"Faced with an outbreak of lyme disease and rising deer-related car accidents, the city council of Durham, N.C., authorized bow hunting inside city limits in November. Authorities in San Jose, Calif., in the heart of Silicon Valley, voted to allow hunting wild pigs within that city in October. Rock Island, Ill., one of the five Quad Cities on the Mississippi River, recently approved bow hunting in town, provided that it occurs in green spaces — golf courses, parks, cemeteries — or on private land."."Across the country, hunting is poised for a comeback, and not just because the folks on Duck Dynasty make it look like so much fun. We have too many wild animals — from swine to swans. Whether you're a Walmart employee in Florida wondering what to do with the alligator at your door, a New Yorker with a hawk nesting on your high-rise or an Ohio golfer scattering a flock of Canada geese, you now live, work and play in closer proximity to untamed fauna than any other generation of Americans in more than a century".
"Too many deer, wild pigs, raccoons and beavers can be almost as bad for the animals as too few. This is why communities across the country find themselves forced to grapple with a conundrum. The same environmental sensitivity that brought Bambi back from the brink over the last century now makes it painfully controversial to do what experts say must be done: a bunch of these critters need to be killed."
Read more: America's Pest Problem: It's Time to Cull the Herd - TIME http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2158676,00.html#ixzz2mfJHvVbA
More info can be down loaded from the CT Dept of Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection web site.
Click on these links for pistol permits, application for an ammunition certificate,the Long gun eligibility certificate and instructions on filling out the forms.
This webpage posted information earlier about the changes in Connecticut firearms laws which you can also review.
2- Blazing Trails with Conservation Commission
Contact Jim Ventres or Will Brady for the site locations.
. If you are on the membership list a revised copy has been e-mailed.
• 11/23/13, 1 to 4 PM, Hatch Lot
Blaze and Rake Blue Trail
• 12/07 /13, 1 to 4 PM, Rose Farm
Blaze Property Lines
• 01/11/14, 1 to 4 PM, Rose Farm
Blaze Property Lines
• 01/25/14, 1 to 4 PM, Davison
Blaze Property Lines
• 02/8/14, 1 to 4 PM, Patrell
Blaze Property Lines
• 02/22/14, 1 to 4 PM, Patrel
, Blaze Property Lines
• 03/08/14, 1 to 4 PM, Roaring Brook
Blaze Property Lines
Contact Jim Ventres or Will Brady for the site locations.
All photos by Melissa Ziobron
Reprinted with permission
Woods 'n' Water Meriden Record Article, Mike Roberts
(author - South Meriden Memories, Woods 'n' Water Memories) Outdoor writer
GUNS:
Purchase of Ammunition: new restrictions on the purchase of ammunition and magazines which took effect October 1, 2013 as part of Senate Bill 1160.
Purchases to/from out of state: The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has also received confirmation from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) that out-of-state residents may apply for, and are otherwise eligible to receive, ammunition/magazine certificates and /or long gun certificates allowing for the purchase of these items within the State of Connecticut.
There has been much discussion on the ability of non-Connecticut companies to sell and ship ammunition to Connecticut customers. NSSF has been advised that as long as the consumer meets all legal requirements, e.g. provide the seller with a copy of his/her pistol permit, ammunition eligibility certificate, or long-gun eligibility certificate which matches the shipping address, the sale is lawful.
NSSF has also received confirmation from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection that out-of-state residents may apply for, and are otherwise eligible to receive, ammunition/magazine certificates and /or long gun certificates allowing for the purchase of these items within the State of Connecticut.
(an aside from Robert Crook: DESPP has changed the previously mandatory SSN on new forms to “Social Security Number (Optional but will help prevent mis-identification)” Conforming to law, except on the ASSAULT WEAPON CERTIFICATE APPLICATION (??). - Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen (CCS)
You must complete this course and show a certificate of completion before you can get a new hunting license -if-
All firearms hunting courses are 16 hours or longer. You must attend all scheduled class times. Check the DEEP website fact-sheet for answers to other questions you may have about hunting licenses and regulations.
