written permission for recreational use of private lands. Here is an excerpt from an article on the recent AGFC meeting in the ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE by writer Trey Reid:
“In other business, the commission withdrew the original version of a proposed code that would have required sportsmen to carry written permission when hunting, fishing, or trapping on the private property of another person.
“After considerable debate on the issue, the commission opted instead for a code that allows oral permission in some cases. But the amended code still requires written permission “if the property is lawfully posted or fenced in accordance with one of the methods provided in Arkansas Codes 18-11-404 or 18-11-405.”
“The public wants a vehicle to get someone off their land who doesn’t have permission hunt there, “ Commissioner Jim Hinkle of Mountain View said.
“Some commissioners expressed reservation about requiring written permission in all cases. Freeze said may land owners who would give oral permission wouldn’t give written permission because of fears bout liability issues.
“Commission officials said the new version of the code is designed to allow hunters to obtain oral permission in some cases, while still giving landowners the option of requiring written permission if their land is posted in accordance with existing state laws about unlawful entry on private property.”
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PKC State President Bill Austin spoke at the AGFC meeting on behalf of coon hunters. PKC contacted the commissioners on behalf of Arkansas’ coon hunting fraternity as well with the following position statement:
Members of the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission:
By way of introduction, Professional Kennel Club, Inc. is the nation’s largest raccoon hunting organization with 12,000 members nationwide. We are proud to say many of those members reside in the State of Arkansas. In addition to our position as the nation’s most progressive registry of coonhounds, we also are the nation’s largest licensing body for competitive performance events for coonhounds. We annually license more than 8000 events nationwide and we are proud to say there are several coon hunting clubs in the State of Arkansas who host PKC-licensed coonhound events on a frequent basis. I will be traveling to Clarksville this weekend to a PKC-licensed event sponsored by an Arkansas corporation, The Nite Lite Company. This event is being covered by ESPN and will no doubt bring much attention to Arkansas as a prime location for travel and recreation for the members of our coon hunting fraternity nationwide.
Professional Kennel Club (PKC) supports the efforts of the hunters and other users of private lands in Arkansas to advert passage of regulations requiring written permission for use of private lands for recreational purposes.
Raccoon hunting has a rich heritage in the State of Arkansas and is enjoyed by hunters and their children in every area of the state. PKC hosts an annual National Youth Championship each year in October and we are proud of the fact that an Arkansas youth, Ken Emerson of Charlotte was the 2000 national winner. Coon hunting is an excellent way to introduce young people to all the wonders of the out of doors. Sadly, the sport may be eliminated if written permission requirements become law.
Our experience in dealing with game and fish departments across the nation reveal the negative impact that written permission laws have on all forms of hunting. Landowners who gladly give oral permission balk at the idea of giving that permission in writing. Insurance companies caution holders of homeowner policies against granting permission in writing. Since our sport is one that is conducted largely on private lands, this change of policy will be devastating.
A look at the records of your law enforcement division will attest to the fact that most coon hunters are good citizens who respect the land and the landowner and rarely are the object of complaints. The events sanctioned by PKC are strictly regulated and we join hands with law enforcement in assuring that our members obey local laws. We want to work with you in finding workable solutions to trespassing problems without placing a moratorium on a very important recreational activity for thousands of Arkansas citizens and for tourists who travel to Arkansas each year. An economic impact study on raccoon field trialing and hunting in Arkansas will reveal that the sport brings in millions of dollars in revenue to the economy annually.
Should you require further information concerning the sport of coon hunting and its benefits to your constituents, please contact me. I will be happy to work with you.
Sincerely,
Stephen F. Fielder
Senior Vice President
Marketing and Regulatory Affairs
Professional Kennel Club, Inc.
