Spring Squirrel

[jmbknvc]

I did not get a chance to go to the AGFC Public meetings last night. While, watching the 10 o'clock news on channel 7 they talked about the meetings. The reported discussed the dog issue with deer. However, I thought I heard him say that dogs would not be allowed during the spring squirrel season at the end of his report. Does anybody know anything about this or did I not hear the reporter right?

[MountainBuck]

This is from the AGFC web Site and I checked what's new no mention of not using squirrel dogs.
I just purchased an 18 month old Registed Mountain Feist that is treeing to go along with my pup. I sure hope they don't cancel.

Spring 2005
Statewide
May 14, 2004 -June 12, 2005
Dogs allowed.

[Gooch]

Channel 11 reported this morning that the AGFC had banned dogs for the spring squirrel season. There is nothing on KTHV's website about it.

I just called the news desk at channel 11. They said that this was true and that it came directly from the AGFC!

[MountainBuck]

I just e-mailed AGFC to see if this is Correct.

[MountainBuck]

Ok guys I called the arkansas game and fish this morning at 900 about the spring season being closed ,they said that chanel 11 put out the wrong information . we will have a spring season for sq hunting dogs

[Rattle-m-up™]

that is what i understand..it is a go...

[deerhunter]

Cant beleive the media got something wrong. :rolleyes:

[reflex1]

Coming from CBS - I could! graemlins/smack.gif

[jmbknvc]

Man I did hear the report on Channel 7 currently, :eek: the AG&F are proposing to prohibit the use of dogs during the Spring Squirell Season. :confused:

Here is the slide from their Public Meeting presentation off the G&F website.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/jmbknvc/General%20Hunting/PublicMtg.jpg

[xring]

This is interesting, there is only one caliber currently being loaded, other than wildcats, that this regulation would effect, that being the .17 Remington, of course there are many wildcats in the .17 to .20 caliber line up, like the .20 Calhoon, and the .17 Mach 4.I believe the rule before was any centerfire rifle, which included the .22 Hornet, .219 Zipper. .221 fireball, .218 Bee, .219 donaldson wasp, and even the .22 kay chuck. I do agree that the .17 calibers are not "deer rifles" as a 17 to 20 grain bullet is a bit light for any larger game.

And why would they want to stop the squirrel dogs in the spring? Possibly because the fawns would be dropping at this time and the dogs would have a chance at what the coyotes missed?
I think the AG&F needs to promote the sport of coyote hunting every way they can, its a fact that there is no way to rid an area of coyotes by hunting, even posion will not kill them all, it has been tryed in most southwestern states for years, my opinion is that all our small game has been hurt badly by the wave of coyotes sweeping Arkansas in the last 35 years. xring

[jmbknvc]

xring, I do not think it is an issue to dealing with trying to protect the fawns being born. The spring squirrel season has been going on for a long time with no problem to the deer population. I do not know the reason for them proposing this, I guess I need to post a topic in "Ask the Commissioners".

Here is my thought on the proposal, not as many people are out hunting squirrels at this time period and deals with hunting dogs. I think it is the first step in taking away leagal dog hunters right slowly. I know dog hunting is a hot topic on this board and mainly the trespassing issue. I believe the AG&F are starting with something small and not as organized. Then they will slowly start with other types of hunting with dogs.

[xring]

I too would like to hear their reply to this question. I would hate to think that they are lumping all dogs together so to speak.

In case they are, when it gets to retrievers and duck hunters,,,,,,,smoke will fill the air!!!

xring

[jmbknvc]

I just posted the topic in "Ask the Commissioners" will wait to see the answer.

As to the duck dogs, I am told that they do not chase game but retrieve the game and thus looked at differently, because of that issue. It seems if you use a dog to chase game than that type of hunting will be effected by the new dog hunting law and spring squirrel is the first hit. If it is taken away it will probably never come back just like the couple of weeks lost from the archery season.