You can also take it even if you have a current license and just want to get updated on changes in the DEEP Hunting rules. But you MUST register in advance to take part in the classes.
Technically, the name of this training is the "Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) course". Register for the course by calling the FRANKLIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Offices - (391 Route 32, North Franklin) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at (860) 642-7239.
In the sixteen hours of instruction, course topics include:
• Responsibility & ethics of hunters • Hunting & firearms laws • First aid & survival
• Safe and skillful use of modern firearms • Nomenclature of ammunition
• Introduction to safe and skillful use of muzzleloading firearms • Wildlife identification
• Introduction to trapping • Introduction to safe and skillful use of bowhunting equipment
• Marksmanship & gun handling • Wildlife management • Hunting with gundogs
• Care and use of harvested game • Wild turkey hunting safety • Hunting on water
Students must pass a final examination of 100 questions with 80% correct. They must demonstrate their ability to handle firearms in actual field conditions such as live firing at a range, fence crossing and removal of firearms from vehicles. This course may take more than sixteen hours depending on weather conditions and students abilities.
Saturday, September 14th, [rain or shine] grounds open at 3 pm and we're serving from 4 pm until we run out of food.
Bring your favorite folding lawn chairs and catch up on visits with friends and neighbors while overlooking the scenic Moodus Reservoir.
There will be music, horse shoe tosses, and plenty of lip-smacking great food.
Pulled pork, venison chili, chowders, smoked turkey, baked bbq-chicken, a variety of fish, fresh made salads, watermelon and more!
The event will be BYOB, so if you want beer or wine bring your own.
AUGUST
5 Monthly Meeting
No Sunday rentals from Sept. 1st to March 1st
SEPTEMBER
Skeet League starts Sundays in September
9 Monthly Meeting
13 Set up for Summer Harvest Picnic
14 Summer Harvest Picnic Dinner
4 pm until 6 pm serving time
OCTOBER
DEEP Hunter Safety Course
4 Friday - 6 pm to 9 pm
5 Saturday - 8 am to 5 pm
6 Sunday - 8 am to 2 pm
7 Monthly Meeting
DEEP Archery/Bowhunting Course
13 Sunday - 8 am to 4 pm
NOVEMBER
4 Monthly Meeting
9 Prime Rib & Shrimp Dinner
10 Fall Work Party
Rain Date Nov 20
24 Game Harvest Day 8 am start
DECEMBER
1 Black Powder Rendezvous
8 am breakfast
9 am til 12:30 pm
2 Monthly Meeting
You must complete this course and show a certificate of completion before you can get a new hunting license -if-
All firearms hunting courses are 16 hours or longer. You must attend all scheduled class times. Check the DEEP website fact-sheet for answers to other questions you may have about hunting licenses and regulations.
You can also take it even if you have a current license and just want to get updated on changes in the DEEP Hunting rules. But you MUST register in advance to take part in the classes.
Technically, the name of this training is the "Conservation Education/Firearms Safety (CE/FS) course". Register for the course by calling the FRANKLIN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Offices - (391 Route 32, North Franklin) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at (860) 642-7239.
In the sixteen hours of instruction, course topics include:
• Responsibility & ethics of hunters • Hunting & firearms laws • First aid & survival
• Safe and skillful use of modern firearms • Nomenclature of ammunition
• Introduction to safe and skillful use of muzzleloading firearms • Wildlife identification
• Introduction to trapping • Introduction to safe and skillful use of bowhunting equipment
• Marksmanship & gun handling • Wildlife management • Hunting with gundogs
• Care and use of harvested game • Wild turkey hunting safety • Hunting on water
Students must pass a final examination of 100 questions with 80% correct. They must demonstrate their ability to handle firearms in actual field conditions such as live firing at a range, fence crossing and removal of firearms from vehicles. This course may take more than sixteen hours depending on weather conditions and students abilities.
Sportsmen's Club Annual Shad Bake will be heldFestivities begin at noon . . . although the tickets say "serving until 2 p.m." we'll be there until the food is gone.
