Facing the facts about Prop 109
August 28, 2010 11:21 PM
Following is a “Discussion of Proposition 109 from a Sportsman's Perspective” that appeared in the latest Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club newsletter by Joe Ruttle of interest to a lot of Yumans who enjoy the outdoors for one reason or another.
Mr. Ruttle wrote, “Opponents of Proposition 109 will tell you it is a power grab by the legislature.” “Proposition 109 is not a power grab by the legislature. The legislature currently has all of the power it needs regarding wildlife, wildlife habitat and wildlife management. It actually places a greater requirement on the legislature by stating, Wildlife belongs to the State and is held in trust for the benefits of the citizens of this state.”
Opponents also say that it ignores the principle of good wildlife management and will make science take a backseat to politics. “Prop. 109 actually reinforces the principles of good wildlife management and the use of science in all wildlife management practices by stating, Laws and rules authorized under this section shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management and preserving the future of hunting and fishing. The North America Model of Wildlife Conservation is recognized throughout the world and is the foundation on which all wildlife agencies in the country build their management practices.
Hunting and science are just two of the seven pillars of the North America model.”
Opponents say hunting and fishing are already rights and are guaranteed. “Hunting and fishing are not guaranteed. They are privileges that can easily be taken away through the legislative or initiative process. Prop. 109 will establish hunting and fishing as rights but it will not guarantee that they will remain rights.”
Opponents say it could cost taxpayers millions and open the door for frivolous lawsuits. Reply: “In the years since the right to hunt and fish has been incorporated into the constitution of numerous other states, no suits have been brought that have challenged the constitutionality of such amendments. If lawsuits are brought they will be brought by anti-hunting organizations that seek to eliminate hunting altogether. The real cost to taxpayers would come if hunting and fishing were ever banned. Without the funds generated by hunting and fishing the legislature would be required to establish taxes on all citizens in order to fulfill their trust responsibility. Labor that saves taxpayers millions of dollars.”
Opponents say that it is intended to exclude a majority of citizens.
“Proposition 109 is not intended to exclude a majority of citizens. It is intended to protect a minority population, hunters and anglers, from those who make their decisions based on emotions rather than facts. Anti-hunting organizations rely on an emotional response to issues, not facts.”
Hunt happenings
• Annual Pre-dove Turkey Shoot - August 29: Make sure to get out to Adair Park for today's at the Trap and Skeet Range from 7 a.m. lasting until the last shooter is done with turkeys awarded to winners by the Yuma Trap and Skeet Club. Youngsters “Big enough to hold a gun” to 16 years old who are accompanied by an adult will shoot free with Mike Brick and his volunteers. Bring along eye and ear protection - call Mike Brick at 783-9268. Members of Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club will be on hand with hotdogs and cold drinks at reasonable prices. A good time to pick up your tickets for the Sept. 4 Dove Hunters BBQ.
• September 1 Dove Opener: The big long-awaited day will follow on Wednesday — in spite of the hot weather we can now hunt all day. So check current regulations for sunrise times to be in the field and ready when the doves begin flying. With agriculture, lakes and the Colorado and Gila Rivers all around us, a good idea to check out cut farmer fields and along river, canal and other water areas. (Don't forget to ask permission when hunting on private property) Be sure to always pick up spent shells and any other litter so we can “leave it better than we find it” and be welcome a next time. Not a good idea to shoot dove where they cannot be retrieved so keep that in mind during the hunt, and always be aware of other shooters — safety MUST be the first consideration at all times. Take plenty of water along as well as mosquito repellent, a definite must in our hot and muggy climate.
Long sleeves and pants may be warm but the protection can be comforting - wet clothing down to keep a bit cooler. A cap can keep you cooler as well.
• FREE Big Breast XXII - September 1-2: Don't forget to weigh-in your biggest Mourning or White-wing Dove - be sure to have your hunt license along - at Sprague's Sports for their Contest Wednesday and Thursday and get in on over $1,200 worth of neat prizes with sponsors Federal Premium Ammunition, Benelli USA, Bud Light Lime and Sprague's Sports. Weigh-in hunters will also be entered to win a Benelle M2 American Semi-auto shotgun worth $900. Call Richard at 726-0022 or 502-0447.
