Today we sit down with National Geographic’s Python Hunter’s very own Shawn Heflick and talk about the recent HR511 hearing and how he feels about it. Later on we also get into what everyone can do to help the fight and prevent further fights in the future. Sit back, enjoy and don’t forget to tell your friends about DRN by hitting one of the share buttons below.
HR511 Hearing, FULL length
Some in Congress oppose wider ban on big snakes
WASHINGTON — The monstrous snakes that have invaded the Everglades and gobbled up some of its endangered wildlife are Florida’s problem, not cause for a nationwide ban, someRepublicans in Congress declared on Thursday.
Their staunch opposition greatly diminishes the chances that Congress will approve a bill to broaden the ban on invasive snakes that was proposed by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, and supported by proponents of Everglades restoration.
Where to go from here?
I just got done taking part in a Google Hangout with several people on Google+. the topic was HR511, after it was over I sat here at my desk for a moment and thought a lot, yes in a few minutes I thought a lot lol. This whole “Python ban” thing is the craziest thing I have ever witness I mean YES we are looking a monster in the eyes but we are doing so with rocket launchers from 500 yards, we can beat it, we can beat it so easy but first we must come together. I don’t care how much money USARK tosses at it or how much expert testimony they give we are fighting a losing battle until we can stand up as a group and make a difference. I know I have said all of this a thousand times before but I am just at my wits end, is this how it is going to be until this hobby is dwindled down to nothing, nothing more than stories to tell the grandchildren like old bootleggers? I don’t want that, I don’t want it at all. I am not happy with everything that USARK does but at this point they are ALL we have and unless someone can get up right now and do better right now please stand or swallow your pride and help us take back something before all is lost, stand next to us not behind or in front of us. Some of us have a lot more to loose than others but we ALL do have something to loose so we need to come together as one organized unit and take care of business, we need to be vocal, educational, respectful and do the future generations of this hobby proud.
HR 511 ‘Python Ban’ Goes To Hearing
On Thursday, November 29 at 10:00 AM, the US House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on HR 511. The bill known as the ‘Python Ban’ seeks to add nine constricting snakes to the Injurious Wildlife list of the Lacey Act. HR 511 could restrict import and interstate transport of constrictor snakes throughout the US. The bill’s sponsor is Representative Tom Rooney (R-FL). HR 511 reported out of US House Committee on the Judiciary on a voice vote in February, 2012.
HR 511 will be heard by the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs on November 29th. The Subcommittee Chair is Representative John Flemming (R-LA). The hearing will be held in the Longworth House Office Building at 10:00 AM.