During the last legislative session, anti-hunting groups such as the Humane Society, PETA, and the Fund for Animals introduced legislation that would have banned the use of leg-hold traps in Maryland. The MSA was able to work with the Maryland Furtrappers, the National Trapping Association, the United Sportsmen Alliance, and the Maryland Sportsmen Caucus, and in just 2 weeks, the trappers and hunters of Maryland sent enough calls, emails, and letters to their representatives that this bill quickly died. The anti-hunters spent thousands of man-hours and dollars in a wasted effort.

Being able to end the leg-hold trap legislation with just 2 weeks of focused grassroots lobbying proved how effective the hunters of Maryland can be if we just speak up.

For further proof that our voice makes a difference, please view this compilation of quotes the MSA has put together from various hunter Forums on the Internet:

Hunter Testimonies -- Your Voice Makes a Difference:

I'm just beginning to realize the need to get involved to protect our rights. MSA really made me realize the need. They have done an outstanding job of keeping us all informed.

Outstanding boys! MSA is on the ball. If you haven't joined what are you waiting for. For a few bucks look what they’re doing for us. I joined this week and e-mailed my hunting buddies and they didn't hesitate to join.

                            Backpeddler
                            Centreville, MD ¹

In the face of overwhelming sportsman opposition, an anti-trapping bill in Maryland has been withdrawn by its sponsor.

The withdrawal of this legislation was a team effort by Maryland sportsmen.

The decision to withdraw this anti-trapping legislation is the result of the efforts of  several groups including Maryland Sportsmen’s Association, Maryland Trappers Association, Fur Takers of America, the National Trappers Association and more,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance manager of government affairs. “We are very pleased to have helped make this possible.”

                            US Sportsmen’s Alliance (www.ussportsmen.org) ⁶

Being from the other side of the Bay, I didn't have much concern about what went on over here in the Western Shore. Being involved in the MSA really taught me a lot. The greatest thing I learned (besides driving in this city traffic) is that our voices really do make a difference. The people in Annapolis really do want to hear our opinions. I'm hoping as Eastern Director I'll be able to convince my neighbors of this and get them involved with the Western Shore politics.

                            Gary Clough ⁵

                            MSA Eastern Vice President

I joined the MSA last year after … Glendening went on his firing spree at the DNR. That was when I finally had enough and first understood just how big a threat to our heritage his administration really was, and I knew that I needed to be more alert to attacks…..

I like to thank those of you who have taken the initiative to get the organization (MSA) going. Without the info you have supplied we hunters and fishermen would be out of the loop on the shenanigans going on in Annapolis.

                            Muddyduck

                            Centreville, MD ¹

Information is POWER! And any place we can get information to help sustain our Freedom to Hunt and Fish is certainly a good thing. We have to stick together! More importantly, we have to WORK together

                            Bob Plunkett
                            Lothian, MD ⁷

This public comment period was one of the most productive and professionally run that I've been to in quite a few years. Thanks to Paul Peditto and all the DNR employees that made the extra effort to see that we had the chance to be heard ….

We truly did make a difference speaking in a unified voice. Thanks to all who made the victory possible

We gave you the information you needed to have your voice heard and apparently, many of you took advantage of that opportunity. We did make a difference!

I really believe we are seeing some VERY positive things coming out of DNR in recent months. It is vitally important for us to support their efforts and become active partners in protecting the resources and the heritage of hunting here in MD.

One last thing you all should know, the MSA and the MBS will work even closer over the years. We have seen the benefit of working side by side on issues and there is much MBS can learn from the fine people in charge at MSA. Looking forward to MBS being an even stronger presence in the legislative halls next year.

                            Lou Compton

                            President, Maryland Bowhunter’s Society ^2,3,4

As the legislative session comes to an end, I would like to take a few seconds to thank everyone for all the help and response this year. I truly believe that everyone made a difference. The MSA and MBS brought many issues before this forum and everyone responded with enthusiasm. On behalf of the MSA I would like to express our deepest gratitude for everyone’s help and support and I know that Lou feels the same, but I will let him speak for MBS. Again, great job and thanks! The MSA looks forward to working more with MBS in the future.

Hat's off to MBS and Lou Compton for there hard work representing the bow hunting community. Also DNR should be commended for allowing the process to work. This is evidence that everyone’s voice makes a difference. Keep up the good work guys.

                            Tim Lambert

                            Former MSA President ^2,3

Congrats to all here for their efforts and voices during this shortly ending Session.

We went the distance to protect and promote hunting, not just in the Legislature but with the DNR as well. Your voices made a difference when it counted.

I am proud to have been a part of what y'all have done. MSA and MBS stood together to iron out the rough spots with some issues and we all won together. I hope, as Lou has said, our partnership will continue to grow in the future.

                            Steve Christian

                            MSA Director at Large ³

I feel it is the hunting community that owes the both of you a big thank you for being the point guards on these issues. Without your sacrifices, many of these issues would have been by-passed and/or buried. I, for one, thank the both of you, and all the others that made a huge defense in the outcome of these proposals. THANK YOU, PLEASE CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!!

                            MaverickMan ³

A new forum. Good job guys! Now we have to beat the bushes to get our brethren to visit to share ideas and info and help get us organized, motivated and good communication.

                            Richard Strauss ⁷

Just want to thank all of you that called the house to voice your opposition to SB 395 which would have allowed people that moor their boats to usurp the rights of the landowners who duck hunt. Great job…… Countless phone calls from angry duck hunters to the committee was priceless.

                            Steve Huettner  ¹

                            MSA President

A big pat on the back! Same goes for all of us that called our delegates and senators voicing our support of the bill. I think it does a lot of good.

                            November Wolf  ²

Sources:

1

http://www.duckcentral.com/sdhforum/showthread.php?s=2fcaad2b7998fd73c90a313d6ff802e6&threadid=64140

2

http://www.bowsite.com/BOWSITE/TF/REGIONAL/thread.cfm?threadid=54149&MESSAGES=19&state=Md

3

http://www.bowsite.com/BOWSITE/TF/REGIONAL/thread.cfm?threadid=53987&MESSAGES=5&state=Md

4

Lou Compton Email – “Ee did Make a Difference -- Let's do it Again”

April 10, 2002

5

Speech by Gary Clough at MSA 2002 Annual Meeting

6

http://www.ussportsmen.org/interactive/features/Read.cfm?ID=762

7

http://marylandsportsmen.org/wwwboard/wwwboard.html