Outdoors - Caught in the Middle

It seems that in his attempt to reduce spending, he is closing (or has already closed by the time this article is published) the Reynold's Game Farm.

Now, why is this such a big deal?  Well, on the one hand, the Reynold's Game Farm is the last such facility in New York State that raises pheasants for release into the wild. No big deal you might say, and I would respectfully disagree.  Pheasant hunting is a very, very traditional activity in New York and New England. It was one of the first hunting activities I experienced as a young boy and remember listening to all the farmers in my home town talk about the fall hunt. Once the apple and tomato crops were safely harvested and on their way to market, pheasant hunting, right along with rabbits and partridge, jumped to the top of the fall schedule.....sort of a winding down process after the long growing and harvesting season.  Closing Reynolds Farm puts this tradition in deep jeopardy.

One of the big problems with pheasants is that they don't like to fly. They, like turkeys, would rather run then take to the air. This makes them hard to hunt, but it also makes them more susceptible to fox and our ever-increasing coyote population. In addition, unlike turkeys, pheasants don't flock together.  They are far more solitary, particularly the cock birds, and the hens have far fewer chicks than do turkey. There just aren't as many of them and they are far more sensitive to what's happening around them. They need help by the wild flock being seeded with farm grown birds.

The second issue is, as it always seems to be, money and here is where the politics get involved. I understand and support the Governor's needs and attempts to reduce government spending. I'd be the first on line to slap him on the back and tell him to cut all the pork out of the budget that he could possibly cut. But, here's the kick. With regard to the Reynold's Farm, at least a portion of the funds needed to continue operation are or can be gotten from the Pittman-Robertson excise tax monies collected since 1937 to support such programs. 

These are Federal, not State monies and would not adversely affect the Governor's spending cuts. Question I have is if these monies are not being used for this purpose...what are they being used for?

Another issue is that hunters and the sport of hunting are being attacked from all sides.  No money...no guns...no lands...  And when it comes to money, we are the biggest supporters of our sport from the sale of hunting licenses and stamps.  For example, right now my Super Sportsman license costs a hunter under the age of 65 almost $70 per year and rising. Every year the hunting population is going down because of all of the limitations and restrictions along with the negative attitude toward the sport. Doesn't matter if it's small game, big game, upland or migratory birds, as long as there is a gun involved, it's looked upon in a negative way.

Another catch the Governor is contemplating: we, the hunters, might be required to purchase a "State Pheasant Stamp" similar to the Federal Duck stamp to add to our license before we are permitted to hunt pheasant. Another increase in the cost and, the logic is that we will have to purchase a stamp to hunt a bird that isn't available to hunt. What's wrong with this thinking???

I wouldn't mind the stamp cost if the funds raised were dedicated to continue the operation of the Reynold's Farm. But do you think that might happen? No, the money will go into the general fund for the support of something other than DEC programs like all other taxes are used. This is where we are caught betwixt and between. 

Commissioner Grannis, I know you have to support the Governor.  But this is one of those times when you need to turn to the people whose programs you have been chartered to look after and ask for some help.  You can bet that every hunter, every fisherman, every self-respecting outdoorsman and every sportsman's organization will come to your aid and support. Give it a try!

See you outdoors!

You can reach Dick at rtotino@nycap.rr.com.