• Annual Mike Mitchell Dove Hunters Barbecue - September 4: On Saturday, don't miss the fun and good food at the American Legion Hall, 2575 Virginia Dr. 4-6 p.m. hosted by Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club (YVRGC) and Southwest Water for Wildlife Foundation with the great $10 Pit Barbecue Dinner that includes a Door Prize ticket, open to the public and served from 5:30-7 p.m. Raffle prizes for the whole family will include bucket and special raffles, camping gear, guns, gun safe, archery equipment, rod and reel combo‘s, a flat screen HDTV, a 50-50 draw and $1,000 Sprague's Gift Card will go to winners drawn from 4:30 p.m. on. Proceeds will be used for the Kids Handicapped River Cruise, Youth Fishing Derby, the Youth Quail Camp and Water For Wildlife projects. Get your tickets at the today's Turkey Shoot, at Sprague's Sports or call Doug Beach at 446-1122 or Jim Ammons at 920-9091.
• Annual Jim Breck Memorial Members Dove Hunt Derby - September 5:
Pre-sign up at Sprague's, Yuma Coin & Gun and at the Sept. 1 club meeting at American Legion as well as the Dove BBQ with classes for male, female and youth 15 years old and under accompanied by an adult.
Rendezvous 9-11 a.m. at Smucker Park Ramada No. 15 with free hotdogs, chips, drinks and prizes — donations to support youth shoot welcome.
Call Paul Williams at 343-9099, Mike Brick at 783-9268 or Joe Ruttle a 581-2327.
Fishing clubs
• Desert Bass Anglers: Sept. 11 - Team Tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. Anglers may fish one tournament as non-club member.
Membership is $15 per year ($10 each additional family member) with $30 tournament entry plus options. Tournaments open to all anglers with tournament approved boats with a live well, remote steering and kill switches. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-2984.
• Yuma Pro/Am: Join the club and sign up Sept. 13-18 for the Sept. 18 draw at Sportsmen's Hideaway to fish on the 19th launching out of Fisher's Landing. Membership is $15 with $25 basic tournament entry plus options. Visit bob@yumaproam.com.
Shooting sports
• Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers are most welcome to shoot the trail of 3D animals at 6:30 a.m. each Sunday at the Foothills Archery Range. With bow hunting seasons beginning soon it's a great opportunity to get in that much needed practice and great practice and enjoyment for the whole family with youngsters always free of charge.
Call Jean Wilson at 247-4450 or visit jean renegade@gmail.com.
• Southwest Bowhunters: Open archery for all at 9 a.m. Sundays at Adair Park with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.
• Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Adair Park range. On Sunday, it'll be practice time for dove at that day's Annual Turkey Shoot beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday
— see hunt happenings above. Saturday and Sunday trap and skeet will resume next weekend from 8 a.m. To noon. Call John Gross at 580-7837.
Contacts for Youth Shooting Programs beginning soon at Adair Park are: 4H shooting sports open to 4H Community Club members will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Fair Grounds (use WalMart gate off Pacific Ave.) Congratulations to Megan Wren and all the Arizona 4-H shootes for representing us at the 4H National Shooting Competition in Texas this past June. E-mail Stanley Gourley at stan-marsha@q.com.
For shooting information on Yuma Young Guns, call Coach Franco at 246-7157. Call Mike Brick at 783-9268 for information on the Boy Scout Venture Shooting Program open to both boys and girls. Call Game and Fish at 342-0091 about the Scholastic Clay Target Program beginning soon.
• Yuma Territorial Longrifles Club: Open Black Powder Match Saturday following the 8:30 a.m. Monthly Meeting at the Adair Park range. Call James Ingram at 726-6632.
• Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Open Long-Range, Cross-Course and Vintage matches will resume in September at the Adair Park big bore range - exact date will be forthcoming or call Paul Lerma at 783-6766.
