traps. These traps are designed to restrain an animal by the foot. Anti-trappers like to talk about animals getting their feet chopped off by a trap. Do you know what? It does not happen. Modern traps are designed to absolutely minimize the damage done to the trapped animal.
Did you know that wolves are trapped using foothold traps in the United States? That's right. Wildlife biologists in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho and numerous other states use the foothold trap to catch and relocate wolves to other areas where they are trying to re-establish populations of the predators.
Did you know that river otters are trapped using foothold traps in the United States? That's right. Otters have been trapped for relocation (very, very successfully I might add) in New York, Indiana, Missouri, Louisiana and a host of other states.
Did you know that pine martens and fishers are trapped for relocation using foothold traps in the United States? I think you can see where I am going with this.

Please take the time to write and call these people. All the information has been laid out for you to make it easy. Take a few minutes and do what you can. A phone call, email, fax or letter will send a clear message that hunting, fishing, and trapping are valued in Michigan and anti hunting, fishing, and trapping groups should take their fight somewhere else.

[QuakrTrakr]

I just Emailed Mike Avery. He's really good about addressing this type of stuff on his radio show.

[jackbob42]

Done.

[Ferris_StateHunter]

I sent my letters... But go figure, this bill is being pushed by reps from the southern third, two in which are from macomb county...

[QuakrTrakr]

I sent my letters... But go figure, this bill is being pushed by reps from the southern third, two in which are from macomb county...
I know! That's my problem! I have Kildee as a rep. He's about as bad as Conyer when it comes to guns/hunting/fishing. What can I do? Ask Levin? Stabenow? I don't think so. When is this state gonna wake up? :sad:

[Lindsey]

Who is the brains behind this bill? I know that my rep, Alma Smith, wouldn't think this up on her own.
What special interest group made the initial push to get this bill introduced?
What is the reason for this particular bill being introduced?
It's not enough to just defeat this bill. We need to know who really started this particular issue and why.
Thanks for your thoughts.

[deputy]

We warned you all about this with the dove bill......... and yet your suprised.

when will most of us learn to support whatever hunting or trapping the other is doing.

when will the dnr open there mouth in support of us (they want our money so bad at least they can say hey )when will major store chains support us and open there mouths(we buy the gear from them)

when will the hunters and trappers of michigan stand strong.... oh yeah never cause to many egos involved and there own agendas. for there own greed and cause.

[QuakrTrakr]

We need to stop this BEFORE it gets to a public vote. We all know what'll happen then. :rolleyes:
We need some trappers to write a response in this forum, so that us non-trappers can understand a little better so we can help.

[QuakrTrakr]

Letter sent.

[SgtSlaughter]

Sent my letter. There shouldn't be a single sportsman that is surprised by this.

[Fecus]

Hope this gives no insite to the evil reps who want to ban trapping but....

The law calls for the banning "STEEL JAW" traps. Now if the bill, god forbid, goes through just buy or get traps constructed from aluminium, composits, any non ferrous metal, ect.

[lang49]

We need to stop this BEFORE it gets to a public vote. We all know what'll happen then. :rolleyes:
We need some trappers to write a response in this forum, so that us non-trappers can understand a little better so we can help.

Everyone needs to know that foothold traps are a valuable wildlife management tool. In the Northern lower penninsula, Coyotes and raccoon together are the number 1 threat threat to livestock, pets, and all other manner of wildlife that sportsman currently pursue. The best tool for controlling populations of coyotes and coons is the foothold trap.

Contrary to popular opinion, properly sized foothold traps do not harm the animals they catch. If anyone needs proof of this, consider the fact that nearly all wolves that have been relocated from one state to another have been caught with foothold traps.

Lastly, consider that proposal G dictates that biologist and the NRC are to be responsible for the management of wildlife, not politicians.

Thanks,
Andrew

[QuakrTrakr]

http://www.hsus.org/furfree/cruel_reality/trapping/city_and_state_trapping_bans.html

[KalamazooKid]

I'm totally embarrassed that Wenke is my Representative and I told him so in the letter I sent off this am (and copied to every representative listed earlier in this thread).

WAKE UP SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN!

[Fecus]

Groups and individuals concerned about animal suffering have been instrumental in banning cruel traps in scores of communities around the country. If you are interested in learning more about campaigning against the use of the deadly traps in your community, please send an e-mail to furfree@hsus.org (furfree@hsus.org).