Don't worry, if you don't think you like shad, there will be plenty of other great things to eat including chowder, venison chili and more. Food allergies? Let us know before we serve you.
Stay and play horseshoes, meet up with old friends, or just enjoy the atmosphere and the view
Advance sales: ADULTS $18 - Kids under 12 $5 - Over 65 $15
Price at the gate: ADULTS $20 - Kids under 12 $6 - Over 65 $17 ~ a bargain at the price!
Come early because parking can get hectic. Please follow instructions from the parking lot team > Trucks park down by the target range and fish pond. Handicapped parking available by the Pavilion.
For tickets, see any MSC member, stop by the Moodus Package Store, or email the site maintainer for more details.
Remember, if you have a friend who might be interested in seeing what our pistol league is all about, historically the Moodus Sportsman's Club has opened up participation to others that want to shoot, as a guest of one of the club members. Like all participants, the guest must follow the club safety rules as well as the instruction of the designated range safety officer and like always, members are responsible for their guest.
As most of you know acquiring 22 cal. ammunition can be a challenge these days although it seems to be getting better. If you don’t have or can’t find ammunition there will be some available at the range.
Our rain date will be the following Tuesday June 18th
We are looking forward to a great summer and if you have any questions about the league or if the weather might be a problem send an email to this site [moodussportsman@gmail.com], which will be forwarded to Ted Lambert, Pistol League coordinator.
Hope to see you Tuesday.
Because of the new gun control legislation, a pistol carry permit will give you the most leeway and freedom when it comes to the ammunition and firearms you may want to purchase. Even if you do not want to buy or carry a pistol, you can use the carry permit to purchase long guns and ammunition.
FREE!FOR CHILDREN AGES 12 AND UNDER
2 TROUT LIMIT
Sponsored by The Original Guilford Coin Exchange
TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME UNDER THE PAVILION
Items to do:
• Clean kitchen & walk-in
for our food inspection
• Lime pond for trout
• Build new gate, locust tree, stone
• Reorganize range shed
• Fix screen on porch
• Stain outside porches
• Clean area under cooking pavilion
• Split wood
• Cut wood next to the pond
• Reorganize basement - inventory
• Fill in bone pit
• Rake front lawn – leaves and sticks – lime
• Organize tents, order replacement pieces
• Re-glue & replace kitchen flooring & baseboard
• Touch up disturbed soil areas
...anything else that we've forgotten.
Sandy Hook was a tragedy.
One must look at the Cause: Mother knowingly allowing gun access to a mentally disturbed son
Effect: 26 children and teachers murdered along with his mother.
Solution?: A proposed firearm compromise among legislative leaders affecting only gun owners.Fact: Nothing in this package would have affected the events in Sandy Hook, prior to the event or in the future (See Gun Attachment pages below).
There will be no Public Hearing on these proposals.
Statutory language was being written tonight and we understand it may be available some time Tuesday.
The bill is scheduled to be debated on Wednesday.
We [Robt Crook) has not commented on the proposals - and cannot, really - until we see the bill, but expect more surprises.
Summary of the Task Force's "Gun Violence Prevention" Provisions
1. The bill establishes a first in the nation statewide dangerous weapon offender registry
The bill creates a first in the nation statewide dangerous weapon offender registry (a handful of cities across the country have their own gun offender registries). This has been the top priority of urban mayors and the Police Chiefs Association for the last several years. Under the bill, individuals must register with DESPP if they have been convicted of any of more than 40 enumerated weapons offenses (mostly gun offenses) or another felony that the court makes a finding involved the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon.
Individuals must register with DESPP for a total of five years after their release into the community. During that time they must keep their registration address current at all times, and they must check in once per year, on the anniversary of their release, with local law enforcement in the town where they currently reside. Unlike Megan’s List, this registry will not be public. Instead, it will be available to law enforcement only.
2. The bill requires “universal background checks” for the sale of all firearms immediately, upon passage.
Under current law, private sales of rifles and shotguns are completely unregulated (while the sale of any pistol or revolver or the sale of a rifle or shotgun by a licensed dealer requires a criminal background check). Under the bill, this glaring loophole is immediately closed, and all private long gun sales must be preceded by the buyer passing a national criminal background check.
