Hunters Anglers Trappers Association of Vermont





















 

 

H.A.T.  Accomplishments

WHAT HAS HAT DONE
FOR THEIR MEMBERS?
 

2003 H.A.T. Accomplishments

  • Partnered with the VT Traditions Coalition to protect sporting interests & traditional use of rural Vermont lands by fielding a full-time Legislative lobbyist

  • Advocated the appointment of Wayne Laroche as Fish & Wildlife Commissioner

  • Fought the State of Vermont's plans for road closures, destruction of hunting camps, and needless restrictions against hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and timbering rights on the Champion lands

  • Spearheaded passage of expanded fishing rights on Lake Champlain (Reciprocal License Bill)

  • Played key role in passage of bill to use increased timber management on state lands to increase deer and game populations

  • Established new precedent by winning grants for the following sporting interests:

  • 1. $82,000 to F&W Dept. to increase timbering on state land (sale of timber will fund this program in the future)

  • 2. $50,000 to Ruffed Grouse Society to accelerate the timbering effort

  • 3. $45,000 to Vermont Outdoor Guide Assn. for Promotions

  • 4. $37,500 to Lake Champlain International, Inc.  for Automation and Infrastructure

  • 5. $7,500 to Lake Champlain Walleye Assn. for a portable hatchery truck

  • 6. Total of $222,000

    •

    Played key role in defeating “Railroad Trespass” legislation that would have outlawed fishing at popular fishing spots around Vermont

    Sponsorship of Vt. Chapter of “Hunt of a Lifetime” helping seriously ill children live their dream of hunting & fishing adventures

    Filed suit against Winooski Valley Park District ban against hunting and firearm possession on former hunting lands WVPD has acquired and successfully forced WVPD to take steps to revoke its ban on the possession of firearms within the Park District

    Leading fight against Champion style restrictions against public access and traditional land use of 11,000 acre Willoughby State Forest – Governor has now promised a re-Write of Plan

    Worked with Comm. Laroche to reverse Dean admin.'s closure of Allen Point Fishing Access

    Working with the F&W to support construction of the Kent pond fishing accommodations for physically limited anglers

    Aggressive participation in land mgt. hearings including Green Mt. National Forest, Groton State Forest, Coolidge State Forest, etc. where extreme interests challenge VT's sporting traditions

    An Internet presence that unites the Vt. Sporting Community with information and innovation

    Continued support of lamprey and cormorant control in Lake Champlain

    Involvement in DAM re-licensing issues on the Missisquoi River, the Clyde River and East Burke

    Started a Lake Champlain creel census and actively working with Vermont F&W on perch and crappie regulations

    Strong involvement with the Missisquoi Bay Bridge project

    Continued support of the Lake Champlain Walleye Association on walleye & water quality issues

    Ed Davis Don Martin Steve Boucher Steve McLeod Rick Kaminski Robby Mazza Ed Gallo Sherb Lang Keith Darby