If they are concerned about suffering let go ahead and ban raptor talons, ban all claws and sharp teeth. hell lets ban winter all together.

LETS MAKE THE PREDATORS GO TO THE SUPERMART TO GET THEIR SUSTANENCE

[LabsRock]

It was not by accident that those anti-trapping ads were being run by Fox Sports during the Redwings games earlier this year. I gurantee that you would not have to look too hard to find PETA money behind this bill and the Rep that is sponsoring it.

[QuakrTrakr]

It was not by accident that those anti-trapping ads were being run by Fox Sports during the Redwings games earlier this year. I gurantee that you would not have to look too hard to find PETA money behind this bill and the Rep that is sponsoring it.
I've been looking. I can't find anything available to the public. YET!:16suspect

[john warren]

start comunicating. let them know we will not be complacent. make sure they know elections will be effected by the actions of our polititions from here on.

[MIWoodsman]

Messages sent.

Keep on it folks. We either all float or sink together.

[SgtSlaughter]

I've already got a response back from one of my reps, Rick Jones. He says that he is against the bill as well.

[Bmac]

Lorence Wenke owns Wenke Sunbelt Greenhouses.

http://www.wenkesunbelt.com/

Contact them through their website or call and let them know where sportsmen will not be spending money. Make sure you contact the National company Sunbelt Greenhouses and let them know how you feel.

http://www.wenkesunbelt.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.contact/index.htm

Wenke Greenhouses
Retail Store
Corner Sprinkle & Market
1 mile north of I-94 exit #80

Phone: 269-388-2266
Email: lisa@wenkegreenhouses.com

Deliveries:
5015 Market Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Wenke Greenhouses
Main Office & Wholesale
2525 North 30th Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048

Phone: 269-349-7882

Garden Center and
Landscaper Sales: dan@wenkegreenhouses.com

Young Plants: trish@wenkegreenhouses.com

Sunbelt Greenhouses
200 Thompson Drive
Douglas, GA 91258

Phone: 912-384-3806

[ALLEYES]

Just got off the phone with Tom Pearce's office. That bill came up yesterday and was referred back to the Committee on Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources. And he is not on that committee. So we now need to contact those committee members. Whoever they may be.

[QuakrTrakr]

Here you go! It made it on Michiganvotes.com. Please leave a message.
http://www.michiganvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=52832

[Wetlandhunter]

REP.WENKE district 063[kalamazoo]is introduceing legislation to ban the use of foot-hold trap's in mich.I am asking EVERONE to contact their rep.and let them know the sportsmen of this state will not VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD SUPPORT SUCH LEGISLATION!!!Even if you don't trap,please take a min.and send a letter/e-mail to your rep.They may be after trapping now,but BOWHUNTING,BEAR HUNTI[The trapper's NG,HUNTING WITH DOG'S ECT..WILL BE NEXT!!!You can find your rep. at www.house.mi.gov/find_a_rep.asp (http://www.house.mi.gov/find_a_rep.asp)

It is house bill 4497. www.legislature.mi.gov/ (http://www.legislature.mi.gov/)
Why don't we ban politicians,ban there pay.What a bunch of B.S. Who do think they work for the NAZI S.S? NO US.......You folks on the west side need to vote his a** out.

[Wetlandhunter]

I'm totally embarrassed that Wenke is my Representative and I told him so in the letter I sent off this am (and copied to every representative listed earlier in this thread).

WAKE UP SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN!
And he is a Republican.I hope you folks over there FIRE him.Michigan is soooooo become a liberal state like NEW YORK,JERSEY,MASSACHUSETTS,CALIFORNIA.Soon your .22 semi auto will be banned because it has a clip.:lol:

[QuakrTrakr]

And he is a Republican.I hope you folks over there FIRE him.Michigan is soooooo become a liberal state like NEW YORK,JERSEY,MASSACHUSETTS,CALIFORNIA.Soon your .22 semi auto will be banned because it has a clip.:lol:
He's one of the new wave Republicrats we are starting to see alot of.