• Yuma Matchmasters: Call Ron Gissendaner about matches the first Saturday and Sunday at the Adair Park small bore range with the IPSC Combat Match planned for Sept. 12 with sign up at 6:30 a.m. At the range.
Mr. Ruttle wrote, “Opponents of Proposition 109 will tell you it is a power grab by the legislature.” “Proposition 109 is not a power grab by the legislature. The legislature currently has all of the power it needs regarding wildlife, wildlife habitat and wildlife management. It actually places a greater requirement on the legislature by stating, Wildlife belongs to the State and is held in trust for the benefits of the citizens of this state.”
Opponents also say that it ignores the principle of good wildlife management and will make science take a backseat to politics. “Prop. 109 actually reinforces the principles of good wildlife management and the use of science in all wildlife management practices by stating, Laws and rules authorized under this section shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management and preserving the future of hunting and fishing. The North America Model of Wildlife Conservation is recognized throughout the world and is the foundation on which all wildlife agencies in the country build their management practices.
Hunting and science are just two of the seven pillars of the North America model.”
Opponents say hunting and fishing are already rights and are guaranteed. “Hunting and fishing are not guaranteed. They are privileges that can easily be taken away through the legislative or initiative process. Prop. 109 will establish hunting and fishing as rights but it will not guarantee that they will remain rights.”
Opponents say it could cost taxpayers millions and open the door for frivolous lawsuits. Reply: “In the years since the right to hunt and fish has been incorporated into the constitution of numerous other states, no suits have been brought that have challenged the constitutionality of such amendments. If lawsuits are brought they will be brought by anti-hunting organizations that seek to eliminate hunting altogether. The real cost to taxpayers would come if hunting and fishing were ever banned. Without the funds generated by hunting and fishing the legislature would be required to establish taxes on all citizens in order to fulfill their trust responsibility. Labor that saves taxpayers millions of dollars.”
Opponents say that it is intended to exclude a majority of citizens.
“Proposition 109 is not intended to exclude a majority of citizens. It is intended to protect a minority population, hunters and anglers, from those who make their decisions based on emotions rather than facts. Anti-hunting organizations rely on an emotional response to issues, not facts.”
Hunt happenings
• Annual Pre-dove Turkey Shoot - August 29: Make sure to get out to Adair Park for today's at the Trap and Skeet Range from 7 a.m. lasting until the last shooter is done with turkeys awarded to winners by the Yuma Trap and Skeet Club. Youngsters “Big enough to hold a gun” to 16 years old who are accompanied by an adult will shoot free with Mike Brick and his volunteers. Bring along eye and ear protection - call Mike Brick at 783-9268. Members of Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club will be on hand with hotdogs and cold drinks at reasonable prices. A good time to pick up your tickets for the Sept. 4 Dove Hunters BBQ.
• September 1 Dove Opener: The big long-awaited day will follow on Wednesday — in spite of the hot weather we can now hunt all day. So check current regulations for sunrise times to be in the field and ready when the doves begin flying. With agriculture, lakes and the Colorado and Gila Rivers all around us, a good idea to check out cut farmer fields and along river, canal and other water areas. (Don't forget to ask permission when hunting on private property) Be sure to always pick up spent shells and any other litter so we can “leave it better than we find it” and be welcome a next time. Not a good idea to shoot dove where they cannot be retrieved so keep that in mind during the hunt, and always be aware of other shooters — safety MUST be the first consideration at all times. Take plenty of water along as well as mosquito repellent, a definite must in our hot and muggy climate.
Long sleeves and pants may be warm but the protection can be comforting - wet clothing down to keep a bit cooler. A cap can keep you cooler as well.
• FREE Big Breast XXII - September 1-2: Don't forget to weigh-in your biggest Mourning or White-wing Dove - be sure to have your hunt license along - at Sprague's Sports for their Contest Wednesday and Thursday and get in on over $1,200 worth of neat prizes with sponsors Federal Premium Ammunition, Benelli USA, Bud Light Lime and Sprague's Sports. Weigh-in hunters will also be entered to win a Benelle M2 American Semi-auto shotgun worth $900. Call Richard at 726-0022 or 502-0447.
