February 2016 Newsletter - virginiabearhunters.org

www.virginiabearhunters.org
Dedicated to the preservation of hunting bear with
dogs and to sound wildlife management principles
MEETING NOTICE
The next membership meeting of the Virginia Bear Hunters Association will be held at 2 p.m. on
Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department. The address is 2130 Raphine Rd,
Raphine, VA 24472. Directions from I-81 – Take the VA-606 exit, EXIT#205; turn left onto Raphine
Rd, go ½ mile; fire department is on the left.
Message from David Steger, President
My group had a good bear season, running a few nice bear, but mostly small ones. I’ve heard of some big bear
harvested on youth day and that’s a good thing. I hope those of you who were lucky enough to take a larger bear will enter
our Big Bear contest and I hope all our youth will send in their tags for a plaque.
In the areas I hunt and the check stations I am familiar with, it looks like the harvest will be on par with recent
years. As you know many people who opposed the separate bear license said there wouldn’t be enough licenses sold or
bear killed. The official harvest data will be available within the next month and we will post that on our website and in our
next newsletter. We are anxious to see that data, but we already know that sales of the bear licenses exceeded all
expectations. There were 30,780 resident licenses sold and 926 nonresident. That’s a lot of bear hunters, all people who
actually hunted for and targeted bear. Those numbers don’t include the sales of Sportsman’s Licenses and Youth Licenses,
both of which include the bear license.
Wayne Ball, Lacie Hale and I are going later this month to pick up our new mechanical bear. It’s been a long time
coming, and we are excited to see the finished product that has silent movement and synchronized sound. We’ve
purchased a trailer to transport and store the mechanical bear and the rest of our field trial supplies. Thanks again to Allen
Richardson who donated the mounted bear! Come to our Spring Field Trial to see it in action.
Your Association needs your help! VBHA elections will be held in October and we need members from all regions
to serve on the Nominating Committee. I’ve asked in the last three newsletters, but haven’t heard from anyone willing to
work on this Committee. I know there are many members who could add a lot to the cause of this organization, and this
would be a good way to get started.
We need a good, strong membership! That is very important at a very critical time as we have to continue to work
just to keep our right to hunt with hounds. Please keep your membership up-to-date and bring in some new members from
your hunting group. As most of you do, we must continue to show landowners our respect and gratitude.
As you’ll see in this newsletter, many of our concerns are handled by our elected officials, not DGIF. Please know
who your delegate and senator are, find out their views, let them know yours, and most important, exercise your powerful
right to vote!
VBHA and the entire bear hunting world recently lost two long-time supporters and avid houndsmen. Sadly, Edsel
Edwards passed away in December and Albert Clark died in January. These life members will be missed, but will live forever
in the memories of the many who knew them.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
PAGE 1 OF 8
2016 Spring Field Trial
The VBHA 2016 Spring Field Trial will be held on March 26, 2016 in Botetourt County. The event will
start at 10 a.m. and will include fun, competitions, food, and merchandise. The last page of this newsletter is a
flyer you can post in your local communities to help us get the word out. Directions and details are on the flyer.
Come and enjoy a fun day with fellow bear hunters and see our new mechanical bear in action (literally)!
VBHA Big Bear Contest
VBHA members are encouraged to enter our 2015-16 Big Bear Contest. A copy of the check tag should
be sent to VBHA Secretary Hunter Thrasher along with the member's name, address, and a note that the
submission is for the Big Bear Contest. You must have held active membership on the date of the kill and the
check tag must show that dogs were used. The winner of the contest will be the member who harvested the
biggest bear (by weight). If check tags are received showing both live and dressed weights, we will add 15% to
dressed weights in order to compare to live weights submitted. The winner will be announced at the 2nd quarter
meeting and will receive a plaque to commemorate their trophy. The Secretary's address is 3826 Narrow
Passage Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066 and entries must be postmarked on or before March 31, 2016.
VBHA Recognition of Youth Bear Harvests
VBHA youth under the age of 16 who harvested a bear during the 2015-16 season will receive a plaque
to honor their accomplishment. A copy of the check tag should be sent to VBHA Secretary Hunter Thrasher
along with the youth’s name and address, the name of the VBHA member who accompanied the youth, and a
note that the submission is for the Youth Recognition (and the Big Bear Contest, if desired). The check tag must
indicate that dogs were used in the harvest. Names will be published in our next newsletter and plaques
presented at the 2nd quarter meeting. Eligible youth are those who hold a membership, are the son or daughter
of a VBHA member, or who were supervised during the hunt by a VBHA member. The Secretary's address is
3826 Narrow Passage Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066 and entries must be postmarked on or before March 31, 2016.