Immediately upon passage, no pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun can be sold to any Connecticut resident until the buyer undergoes and passes a national criminal background check -- whether such sale is private, at a gun show, or through a dealer.
3. The bill significantly expands the Connecticut Assault Weapons Ban.
Currently, Connecticut is one of only a handful of states with a state-level assault weapons ban. Under current law, an “assault weapon” is defined as one of 66 different specified firearms, or any other semiautomatic weapon that contains “two or more” of a list of physical characteristics.
Under the current bill, a) an additional list of more than 100 new specified weapons will be designated as banned assault weapons, in addition to all of the other weapons captured by the “physical characteristics” test. Also, that characteristics test is being amended to add some new banned military-style features, and also to require an assault weapon to have ¬only one of the listed features in order to fall under the ban.
Thus, many more weapons – well over a hundred additional models -- will now fall under the Connecticut Assault Weapons Ban. Therefore, under the bill, effective on passage, they will no longer be allowed to be bought or sold in Connecticut nor imported into the state (with some law enforcement exemptions). Those currently legally possessed will have to be registered with DESPP, and their legal use and transport will be tightly limited.
4. The bill immediately bans the sale or purchase of large capacity magazines, and imposes extremely stringent restrictions on the use of those currently possessed.
Only 7 states and the District of Columbia have any limits on the legal size or use of ammunition magazines. The definition of those regulated large capacity magazines (“LCMs”), with regard to the threshold capacity, varies. New York recently went down to 7 rounds, but apparently is going to go back up to 10. Maryland is at 20 rounds, and may go down to 10 via a Senate bill currently pending in the House. New Jersey and Colorado are at 15 rounds. California and Hawaii are at 10, but the Hawaii law only applies to handguns.
Under the bill, Connecticut will now join these states. An LCM will be defined as one that can hold more than 10 rounds.
LCMs that are currently possessed must be registered with DESPP by January 1, 2014 to remain legal, and even when registered will be subject to extremely strict usage limitations:
• Even with regard to such legally declared LCMs, upon passage the bill will immediately impose the following stringent limitations on their use:
Long guns: The bill establishes a new revocable state-issued “long gun eligibility certificate”, which will require the applicant to undergo a firearms safety training course, be fingerprinted, and undergo a national criminal background and involuntary commitment /voluntary admission check.
Ammunition: The bill establishes a new revocable state issued “ammunition eligibility certificate”, which will require the applicant to pass a national criminal background check.
6. The bill expands the scope of Connecticut’s firearms safe storage law.
Under current law, the legal duty to securely store a firearm applies only when a person under 16 years of age is likely to gain access to the firearm.
The bill significantly expands the scope of that duty, to situations where the firearm owner knows or should know that:
7. The bill significantly increases penalties for many firearms trafficking and illegal possession offenses.
8. The bill expands the membership of the Board of Firearms Permit Examiners, and expands due process for local authorities in front of the board.
In addition to the current 7 members, the bill adds a mental health professional appointed by the governor but nominated by DMHAS, and a retired Superior Court judge chosen by the Chief Court Administrator. Moreover, the bill allows an issuing authority to receive one continuance for good cause shown.
9. The bill changes the status, with regard to the legal possession of firearms and permits therefor, of individuals who have been either involuntarily confined in or voluntarily admitted to a hospital for persons with psychiatric disabilities, as defined in section 17a-495 of the general statutes.
Involuntary committals: under current law, an individual who has been involuntarily committed by order of the Probate Court to such a hospital within the previous 12 months can neither possess a firearm nor receive a permit or eligibility certificate. The bill expands that look back period to 60 months, for those receiving permits or eligibility certificates after the effective date.
Voluntary admissions: current law does not address voluntary admissions. Under the bill, an individual who has been so admitted will not be able to receive a permit or eligibility certificate for 6 months thereafter, nor will they be eligible to possess any firearm for those 6 months following their release from the hospital.
