Skip Trask, of the Maine Trappers Association, put together this update on the Maine lynx lawsuit hearing held in Bangor this week:
UPDATE 11/10/2008 – First of all, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you that suspended your trapline activities to attend the hearing in Bangor this afternoon. The hearing was held in a very small courtroom, and there was not enough room for every trapper to be seated. The debate continued for more than two hours. The judge was clearly impressed with the number of trappers that gave up a day on the trapline to attend these oral arguments. I think each of us in attendance learned a great deal, and we got a lot of insight into what we are up against. I think we were also somewhat encouraged by several remarks made by Judge Woodcock during the proceedings. The judge, however, did not render a decision today on the plaintiff’s motion to ban footholds and body-grippers at land sets in Wildlife Manage-ment Districts 1 through 11 and 18. It is anybody’s guess as to when his decision will be announced – it could be a week, a month, or even longer. The good news is that the judge gave no indication whatsoever that he might consider implementing changes during the current season. As a result, I think we can reasonably expect that the 2008 trapping season will continue without interruption. I’ll send out a notice the minute we hear anything further. We are deeply indebted to attorney Jim Lister, employed by the US Sportsmen’s Alliance to represent us, who did a fantastic job arguing our position. Chris Taub from the AGs office also did an outstanding job representing the interests of the F&W Department. In my estimation, their combined efforts should result in a decision that is favorable to trappers. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, enjoy the remainder of the trapping season.
Skip
You can find this and other updates on the Maine Trappers Association website.
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