2016 VBHA Scholarship
VBHA will offer a $1,000 scholarship to a member or a family member planning to attend college or
trade school. As we have done in the past, this scholarship is open both to graduating high school seniors and to
anyone who is or will be attending a school of higher learning. Applicants must be VBHA members or the
child/grandchild of a VBHA member. Entries will be evaluated based on academic achievement, planned course
of study, clubs, sports, community activities, honors and awards, and participation in VBHA events. Applicants
must submit an essay of 500 words or less (subject to be announced). The application, rules and contact
information will be posted on our website in early March along with deadlines and other necessary information.
Susan Steger, Scholarship Chairman
2016 VBHA Election
The VBHA Bylaws require elections to be held in even-numbered years and call for a Nominating
Committee to produce a slate of officers to be presented to the membership in our 3 rd quarter newsletter. The
purpose of the Nominating Committee is to make sure we have at least one candidate for each position, but
additional nominations will be taken from the floor at our 3rd quarter meeting. The Nominating Committee
chairman will assemble other members (hopefully, from each region) to assist him. We would expect the
Committee to first talk to current officers and directors, then to active members who would be willing to step up
and help lead our organization for the next 2 years. RIGHT NOW we need someone to volunteer to serve on this
Committee. No member of the Nominating Committee may be on the ballot. If you are willing to help your
association by serving on the Nominating Committee, please call David Steger at 540-384-6506.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
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VBHA Executive Board 2015-16
President
David Steger
Catawba
540-384-6506
Vice President
Richard Sprinkle
Buchanan
540-254-2578
Secretary
Hunter Thrasher
Buchanan
540-598-6169
Treasurer
Wayne Ball
Raven
276-964-5961
Advisory Director
Charles Montgomery
Buchanan
540-254-2048
Region 1 Director*
Barney Bolter
Kenbridge
434-247-9608
Region 2 Director
Will Herndon
Brookneal
434-610-4895
Region 2 Director
Wayne Hensley
Bedford
540-586-8242
Region 2 Director
Clint Steger
Catawba
540-392-2247
Region 3 Director
Steve Alley
New Castle
540-864-5891
Region 3 Director
Henry Bishop
Blacksburg
540-230-0190
Region 3 Director
Steve Parcell
Ripplemead
540-626-3801
Region 4 Director
Andrew Gilliam
Williamsville
540-925-2438
Region 4 Director
Al Heil
Culpeper
540-718-7781
Region 4 Director
Steve Nicely
Clifton Forge
540-862-5110
VBHA Regions
*Region 1 also includes out-of-state members.
...From Al Heil, Region 4 Director
After the season is before the season. Occasional sightings of hairless bear suffering from mange mites
were confirmed for the third year in northwest regions.
Having chased a lot of small bear in 2014, many of us were hoping for a great 2015 season with many
good size animals. For most parts of northwest Region 4 however, we continued chasing mostly small bear while
the larger sized animals were already taken during bow or muzzle loader season or were hibernating because of
the lack of food in December. We need to train in cooler seasons, and we need an early kill season. The success
rate of hound hunters seemed way below average in western Shenandoah and northern Madison counties while
the harvest in Massanutten and southern Madison continued to be good.
A number of bear hunters had met with Shenandoah National Park officials in order to solve the
problem of bear hunters being fined and ordered to appear in Federal courts because of hounds being off leash
in the park. The suggestion was to call the Central Park phone number as soon as we know that a dog had
entered the Park, to inform the officials and then retrieve the dog without being fined. While waiting for a final
decision we continued to be fined during the season. I was in court again in January – this is no fun. We need the
help of our Congressmen – the law for National Parks can only be changed in Washington.
An old friend once told me that the streams are getting colder each year and the hills steeper. While I
have learned this to be true, I have also learned that a couple of trash bags can keep your feet dry and that good
knowledge of territory and landowners are helpful when climbing those hills. For me, the saddest part of getting
older is losing more and more two- and four-legged loved-ones and riends. It has been a great comfort though
to see that bear hunting with hounds is a sport that both men and hounds are able to enjoy almost to the very
end, a sport that grows the number of my lifetime friends with every season. Good hunting!
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
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2016 VA General Assembly – Legislative Concerns for VBHA
The 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly convened on January 13th and is scheduled to end on
March 12th. The VBHA Legislative Committee (Richard Sprinkle, Steve Nicely, Barney Bolter) have been watching
for legislation that would impact our sport, and then alerting the other officers and directors as needed.
