The Vermont Bearhound Association was instrumental in the Joint House Resolution H.C.R.233 recognizing the importance of hunting and hunting dogs to read as the following:
"House concurrent resolution celebrating the historic, cultural and ecomonic roles of hunting and hunting dogs in Vermont
Offered by: Representative Adams of Hartland
Offered by: Senator Lyons
Whereas, hunting, including hunting with sporting dogs, hearkens back to the first settlers' arrival and continues today as part of our Green Mountain State traditional heritage and
Whereas, sport hunting provides a healthy form of outdoor recreational enjoyment for thousands of Vermonters, and
Whereas, many of Vermont's youngsters, through their first hunting experience, are introduced to the wonders of the outdoors and learn the need to respect nature and observe good conservation practices in order to protect important natural resources, and
Whereas, the economic impact of hunting permeates both the public sector, for which hunting fees are an essential component of the department of fish and wildlife's operating budget, and the private sector, where the revenues support sporting goods merchants and many other businesses, expecially in the state's more rural areas, and
Whereas, sporting dogs with their owner are used by the Vermont department of fish and wildlife to aid with wildlife animal nuisance complaints and wildlife animal recovery practices, and
Whereas, the department of fish and wildlife has been supportive of the role of hunting dogs in the sport of hunting, and
Whereas, sporting dogs are companions of many hunters, as well as family pets, and
Whereas, the owners of sporting dogs contribute to Vermont's ecomony by the purchase of products to support and maintain the animals, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:
That the General Assumbly celebrates the historic, cultural and economic roles of hunting and hunting dogs in Vermont, and be it further
Resolved: That the secretary of state be directed to send a copy of this resolution to the Vermont Bear Hound Association and the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc.
/s/ Gaye R. Symington, Speaker of the House
/s/ Brian E. Dubie, President of the Senate"
