ATTENTION CT NWCO's

Dear Members ,

This year, 2009, has been an active one for your Association officers and committee chairmen. The Senate Bill 994 which sought to eliminate the use of foot hold and body gripping traps eventually didn't see the light of day despite the effort of the animal rights groups and other people. They will undoubtedly make a similar effort in the future and we will continue to fight their attempts to constrain and/or eliminate your trapping implements and techniques.

The above effort brought about a new and fruitful relationship with the Connecticut Trappers Association (CTA). The success in the Connecticut Legislature is due to the combined effort of both associations. Both organizations realize that some differences in purpose will always remain, but we now have a forum and means to address those differences and not allow them to hinder the trapping industry, be it NWCO or fur trapping.

Currently all committee chairmanships have been filled; Bill Black is Budget/Audit Chairman, Alan Huot is Legislative Chairman, Rich Dandiotti is Grievance Chairman, Grace Horne is Membership Chairwomen, Keith Ferry is Program Chairman and Jerry Kimble is Training Chairman. I have formed a new committee, the Relationship Committee, to pursue a "modernization" of DEP regulations. Meetings have and will continue to take place with newly, but temporarily, appointed officials at the Wildlife Division. Please give us the benefit of your thoughts as to changes in regulations or procedures. We will take all your suggestions seriously and incorporate them into the program where appropriate.

Scheduled monthly meetings are well attended and a sharing of ideas for the benefit of all NWCOs is encouraged. We have renewed our effort to bring you the programs and results where you have expressed a need. Your support is key to continuing that effort and I ask that you join those who have served you in the past and volunteer your time by becoming active in our Association. Encourage others to join. In numbers there is strength and we must rally to defeat those people and organizations who would destroy our livelihood and service to the general public.

Hope to see you at our next monthly meeting!

Sincerely,

Jon
J. D. Horne
President
CTNWCOA