Members are encouraged to contact their own legislators to express your opinions; or you may contact all
Committee or Subcommittee members when a bill is published on their agenda. Two bills in particular should
be of interest to VBHA members.
HB 1329 Trespass by hunters using dogs; penalty. Punishes as a Class 3 misdemeanor the intentional release by
a person of hunting dogs on the lands of another to hunt without the consent of the landowner. The bill
punishes a second or subsequent offense committed within three years as a Class 1 misdemeanor and provides
for the revocation of the person's hunting license for a period of one year upon conviction.
This bill was introduced by Del Matthew Fariss and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee;
then to the Natural Resources Subcommittee which approved the bill 6 to 1. The bill now moves back to the
House Ag Committee, and was not on a published agenda at the time of this newsletter going to press. It could
be addressed by the Ag Committee as early as Wednesday, February 10th. If approved, it will be voted on the
entire House of Delegates.
HB 262 Wildlife; manufacture and sale of products made from parts. Authorizes the Board of Game and Inland
Fisheries to adopt regulations that allow a licensed hunter or trapper to manufacture and sell products made
from wildlife that he has legally harvested, except when the manufacturing or sale of such products is
detrimental to public health or sound wildlife management.
This bill was introduced by Del Scott Lingamfelter and was referred to the House Agriculture Committee;
then to the Natural Resources Subcommittee which approved the bill with amendments and passed it back to
the Ag Committee. The House Ag Committee approved the amended bill 29 to 0. The bill will now be heard by
the entire House. The language of the amended bill is:
Adopt regulations that allow any person who holds a valid license to hunt or trap to manufacture and
sell products made from wildlife that he has lawfully taken, except where the Board determines that such
manufacture or sale is detrimental to public health or sound wildlife management.
If you have access to the internet, the VDGIF legislation page shows all bills that would have an impact on their
mission, so that is a good place to find other bills that you as a hunter want to investigate. Go to
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/legislation/ Click on the column, Latest Information – Summary and Status for the
bill you want to research.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
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Local Collaborative Receives Prestigious Forest Service Award
The USDA Forest Service presented the George Washington National Forest Stakeholder
Collaborative, a partnership of 19 local organizations and other individuals, with the 2015 Partners and
Community Engagement award for their efforts on the George Washington National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan (Plan) and Lower Cowpasture Restoration and Management Project. This
regional award honors one partner group selected from among 17 National Forests in 13 southern
states. The award recipients were recognized for their innovative and creative approaches to building
partnerships and implementing Forest Service projects.
The award recipients represent: The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; Society
of American Foresters; Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition; Virginia Wilderness Committee; The
Nature Conservancy; Shenandoah Mountain Touring; Bath County Board of Supervisors; Virginia
Council of Trout Unlimited; The Nature Conservancy; Virginia Forestry Association; Quality Deer
Management Association - Rockingham Branch; Southern Environmental Law Center; Virginia
Wilderness Committee; Friends of Shenandoah Mountain; Virginia Chapter Sierra Club; Virginia State
Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation; Alleghany County Board of Supervisors; Virginia Bear
Hunters Association; and Virginia State Leadership Team, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
This diverse group of stakeholders united in 2010 with the goal of developing recommendations
for the management of the George Washington National Forest. The Collaborative built trust among
diverse interests and found common goals. Through open dialog and use of resources such as the
University of Virginia’s Institute for Environmental Negotiation, representatives from the participating
organizations built consensus around a suite of issues that have traditionally been contentious and
polarizing.
The Stakeholder Collaborative continued their work with the Forest Service through
collaboration on the 117,000-acre Lower Cowpasture Restoration and Management Project. This
project was the Forests’ first-ever large landscape and integrated resource planning effort. The
Stakeholder Collaborative participated in public workshops, encouraged public and county
engagement, and provided input to identify priority restoration efforts and management activities. Their
efforts produced a plan which outlines a roster of restoration and management projects to take place
over the next ten years. These proposed projects include timber management, road restoration and
management, fish and aquatic organism passage improvements, wildlife habitat management,
American Chestnut restoration, non-native invasive species control, recreational trail development, and
prescribed fire.
