On April 19, the Hew Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is hearing House Bill 1356, a bill requiring the Fish and Game Department to permit hunting gray squirrels year-round. Under current law, the season runs from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31.
This legislation was initially introduced to shorten the season by two weeks, but was amended to provide for a year-round season during an earlier hearing in the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee where extensive testimony was heard about the destructive nature of gray squirrels.
One of the individuals who provided testimony during the hearing was State Representative Howard Pearl, who said that gray squirrels cost his maple syrup business between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. Additionally, Chairman Tim Lang said that he was swayed by the fact that most other rodents, besides beavers, have a year-round season while gray squirrels have a restricted season. After the amendment was passed by the Committee on Feb. 1, it went on to pass the House Chamber on March 16.
New Hampshire sportsmen who want to express their opinion on this legislation should contact members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Protection Committee. Please send emails to:
Chairman Kevin A. Avard: [email protected]
Vice-Chair Bob Giuda: [email protected]
Senator James P. Gray: [email protected]
Senator Rebecca Kwoka: [email protected]
Senator David Watters: [email protected]
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.