10. The bill strengthens Connecticut law with regard to firearms in several additional respects.
• The bill establishes the offense of illegal possession of ammunition, so that an individual who is ineligible to possess a firearm will also now be ineligible to possess any ammunition.
• Possession of such magazines must be declared to DESPP by January 1, 2014. After January 1, 2014, any LCM that has not been the subject of such a declaration cannot be legally possessed under any circumstances (even if it had been possessed before the effective date).
5. The bill requires new state issued eligibility certificates for the purchase of any rifle, shotgun or ammunition. 1 - Except for in an individual’s home or on the premises of a shooting range, an LCM can never be loaded with more than 10 bullets.
2 - Even if an individual has a permit to carry a pistol or revolver, they can never carry, other than at a shooting range, a pistol that has an LCM loaded with more than 10 bullets.
3 - If an individual with a carry permit has a pistol that they purchased prior to the effective date that accepts an LCM, they can carry the LCM in that pistol, but only loaded with 10 bullets. Moreover, under no circumstances can the LCM in such pistol extend below the pistol grip.
4 - If an individual has a pistol purchased after the effective date, an LCM can never be carried with that pistol other than at a shooting range. Instead, the individual must use only a magazine that takes 10 or fewer bullets in any pistol purchased from the effective date forward.
Under the bill, as of April 1, 2014, such long gun eligibility certificate will be required to be presented for the purchase of any rifle or shotgun (in addition to the aforementioned now-“universal” criminal background check).
The bill requires, as of October 1, 2013, that any sale of ammunition or an ammunition magazine to a Connecticut resident be accompanied by the presentation of either a permit to carry a pistol or revolver, an eligibility certificate for a pistol or revolver, a long gun eligibility certificate, a firearms dealer permit, or a combination of an ammunition eligibility certificate and a state issued photo ID.
Therefore, as of October 1, 2013 there will be no legal sales of ammunition or magazines to any Connecticut resident who has not passed a national criminal background check, and is in good standing with regard to such check (i.e. their state issued certificate has not been revoked).
1) any resident of the premises where the firearm is stored is ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law, or
2) that a resident of the premises poses a risk of imminent personal injury to himself or herself or to other individuals.
• The bill requires applicants for a temporary permit to carry a pistol or revolver to apply only in their town of residence (as opposed to also where they work), and further limits such applications to only one per twelve months.
• The bill establishes a new age limit for the purchase of centerfire semi-automatic rifles (other than banned assault weapons). Under the bill an individual will have to be at least 21 to purchase such a rifle, as opposed to the current federal age limit of 18.
• The bill bans the sale of armor piercing ammunition, and makes it a class D felony to carry a firearm loaded with any such ammunition.
• The bill amends the Earned Risk Reduction Program to ensure that violent felons, including those who committed crimes with firearms, serve at least eighty-five percent of their original sentences.
Town Meeting - March 28, 2013 - 8 pm at the East Haddam Town Meeting Hall
492 Town Street
Town Referendum (VOTE!) April 9, 2013 - 12 noon to 8 pm at the East Haddam Town Meeting Hall
The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has awarded grants to the Town of East Haddam for the purchase of two proper-ties. The Town’s share for such purchases may be fi-nanced by the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes of the Town.
492 Town Street
Bound by Mill Road, Parker Road, the 230 acres of Conservation Easement area on the Dean Farm and a portion of Roaring Brook.
The parcel will be available for hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife observation, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, group camping, and photography.
At several locations Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River are visible.
This property has an open area available for group outings and has a well built gravel road to the scenic viewing area that is handicap accessible. The lack of nearby residential lighting provides opportunities for star gazing from this location. This parcel will provide continued wildlife habitat and corridor linkage in a very large forest block.
The parcel has a mix of upland hardwood forest, mountain laurel covered hills, exposed ledges, intermittent streams, vernal pools, and woodland wetlands that support a variety of the woodland species.
Zeiller Associates parcel on Clark Hill Road and Florida Road [98.22 acres]
The parcel will become a recreational property for hiking, cross country skiing, wildlife observation, fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding and photography.
