This great news in from Peggy Brosnan, one of the trail riders who testified against the Sunday hunting bill: Hi. Just wanted to thank all of you that e-mailed Sunday hunting comments to your legislators in Annapolis 3-4 weeks ago. Thank you so much; the many postal letters, the dozens who spoke at the hearings, the phone calls, and the e-mails reminded our representatives in Annapolis that non-hunters deserve one safe day each week for the 5.5 month hunting season. The word from Annapolis today is that the hunting bill, while it did pass the House Environmental Affairs Committee in amended fashion, was defeated by the Senate Economic and Environmental Affairs Committee. This kills the bill for 1999. We're hoping you'll let us know if your e-mail address changes or if you know of addresses (e-mail or postal) for others who could be counted on to call, write, or testify next year or whenver it may be necessary again (send to Peggy@Radix.net). State Senator Roy Dyson (Dem.-St. Marys) was most eloquent in the Senate Committee, as it was realized that Sunday hunting would not have an appreciable effect on deer populations; doe-only hunting was the only effective (albeit unpopular amongst most hunters) means cited. The local economic benefits of the many hikers, nature lovers, birders, equestrians, orienteers, bikers, kayakers, canoeists, youth groups, etc., etc. (who can't safely be in public woods or near private woods on hunting day) was judged to far outweigh that of the 4% of Marylanders who hunt. Senate President Mike Miller (Dem. A.A./Calv./P.G.) wrote to say that "be assured I will oppose...any (Sunday hunting) bills. Your comments regarding the (negative) impact of such legislation on the Boy Scout experience are well taken." The media made much of Sunday hunting as an antiquated colonial "blue law" only found in 7 states. In fact, the Sunday hunting ban is a safe, practical 21st century law that exists where it should; in 7 of the nation's most densely populated states. Hope to see you in the outdoors soon some Sunday! Dave Linthicum Box 1361, N. Beach, MD 20714 Peggy@Radix.net (410)257-4979 -- Ellen Paul Executive Director The Ornithological Council Mailto:epaul@dclink.com Ornithological Council Website: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET "Providing Scientific Information about Birds"