Guys and gals, there is going to be a hearing on the SB 224. If you want to keep your jigs/jig heads and not throw them in the trash then please try to make it. You don't need to speak (although encouraged) even if you show up to fill out the card that you are against the bill, that would be very helpful. The hearing will be April 24 at 1:00 in rooms 305-307 of the Legislative Office Building (LOB) that is just West of the golden dome State House in Concord NH.
I realize this is going to effect the working man, I myself have to take 4 hours off to go (I'm hourly) but I figure it will cost me much more if I lose my jigs/jig heads. The good news is that the hearing will be 2 or 3 hours long so even if you get there at 3 pm or so and vote against the bill, it will make a difference.
There will be a large number of loonies and environmentalists there to voice their opinions. We need fisherman,outdoorsman, hell anyone who is tired off animals being put ahead of human beings, need to ban together here and try to make an appearance. I realize the majority of the Lake Association (who are for the bill) are generally retired or very wealthy. Typically they don't have issues making a 1:00 pm hearing during the week. So they will be out in full force. But we need to do our best to represent the common man.
The Presidents/Vice Presidents and Conservation directors from TBF and BASS are joining up, along with Gary Clark from NBS are all planning on speaking. Any input or talking points that you may have are certainly welcomed. But again try to spread the word and let's put this thing to bed. If we get a good turnout, I think we can beat this but we need to have follow through from people.
If you aren't sure about what has been going on with Senate Ban 224, there is still time to educate yourself. Our conservation director Dick Smith has posted some good information about the bill on
www.nhbassfederation.com Hopefully we will see everyone there.
