DNR asked representatives of recreational and commercial interests to rank the list of offenses covered in the statute by Oct. 1 so that a bill could be drafted.
Representatives of recreational groups, who want the new law to cover them, as well, finished their homework on time. The watermen still haven't responded. Guess they can't find a pen.
Simns insists having a bill this session wasn't part of the plan.
"We don't want to rush it. We want to do it right," he says.
A cynic might point out that 12 months between last session and this one is hardly rushing it.
With Franks taking a leadership role, it's time for the watermen to do the right thing.
Hunting hearings
A heads up to hunters who might want to be heard on a couple of matters: House Bill 365 is back this year. The measure to ban leg-hold traps will be heard by the Environmental Matters Committee at 1 p.m. Wednesday. A companion Senate bill - SB 272 - will be heard by the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee at 1 p.m. Feb. 25.
Also on the same committee agenda Wednesday is a hearing to lengthen the deer firearms season from 13 to 21 days. A similar bill was approved by both houses last year but was vetoed by the governor.
