Senate Resolution No. 514

BY: Senator O'MARA

CONGRATULATING David Miller upon the occasion of
his retirement after 27 years of distinguished
service as Executive Director of the New York State
Trappers Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate David Miller upon the occasion of his retirement after 27
years of distinguished service as Executive Director of the New York
State Trappers Association (NYSTA); and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, David Miller diligently worked to
preserve the ideals of this vital organization which is comprised of
men, women and children who are dedicated to protecting and preserving
our heritage as well as the tradition of trapping in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, In 1987, David Miller became the region 8 Director of the
NYSTA, and shortly thereafter, he was given the position of General
Organizer to find ways to increase membership; and

WHEREAS, In 1992, David Miller was officially contracted, and
through the years, he continued to rise through the ranks, holding the
titles of Vice President and President before being named Executive
Director, the position from which he officially retired in 2019; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, David Miller was an educator who was
committed to protecting and promoting the trapping lifestyle as part of
an effective and necessary wildlife conservation management plan in New
York State; through his passion and experience, he informed the New York
State Legislature and the public about the role trapping plays in a
successful wildlife conservation model; and

WHEREAS, David Miller also accomplished numerous other goals for the
benefit of his fellow trappers such as working towards the approval of a
cable restraint bill so trappers can add another effective and humane
tool to their toolbox; and

WHEREAS, David Miller also partnered with the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) personnel and the NYSTA
JTI Committee to draft language for a new regulation to eliminate the
incidental capture of dogs in body gripping traps while still allowing
the trappers of New York a practical and effective means of utilizing
those traps on dry land and drafted language for a new trapping
regulation to reduce the possibility of incidental capture of birds of
prey by trappers; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, David Miller was instrumental in changing the
law so trappers could use their ENCON ID No. on their trap tags in lieu

of their name and address, and organized a bear dog training season in
New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role at NYSTA, David Miller was a
delegate to the Northeast United States Trappers Council, and was one of
the original members of the Joint Trappers Initiative (JTI) Committee
which works directly with the NYSDEC Furbearer Team to work together for
the betterment of trapping and furbearer management through regulation
and the Conservation Alliance of New York (CANY); and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the
industry he is passionate about, David Miller was inducted into the New
York Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 2007; and

WHEREAS, In his much-deserved retirement, David Miller has enjoyed
spending more time with his beloved family, especially his cherished
grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, For the past 27 years, David Miller rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the New York State Trappers
Association; as Executive Director, he served with loyalty, honor and
distinction; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure with the New York State Trappers
Association, David Miller earned the admiration, esteem and affection of
his colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate David Miller upon the occasion of his retirement after 27
years of distinguished service as Executive Director of the New York
State Trappers Association, and to wish him well in all his future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to David Miller.