Some land can be reclaimed for agricultural uses. The northern third of the property was used for agricultural purposes up until the 1970’s.
The parcel has a mix of upland hardwood forest, mountain laurel covered hills, exposed ledges, intermittent streams, vernal pools, old field habitat and woodland wetlands that support a variety of woodland species.
Part of the parcel has been actively forested in the past and is expected to continue to be a productive forest area.
As for fisheries, the property has 4000 feet of frontage on Roaring Brook, supports a healthy brook trout population and is part of the Whalebone Creek Watershed. This parcel would provide linkage to existing and potential open space.
He was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Army; a life member of the East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department, a 60 year member of the American Legion, and active with the Catholic War Veterans. Prior to his retirement Chip worked for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation as an electrician.
Chip loved spending time with his family and friends especially at his camp in New Hampshire.
Chip is survived by a sister, Helen McNutt of Deep River, niece, Kim Smith and her husband David of Moodus, two step-sons, Duane Hendrickson and his wife Sandra of Florida, Claude Hendrickson of Middletown, a step-daughter, Drucilla Hendrickson of Deep River several step-grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild, also several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Joseph Kurek, Frank Kurek, Lewis Kurek, four sisters, Josephine Whitehead, Sophie Wright, Ann Bohling and Agnes Carini.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to East Haddam Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 375 East Haddam, CT 06423 or the charity of your choice. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
Monthly members meetings begin at 7:30 PM
March
1 Monthly Meeting
June
Support Sunday Hunting!
Contact your legislator - TODAY!
The Connecticut Legislative environment Committee will be hearing testimony of a variety of bills this coming Monday, February 25th. Call or email BEFORE Monday! Be brief and to the point. Be polite. Identify the issue and the Bill number. It also helps to identify what town you are from and who you are.
E-mails may be more effective since it gives the legislature a way to document in writing the number of people responding to the specific issue.
FOR: Proposals regarding Sunday hunting, on private land and on "certain tree farms" will be heard.
You should contact your legislators supporting these bills. Bills related to Sunday Hunting include: House Bills: 5200, 5204, 5413, 5847 as well as Senate Bills 0558 and 0559. Identify these bills in your email or phone call.
AGAINST: A Proposal to prohibit hunting in proximity to wildlife preserves in the state, That is House Bill 6305. It is so vague that it could be completely ~ and easily ~ misinterpreted. Identify this bill in your email or phone call.
Our Local Legislators include:
Melissa Ziobron [ Melissa.Ziobron@housegop.ct.gov ]
PH: 1-800-842-1423 (toll-free in CT) | 860-240-8700 (out of state)
Art Linares [ Art.Linares@cga.ct.gov ]
PH: 1-800-842-1421 (CT only) | 860-240-8800 (out of state)
Linda Orange [ Linda.Orange@cga.ct.gov ]
PH: (860) 240-8585 (CT only) | 1-800-842-8267 (out of state)
You could also contact the Clerk of the Environmental Committee
[ Edward.Schaeffer@cga.ct.gov ] or call 1-800-240-0440.
Click this link for a list of all members on the Environment Committee.
For the emails and contact information of other Connecticut Legislators check out the Senate Members List or the House of Representatives Members List.
Although it helps to give a short reason why you support Sunday hunting (for example, "Since I work all week Sunday is one of the few days I get to hunt, which helps put food on the table.") your email need be no more complicated than this one:
LANDOWNERS! Please join The Connecticut DEEP on:
The February Game Dinner, scheduled for this coming Saturday,, the 16th, will still be held.We want to encourage everyone coming to car pool if at all possible. While we have plowed, parking is still limited, so space is important!
As of 2/13/13 Seating for four has opened up. (call Jim V about this).
The March Game Dinner is, however, completely booked. We still have some seating for April. Speak to one of the MSC members to indicate your interest.
Be on target!
Don't be the target
Tips on Contacting Politicians
Voting is only part of the legislative process. You need to be in touch with your legislators,
to let them know your opinions on subjects important to you, and know
how to get your point across clearly and calmly.
