Muscovies in US - REGULATION CHANGES OPEN FOR COMMENTS - 10/1 update

[muscovychef]

HERE IS A REPLY

The APA and the IWBA are working with him to take care of it all. The problem is it all takes time. You have to remember that we're dealing with Feds here and they have their own Protocal that they work by. Butch Gunderson our New APA Vice President has called and talked to him too. I think he's gotten so many calls on this that he's just giving the same answer to everyone now. He can't change the law himself. He has to jump through hoops to do it.

 

[Duck_feeder]

I've updated the first post to request that we stop contacting Dr George Allen directly. At this point he is fully aware of the various aspects of the current situation and is working to develop a viable solution. If we keep calling/emailing him, it'll take precious time away from trying to resolve this dilemma.

I suggest that we continue to contact our representatives and senators. If we reach a point where we need Congress to intervene, we will be much better positioned to request their assistance if they continue to receive letters and phone calls from their constituents.

 

[Duck_feeder]

Quote:
Thanks for the update. I think we've done all we can as individuals in ensuring that the FWS is aware of the full impact of the new regulations. But as a community, we should remain active and continue to spread the word and encourage others to contact their representatives and senators.

 

[muscovychef]

I agree for the time being............ I believe that the APA has more pull and money behind them .I would suggest sending support to the APPA .
On a brighter note muscovy sales if you can find them are like gold plated hens teeth. high priced and hard to find.


I will keep my ears open and keep in touch with any change ,I will post it here............................................

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

Quote:

I knew that was going to happen sooner than later. Good idea to redirect the efforts to the areas where they will have the most effect!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Interesting you should say that. I received the follwing email from Dr. Allen today:

David:

Thank you for your comments. When we published the proposal for muscovy duck regulations in 2008, we received few comments from the public. We had no way to know how many people had muscovies (and still don't), or for what reasons they are being kept.

I'll be happy to consider suggestions for changes to the regulations that accommodate your interests.

Regards,

George Allen
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
George T. Allen, Ph.D., C.W.B.
Chief, Branch of Permits and Regulations
Division of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop 4107
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1610
703-358-1825 fax 703-358-2272
[email protected]

If I am reading this correctly, the chief of Permits and Regulation does not know who has Muscovies or why this late in the game. He goes on to welcome amendment suggestions so that his department may accomodate my "interests."

As I've said before, I dont care two cents for Muscovies - if they are outlawed tomorrow, fine. But I reject one-size-fits-all government decrees and I will work for your right to keep these critters, where no harm is done.

I suggest that someone create a list of reasonable suggestions based on personal ownership and send them to him.

 

[Duck_feeder]

Quote:
Interesting you should say that. I received the follwing email from Dr. Allen today:

David:

Thank you for your comments. When we published the proposal for muscovy duck regulations in 2008, we received few comments from the public. We had no way to know how many people had muscovies (and still don't), or for what reasons they are being kept.

I'll be happy to consider suggestions for changes to the regulations that accommodate your interests.

Regards,

George Allen
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
George T. Allen, Ph.D., C.W.B.
Chief, Branch of Permits and Regulations
Division of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop 4107
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1610
703-358-1825 fax 703-358-2272
[email protected]

If I am reading this correctly, the chief of Permits and Regulation does not know who has Muscovies or why this late in the game. He goes on to welcome amendment suggestions so that his department may accomodate my "interests."

As I've said before, I dont care two cents for Muscovies - if they are outlawed tomorrow, fine. But I reject one-size-fits-all government decrees and I will work for your right to keep these critters, where no harm is done.

I suggest that someone create a list of reasonable suggestions based on personal ownership and send them to him.

For the record, I don't fault Dr Allen or his branch for not knowing about all the privately owned muscovies and their uses. Getting that information was the entire point of requesting comments from the public when the regulation was proposed. It might seem obvious to us, but then again, how many of us knew that muscovy ducks are considered a native species in those 3 counties in Texas.

My concern is that if we publicly suggest to the community to contact him directly, he'll be swamped with complaints and unreasonable ideas rather than constructive information or suggestions. If anybody has useful information or realistic suggestions (they should take into account effective handling of the feral muscovy problems), I strongly encourage them to contact Dr Allen. But complaints without suggestions or having dozens of people repeat the same suggestions isn't very constructive. I've already sent him my suggestions (and gave the disclaimer that I do not own muscovies or intend to own any) and told him I do not expect him to reply back to me as I know he is likely swamped with emails and phone calls from concerned muscovy owners.

Right now the groups best positioned to further this cause are the APA and large hatcheries. They can help estimate the number of individual muscovy owners to help assess the population that would be affect.

Also, I do not consider myself to be any sort of authority that people should listen to. If anybody disagrees with me, think things out then act according to your conscience. I'm just giving my thoughts on the subject and trying to be as efficient as possible while remaining courteous and professional to Dr Allen and his team.

 

[farmgirlie1031]

I got the same form letter from George Allen. I also contacted the Iowa Senators. Iowa is an ag-friendly state so maybe the Senators will be able to help us some. I told all the folks at the auction today that I know raise Muscovy ducks so they can also make comments and hopefully help get this stopped. I will get a federal permit if I have to because I am not giving up my Muscovy ducks and will have to have a permit to sale their eggs for eating or the live ducklings my ducks happen to hatch out.

 

[muscovychef]

I just triied to get ahold of him is line is busy and his answering machine is full, I have no doubt he is being flooded with calls and protests.

 

[Cottage Rose]

Quote:
This is the reply I received today.
He is asking for recommendations.
Any suggestions as to what to do at this point?

Thank you for your comments. When we published the proposal for muscovy duck regulations in 2008, we received few comments from the public. We had no way to know how many people had muscovies (and still don't), or for what reasons they are being kept.

I'll be happy to consider suggestions for changes to the regulations that accommodate your interests.

Regards,

George Allen
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
George T. Allen, Ph.D., C.W.B.
Chief, Branch of Permits and Regulations
Division of Migratory Bird Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop 4107
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1610
703-358-1825 fax 703-358-2272
[email protected]