Tweets, I believe this will wrap up the thread on the hawk and owl
shooting. Thank goodness it's positive. It's long, but interesting to
read. Diann

>From: Patricia Rossi <Circuscyan at aol.com>
>Subject: Re: PA Game Commission Plan to Shoot Hawks and Owls -- DEFEATED
>To: ORNITH-L at UAFSYSB.UARK.EDU
>
>FROM: Cindy Dunn, Audubon:
>
>The proposal
> from Vernon Shaffer, Chairman of the Game Commission, to remove
> protection from Red-tailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls at Middle Creek
> and Blue Marsh was rescinded.
>
> At the beginning of the 4 pm meeting, it was announced that they had
> received word from the Fish and Wildlife Service that the proposal
> would not be approved.
>
> Mike Schmidt, Deputy Executive Direcotr of the Game Commission
> announced that they had received an extraordinary amount of mail on
> the subject - 280 against and 2 in favor....thanks to all of you who
> took the time to write!
>
> Only a few speakers were in favor of the proposal. One was the guy
> named Colantuno (Spelling?) who receives permits many years to shoot
> Black-crowned night herons at his aquaculture facility.
>
> The sportsmen's groups were on our side. Pheasants Forever, the
> falconers, and others were aganist the proposal. The Federation of
> Sportsmen's Clubs and the PA wildlife Federation also were against it
> but didn't speak up.
>
> It appeared that NONE of the Game Commission staff were in favor of
> it, and half of the commissioners weren't supportive. It really calls
> to attention the break down that occurred for this hare-brained idea
> to even see the light of day. Glenn Bower, past Executive Director of
> the Game Commission, spoke up adamantly against it.
>
> Two Raptor rehabilitators, Wendy Looker and Beth Curacato spoke up
> very forcefully against the proposal.
>
> We certainly made an impression. There was standing room only. TWe had
> sign placards and a live Short-eared Owl which was recently injured by
> a shot. We had superb TV news coverage. Now we have got to keep up
> the momentum to make the Game Commission a true wildlife agency that
> works for all wildlife. We all need to pay more attention to their
> appointment process and get good commissioners in place.
>
>
>--Patricia Rossi
> Levittown, PA
> circuscyan at aol.com
>