January 22, 2008

Representative Robert Bischoff, Chairperson
Natural Resources Study Committee
Indiana House of Representatives
1137 Carroll Avenue
Greendale, IN 47025

RE: HB 1194 and future similar legislation

Dear Representative Bischoff:

I’m writing to you and members of the Natural Resources Committee in regards to HB 1194, and similar future legislation, that would ban waterfowl hunting on streams and rivers in Indiana that meet certain criteria.  Ducks Unlimited is a conservation organization with approximately 11,000 members in Indiana.  We are supported by waterfowl hunters and non-hunters to protect and restore wetland habitats that are important to waterfowl.  I ask that you consider the following information as you debate this issue.

Although our mission is waterfowl habitat conservation, Ducks Unlimited supports hunting when conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner as a legitimate and acceptable use of a renewable resource.  Waterfowl hunting provides opportunities for wholesome, family-oriented recreation, and generates over $5 million of economic activity in Indiana annually.  Indiana’s economy needs this.

The Indiana DNR has established laws to ensure that hunting is conducted in a safe manner.  Most hunters have received training on safe and ethical hunting practices, and hunting accidents are extremely rare.

Populations of ducks and geese and hunting regulations are all carefully managed by professional state and federal resource agencies to make sure that waterfowl hunting is compatible with the long-term welfare of waterfowl populations.  Some populations of geese have actually become over-abundant and create conflicts with humans.  Increased hunting is typically the best control measure for these populations and the best way to disperse geese from nuisance areas.  Eliminating hunting as a management tool in these situations will only exacerbate problems that these birds may cause. 

The wetland habitat protected and restored by Ducks Unlimited and our partners, which is made possible by the support of waterfowl hunters, provides good habitat for ducks and geese and places for people to recreate.  These habitat projects benefit fish and wildlife, including many species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern.  In addition, these projects improve the overall health of our environment by replenishing and purifying groundwater, moderating floods, reducing soil erosion and improving water quality, while providing educational, recreational and economic benefits to the community.  License fees and charitable contributions from hunters help make this possible.  We should all support waterfowl hunting and appreciate the support that waterfowl hunters provide to improve the quality of our environment.

Therefore, Ducks Unlimited does not support HB 1194, or any such similar legislation that may be introduced in the near future, and we encourage the Natural Resources Committee to not support legislation that would negatively impact waterfowl hunting.  Thank you very much.
 

Sincerely,

Frank Wolka, Jr.
State Chairman  

Cc: Chris Eder & IN DU Team
 Mr. Glen Salmon, INDNR