I just got an email from the VAWFA today and it alarmed me and I am going to learn some more about the situation but I had an initial reaction and I wanted to share it all with you.
The email I got was:
Dear VAWFA Members,
If some you are unaware, a local Northern Virginia newspaper has publish an article that has upset many waterfowler in Virginia. Enclosed is a hyper link to the newspaper article. According to the article, a local Northern Virginia group wishes to prohibit waterfowl hunting in the Northern Virginia area.
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com The VAWFA is in the process of identifying issues of the concerns. We have been in touch with state and federal agencies to address the issues. At this time, we are still inquiring and will advise the membership in the future.
Todd Cocker
President
Virginia Waterfowlers’ Association
I wrote the following letter to the author of the article.
Michael,
I appreciate your reporting about the group working to end hunting in Dyke Marsh. I am glad to now know of the situation and will work to learn more.
I need to point out some factual errors that you have in your story.First and foremost hunters of ducks use shotguns and not rifles to hunt ducks. Thus the comment that this woman was shot at and the bullet landed on the roof and rolled into the gutter is just not true. As well the distance of 200 feet could not possible be correct. 66 yards from her house with a floating blind makes very little sense. I would be more then willing to go out with you to her home and bring out a tape measure and I can assure you that this particular blind was a lot further from her home then 200 feet.
As well the definition of a Federal Preserve is that this area is open to hunting. In fact a good majority of the money that funds the conservation resources that pay for the Federal Wetlands around the country comes from money from the Roberts-Pittman act. As well millions of dollars have gone towards the protection of these marshes and wetlands from all across the country have been raised by hunter conservationists. Groups like Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl and the VAWFA as well as hundreds of small groups that are comprised of hunter conservationists all across the country provide the money and the man hours needed to protect these areas
.A good question that can be asked of these individuals who would like to prevent hunting in this area is how much money have they donated to protect wetlands and marshes and the waterfowl that exist in those areas.The Chesepeake Bay and the Potomac Watershed have long been areas that supported wildlife and hunters in coexistence and it is our encroaching housing needs that are in turn hurting wildlife.
I would be more then happy to introduce you to groups all across Virginia that are making a difference for our wildlife and habitats in the state of Virginia.–
Kevin C. Paulson
Founder & CEO
HuntingLife.com
11005 North Lamont Court
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
202-744-5806
kevin@huntinglife.com
Http://www.HuntingLife.com
