BigGameHoundsmen.com

They are attempting to make bear bays illegal in South Carolina. All the allegations that have been in the news about these being bear vs dog fights to the death are totally false. One of the pictures that they had in the Washington Post was taken at a bear baiting event in Pakistan where they tie the bear down and cut out its teeth and claws and let the dog catch it. Anyone who has been to these SC bays knows this is not even close to the truth. The HSUS is the one promoting this propaganda. Any of you who could send an email or a phone call to any or all of the following Senators could help to preserve this piece of our heritage. If you contact them please stress how these events help the local economies, the Shriner's hospital, and give kids a passtime that keeps them out of trouble. Also please stress that no dogs or bears have ever been hurt. This vote takes place on Wednesday so please hurry.

Chairman of Sub-Committee:
George E. "Chip" Campsen, III [R](2002)
Businessman/Attorney
District 43 - Berkeley & Charleston Counties
604 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6016
email: chipcampsen@scsenate.gov

Other Sub-Committee Members:
John C. Land, III [D](1976)
Attorney
District 36 – Calhoun, Clarendon, Florence & Sumter Counties
513 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6180
email: johnland@scsenate.gov

Shane R. Martin [R]
Engineer/Business Owner
District 13 - Greenville, Spartanburg & Union Counties
501 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6100
email: shanemartin@scsenate.gov


Vincent A. Sheheen [D](2004)
Attorney
District 27 - Chesterfield, Kershaw & Lancaster Counties
506 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6124
email: vincentsheheen@scsenate.gov

Phillip W. Shoopman [R](2008)
Professional Engineer
District 5 - Greenville County
504 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6032
email: phillipshoopman@scsenate.gov

Daniel B. "Danny" Verdin, III [R]
Owner, Verdin's Farm & Garden Center
District 9 - Greenville & Laurens Counties
404 Gressette Bldg., Columbia, 29201
Bus. (803) 212-6230
email: dannyverdin@scsenate.gov

This should be a "no-brainer" to help SC fight for this right. Please help out and be COURTEOUS with GENUINE RESPECT. Remind them of the training value in a family atmosphere. As well as this is not much different than any other working animal event on display. Example rodeos, field trials, etc. If you won't contact the folks listed above then at least let it be a wake up call to stand up for what you believe in. Join your local or state houndsman club(s). Make your voice heard someway. Your membership dues to the right club(s) pays lobbyists of our own to fight these type of issues. Do something.

What is a bear bay? I don't know much about bear hunting. If it has to do with hound hunting i.e. training, pursuit, tradition, good old fashion fun, or what ever the hound world needs to fight the political end of this as much as possible.

It is a training method involving exposing a dog to a live bear in a controlled environment. It is particularly useful for pups. The constitution of South Carolina protects it (see below) but they are trying to ignore this fact and ban it anyway.

SECTION 16-27-80. Applicability of chapter to hunting dogs and certain events.

(A) This chapter does not apply to dogs used for the purpose of hunting, including, but not limited to, hunting on shooting preserves or wildlife management areas authorized pursuant to Title 50, or to dogs used in field trials, including events more commonly known as "water races", "treeing contests", "coon-on-a-log", "bear-baying", or "fox- pen-trials". Such "fox-pen-trials" must be approved by permit for field trials by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Time is running out to help with this fight for houndsmen's rights. Anything you can do could help. Copy and paste the above portion of the states constitution and send it to them as a reminder if nothing else. HSUS is the party we are fighting against here and we need all the help we can get.