• Annual Mike Mitchell Dove Hunters Barbecue - September 4: On Saturday, don't miss the fun and good food at the American Legion Hall, 2575 Virginia Dr. 4-6 p.m. hosted by Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club (YVRGC) and Southwest Water for Wildlife Foundation with the great $10 Pit Barbecue Dinner that includes a Door Prize ticket, open to the public and served from 5:30-7 p.m. Raffle prizes for the whole family will include bucket and special raffles, camping gear, guns, gun safe, archery equipment, rod and reel combo‘s, a flat screen HDTV, a 50-50 draw and $1,000 Sprague's Gift Card will go to winners drawn from 4:30 p.m. on. Proceeds will be used for the Kids Handicapped River Cruise, Youth Fishing Derby, the Youth Quail Camp and Water For Wildlife projects. Get your tickets at the today's Turkey Shoot, at Sprague's Sports or call Doug Beach at 446-1122 or Jim Ammons at 920-9091.
• Annual Jim Breck Memorial Members Dove Hunt Derby - September 5:
Pre-sign up at Sprague's, Yuma Coin & Gun and at the Sept. 1 club meeting at American Legion as well as the Dove BBQ with classes for male, female and youth 15 years old and under accompanied by an adult.
Rendezvous 9-11 a.m. at Smucker Park Ramada No. 15 with free hotdogs, chips, drinks and prizes — donations to support youth shoot welcome.
Call Paul Williams at 343-9099, Mike Brick at 783-9268 or Joe Ruttle a 581-2327.
Fishing clubs
• Desert Bass Anglers: Sept. 11 - Team Tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. Anglers may fish one tournament as non-club member.
Membership is $15 per year ($10 each additional family member) with $30 tournament entry plus options. Tournaments open to all anglers with tournament approved boats with a live well, remote steering and kill switches. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-2984.
• Yuma Pro/Am: Join the club and sign up Sept. 13-18 for the Sept. 18 draw at Sportsmen's Hideaway to fish on the 19th launching out of Fisher's Landing. Membership is $15 with $25 basic tournament entry plus options. Visit bob@yumaproam.com.
Shooting sports
• Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers are most welcome to shoot the trail of 3D animals at 6:30 a.m. each Sunday at the Foothills Archery Range. With bow hunting seasons beginning soon it's a great opportunity to get in that much needed practice and great practice and enjoyment for the whole family with youngsters always free of charge.
Call Jean Wilson at 247-4450 or visit jean renegade@gmail.com.
• Southwest Bowhunters: Open archery for all at 9 a.m. Sundays at Adair Park with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.
• Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Adair Park range. On Sunday, it'll be practice time for dove at that day's Annual Turkey Shoot beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday
— see hunt happenings above. Saturday and Sunday trap and skeet will resume next weekend from 8 a.m. To noon. Call John Gross at 580-7837.
Contacts for Youth Shooting Programs beginning soon at Adair Park are: 4H shooting sports open to 4H Community Club members will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Fair Grounds (use WalMart gate off Pacific Ave.) Congratulations to Megan Wren and all the Arizona 4-H shootes for representing us at the 4H National Shooting Competition in Texas this past June. E-mail Stanley Gourley at stan-marsha@q.com.
For shooting information on Yuma Young Guns, call Coach Franco at 246-7157. Call Mike Brick at 783-9268 for information on the Boy Scout Venture Shooting Program open to both boys and girls. Call Game and Fish at 342-0091 about the Scholastic Clay Target Program beginning soon.
• Yuma Territorial Longrifles Club: Open Black Powder Match Saturday following the 8:30 a.m. Monthly Meeting at the Adair Park range. Call James Ingram at 726-6632.
• Yuma Rifle and Pistol Club: Open Long-Range, Cross-Course and Vintage matches will resume in September at the Adair Park big bore range - exact date will be forthcoming or call Paul Lerma at 783-6766.
• Yuma Matchmasters: Call Ron Gissendaner about matches the first Saturday and Sunday at the Adair Park small bore range with the IPSC Combat Match planned for Sept. 12 with sign up at 6:30 a.m. At the range.