VBHA thanks Steve Nicely for representing our organization in these Forest Service projects. His forestry
education and knowledge and his ability to work with various points of view made him our perfect
representative. We owe him our gratitude for his commitment and the generous donation of his time. As a
result of Steve’s work with other stakeholders, VBHA became a charter member of the newly formed Wildlife
Habitat Coalition, a group whose goal is to promote management of national forests for improved wildlife
habitat.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
PAGE 5 OF 8
2015 Fall Field Trial
Our 2015 Fall Field Trial was held on Saturday, October 17th in Nelson County at Carl and Debi Coffey's
beautiful Flat Farm. The weather was perfect for both the dogs and hundreds of people who attended. In
addition to VBHA merchandise, Creekside Supplies (Doug Zimmerman) and The Dog Box Man (Mike
Montgomery) were onsite with their hunting dog supplies. Gracie Huffman, a youth bear hunter, also sold
homemade goodies and Aaron's Smokehouse (of Buchanan) provided superb food for the crowd.
Debi Coffey won the 50/50, but donated her winnings back to the VBHA. Gracie Huffman donated $50
from her concessions and Mr. Norris Campbell, Sr. donated a beautifully framed picture from the Alleghany Bear
Study that we auctioned. We drew the winner of the raffle of a Garmin Astro 320 Bundle that was won by
Wayne Ball. Thanks to all who bought chances! A brief 4th quarter membership meeting was held at mid-day.
The Youth Bear Bay opened the competitions with 20 young bear hunters participating and each getting
a trophy. The adult competition results were:
Event
2-Dog Bear Bay (21 entries)
1-Dog Bear Bay (22 entries)
Bear Treeing (22 entries)
Dash Race - Line Finals (14 entries)
Dash Race - Tree Finals (14 entries)
TOP DOG (12 contenders)*
Place
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
RATTLER
Dog(s)
Sally and Rattler
Big Boy and Penny
Doc and Eli
Rattler
Lace
Eli
Reba
Daisy
Heino
Timber
Hambone
Lucky
Eli
Daisy
Doc
Owner
Andrew Gilliam
Carl Coffey
Thomas Huffman
Andrew Gilliam
Denny Painter
Katie Fitzgerald
Morgan Schmitt
Thomas Huffman
Al Heil
Charles Montgomery
Charles Montgomery
Jacob Schmitt
Katie Fitzgerald
Thomas Huffman
Thomas Huffman
ANDREW GILLIAM
*The Top Dog is awarded based on points earned in the one-dog bay, treeing, and dash race competitions. Eligible dogs competed in all
three events. This year we had a 3-way tie for Top Dog honors (Rattler-Andrew Gilliam, Reba-Morgan Schmitt, and Daisy-Thomas
Huffman). After the competitors opted for a coin toss, the trophy was awarded to Andrew Gilliam, and the others received a VBHA
hoodie.
Your Personalized Membership Status
The below information is provided for your review; send any corrections or additions to the VBHA Secretary
(address on last page). If your address on this newsletter is different from the address in the box below, the
post office has forwarded your newsletter, but you still need to send your address change to us.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
PAGE 6 OF 8
SPRING FIELD TRIAL
Saturday, March 26, 2016
10 a.m.
Buchanan, Virginia
Bear Bay - Bear Treeing Contest - Dash Race
(Mechanical bear)
st
nd
rd
Trophies for 1 , 2 , 3 places
Dogs entered in all events will compete for Top Dog honors
Youth Bear Bay – all entries receive award
Directions from Buchanan: Take Route 43 West 7 miles and look for signs
Directions from Eagle Rock: Take Route 43 East 7 miles and watch for signs
Contacts: Charles Montgomery 540-254-2048
David Steger 540-384-6506
Richard Sprinkle 540-254-2578
VBHA and Land Owner are not responsible for loss, accidents or theft. ABSOUTELY no alcohol or illegal drugs allowed – strictly enforced.
VBHA Members: Please cut and post the above flyer in your local communities
Use this application to update your information or give to a fellow hunter and encourage them to join our ranks!
VIRGINIA BEAR HUNTERS ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
o Individual – 1 Year - $15
o Individual – 3 Years - $40
o Family – 1 Year - $20
o Family – 3 Years - $50
o Lifetime (under age 50) - $150
o Lifetime (age 50+) - $100
Return to: Hunter Thrasher, VBHA Secretary
3826 Narrow Passage Rd, Buchanan, VA 24066
Make checks payable to VBHA



Renewal
New Member
Update Information
Name_____________________________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code_________________________________________________________________________
Phone_________________________________
Email ____________________________________________
Individual and family membership years are measured from the date dues are paid or from current expiration date, if later.
VBHA NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2016
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