A draft of the plan , released by FWS in April , suggested that hunting opportunities would remain virtually the same , and in line with Vermont hunting regulations . Instead , just four months later , and without notice , FWS released its final plan for the Conte Refuge that included slashing two-thirds of the bear-hound training season , and a ban on all hunting with dogs , except for ruffed grouse , on the Putney Mountain Unit .

The move blindsided Vermont sporting groups who had been in regular contact with Conte Refuge officials over the course of the year . The three Vermont groups turned to the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance Foundation for help .

“ Federal law requires FWS to show the public their plans before enactment so they can gather public input ,” says Todd Adkins , vice president of government affairs for the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance Foundation . “ This prevents arbitrary governing and is foundational in a functioning and fair democracy .”

Without public notice of potential restrictions , hunters would never be alerted to what was potentially at stake when FWS renews regulations on refuges across the country and , as a result , would be denied the opportunity to respond to any possible changes . Typically , draft hunting plans for public lands will include potential options the government is considering for a particular species or hunting opportunity . Commenters would then have a full understanding of the impact of the proposal and be able to respond with specificity .

Because the Conte Refuge offers so many different hunting opportunities , including deer , turkey , grouse snowshoe hare , moose , black bear and waterfowl , it would be impossible to know what , if any , restrictions were possible . Worse , comments by FWS that hunting would be kept at the status quo , and in line

with state regulations , provided a false assurance to Vermont sportsmen that their hunting rights were secure .

Instead , perhaps bowing to pressure from animal-rights groups , the final FWS regulations for Conte targeted hunting with dogs for restrictions . Anti-hunting groups have been pressuring state officials to ban bear hunting with hounds but have not been successful . They have introduced several bills over the last few years that outright ban bear-hunting or create a de facto ban through unrealistic regulation , such as keeping bear hounds within visual and vocal command while hunting . Many of the comments submitted during the public input period were from opponents of hunting .

“ This case has much larger implications than just hunting in Vermont ,” explains Adkins . “ There are thousands of hunting regulations on federal lands across this country . Without proper notice , it would be impossible to provide substantive comments defending every hunting opportunity . That is why compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act is so important . Without notice , the people are helpless against the whims of government overregulation .”

SAM SOHOLT