[Wetlandhunter]

Lorence Wenke owns Wenke Sunbelt Greenhouses.

http://www.wenkesunbelt.com/

Contact them through their website or call and let them know where sportsmen will not be spending money. Make sure you contact the National company Sunbelt Greenhouses and let them know how you feel.

http://www.wenkesunbelt.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.contact/index.htm

Wenke Greenhouses
Retail Store
Corner Sprinkle & Market
1 mile north of I-94 exit #80

Phone: 269-388-2266
Email: lisa@wenkegreenhouses.com

Deliveries:
5015 Market Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Wenke Greenhouses
Main Office & Wholesale
2525 North 30th Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048

Phone: 269-349-7882

Garden Center and
Landscaper Sales: dan@wenkegreenhouses.com

Young Plants: trish@wenkegreenhouses.com

Sunbelt Greenhouses
200 Thompson Drive
Douglas, GA 91258

Phone: 912-384-3806

How about we pick a time of day and we all send him email and bog down his business email.:D

[Wetlandhunter]

He's one of the new wave Republicrats we are starting to see alot of.
He need to hear these words from our westside sportmen at the voting poll your
FIRED!!

[Wetlandhunter]

He's one of the new wave Republicrats we are starting to see alot of.
Him owning a greenhouse tells everything.He is a tree hugging liberal Republican.I am not even a fur trapper.But I will back you all up.I am not one of the GOMER sportsmen that fights over the baiting issues.I don't bait but if someone does I will still support them.I never hunted doves but I bought a license to support our hunting cause.

[QuakrTrakr]

Him owning a greenhouse tells everything.He is a tree hugging liberal Republican.I am not even a fur trapper.But I will back you all up.I am not one of the GOMER sportsmen that fights over the baiting issues.I don't bait but if someone does I will still support them.I never hunted doves but I bought a license to support our hunting cause.
I'm with you 100%. I didn't buy a dove license, but I rallied for it. I'm not a trapper, but it's a step in the wrong direction. We knew this was coming. We got FOX Sports to pull the HSUS ad from the Red Wings and Tigers games, and this is their next step. GAME ON!
Email sent to Wenke Sunbelt Greenhouses also.

[Wetlandhunter]

I'm with you 100%. I didn't buy a dove license, but I rallied for it. I'm not a trapper, but it's a step in the wrong direction. We knew this was coming. We got FOX Sports to pull the HSUS ad from the Red Wings and Tigers games, and this it their next step. GAME ON!
Email sent to Wenke Sunbelt Greenhouses also.
Plain and simple.Us as sportsmen need to stick together or we can hang separately.And oh ya if they are not after your sport now.You are already on they list just at the bottom.AREN'T that great we pay politicians to take our freedoms and our pastime hobbies away.The SHEEPLE in this country need to wake up before there is nothing left.

"Sheeple" are people who pay their taxes and accept what the government and the mass media tell them.

The implication of sheeple is that as a collective, people believe whatever they are told, without processing it to be sure that it is an accurate representation of the real world around them. The term is generally used in a political or religious sense

[jackbob42]

I sent the e-mails last night and have gotten 3 responses saying they would not support this legislation.
Keep sending them folks , they're reading them !

[Dave Lyons]

Glad to see all the support from everyone. Keep up all the great work everyone.

I told the wife yesterday if this state lost trapping we were leaving ASAP!!! And she knew I was for real. I don't kid around with this stuff.

Thanks again

Dave

[stillwaiting]

called my rep today, Bieda's office, and the lady just took down that I was opposed to this bill. That's all I got from her. I'll send a letter next. Does thsi stuff really do any good??? Or are they just going to follow who sends them the most money to their campaigns?

[jackbob42]

........ Does thsi stuff really do any good???

It worked when they tried to stop bear hunting with hounds a few years back.

I am a houndsman and I don't trap , but you can count on me to stand right along with you guys.

[SgtSlaughter]

called my rep today, Bieda's office, and the lady just took down that I was opposed to this bill. That's all I got from her. I'll send a letter next. Does thsi stuff really do any good??? Or are they just going to follow who sends them the most money to their campaigns?

No one can really tell what impact we're having but I can tell you that if we do nothing then we're only helping the anti's.

[KalamazooKid]

No big shock that the primary sponsor on the bill is Wenke and I'm embarrassed that he's from my county - tho not by rep. I've also fired off a letter to ed to the Kalamazoo rag - we'll see what happens.