Two Marylandbills are currently being debated that would end this nation's oldest outdoor sport, trapping. Sportsmen have been working diligently to stop these bills but more work is needed now.
Senate Bill 279, introduced by Sen. Sharon Grosfeld, D-Montgomery, and House Bill 498, introduced by Delegate Barbara Frush, D-Prince George’s, would make it illegal for a person to use, set, place, or maintain a leghold trap to capture an animal. The Senate Committee on Education, Health, and Environment Affairs heard SB 279 on February 10. No vote was taken on the bill, which remains in committee.
House Bill 498 is scheduled for debate in the House Committee on Environmental Matters. The hearing is scheduled Wednesday, February 25 at 1:00 PM in the LoweOfficeBuilding.
If passed, these bills would cost the state more than $400,000 in 2005 to compensate for the anticipated increase of nuisance control issues.
Take Action! Sportsmen are urged to pack the hearing room on Wednesday, February 25. Sportsmen should call and write to the committee members asking them to stop HB 498. Ask them to leave wildlife management in the hands of professional biologists. Remind them that passage of either bill would cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The members of the house committee are:
Maggie L.McIntosh, Chair 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3990 delmaggie@aol.com
James E. Malone, Jr., Vice-Chair 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3378 james_malone@house.state.md.us
John S. Arnick 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3458 john_arnick@house.state.md.us
Kumar P. Barve 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3458 john_arnick@house.state.md.us
Elizabeth Bobo 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3205 elizabeth_bobo@house.state.md.us
William A. Bronrott 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3019 william_bronrott@house.state.md.us
Rudolph C. Cane 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3427 rudolph_cane@house.state.md.us
Virginia P. Clagett 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3211 virginia_clagett@house.state.md.us
John W. E. Cluster, Jr. 1-800-492-7122 ask for his extension e-mail: john_cluster@house.state.md.us
Barbara A. Frush 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3114 barbara_frush@house.state.md.us (Sponsor of HB 498)
Barry Glassman 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3289 barry_glassman@house.state.md.us
Patrick N. Hogan 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3240 patrick_n_hogan@house.state.md.us
Marvin E. Holmes, Jr. 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3098 marvin_holmes@house.state.md.us
J. B. Jennings 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3334 jb_jennings@house.state.md.us
Tony McConkey 1-800-492-7122ext. 3223 tony_mcconkey@house.state.md.us
Karen S. Montgomery 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3380 karen_montgomery@house.state.md.us
George W. Owings III 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3231 george_owings@house.state.md.us
Rosetta C. Parker 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3326 rosetta_parker@house.state.md.us
Richard A. Sossi 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3449 richard_sossi@house.state.md.us
Joan F. Stern 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3045 joan_stern@house.state.md.us
Paul S. Stull 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3107 paul_stull@house.state.md.us
Michael H. Weir, Jr. 1-800-492-7122 ext. 3328 michael_weir@house.state.md.us
Take Action! Maryland sportsmen should also contact their senators today. Tell them to oppose SB 279. To find your legislators and for contact information, call (800) 492-7122 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.