gbin wrote:
hellihooks wrote:
... in all fairness, you should also post YOUR query on the Main NAFHA forum, for a less skewed sampling....
I posted it here, Jim, because this was the first (and at one time only, I seem to recall) and is still the main forum at this website. (I reckon that's why it's simply called "The Forum" here at fieldherpforum.com.

) But if you feel that folks at the NAFHA forum(s) won't find it here, by all means feel free to bring it to their attention.
Do you think the term "field herping" should exclude animal collecting? If you answered the basic question of this thread, I missed it somehow. (Mind you, I'm not asking what you think might possibly be happening, but rather what you personally think should be the case.)
Gerry
If you look at the sub-title of 'Field Herp Forum' on the front page, you'll see it say 'proudy hosting NAFHA and Herp Nation Mag.' Nafha and FHF are NOT the same, though many who post here are also Nafha members. I don't NEED to ask NAFHA members how they feel...it's in our bylaws, which I again suggest you (and everyone else) read.
As for my 'personal opinion... From pg 4 of the ethics post:
As a NAFHA officer, these bylaws very closely reflect my personal beliefs, and MANY members of THIS forum (including most who have posted on this topic) are Nafha members as well. In large, most of us support some level of sustainable use (limited collecting) but do not condone over-collecting nor commercial collecting.
pg 6
IF we are to attempt a code of ethics for herping, we must first define what ethical stance should apply, and then clearly define terms like 'fieldherping' vs 'herping',
if there is in fact any difference. As I'm a member and officer of NAFHA, I spend most of my time on those forums, as their ethical standards, as detailed in their bylaws, most closely illustrate the standards I've grown to believe are the best.
I believe it's the best way to herp... not that Nafha members (myself included) are any better than everyone else. That said,
I respect the right of everyone to have their own opinions, and behave as they see fit.I believe that Because OF my membership in the NAFHA, 'Fieldherping' has become (or is becoming) synonymous with the NAFHA's stated ideals of collecting data, field reports with great pics,
very little collecting, ect. Many other Nafha members may feel the same. 'Field Herpers' is in our name, and that's how we roll...

I still go herping... collecting feeder lizards for some of my (rapidly diminishing) collection... hell, I've even helped a few people find their 1st rosys, and respected their right to legally collect one, or have
even gifted people a pair for Locality Specific breeding, which I strongly support. So... I stand by my last statement, (in bold).
PG 7:
Gerry...
I'm NOT ASKING for anyone to change the definition of 'fieldherping'... JUST pointing out that many new to the hobby may already equate data collection to 'fieldherping. The meaning of the word may be evolving, despite what anybody might think or say. And being a member of Nafha DOESN'T mean you don't collect... we just don't do it at 'sanctioned events'... what member's do on their own time is up to them.
That's just from that post... I've expressed my personal opinions on the Catalina and this post as well... but so you finally get it...
"Do you think the term "field herping" should exclude animal collecting?"
No...We NAFHA Members respect the right to legally collect. Personally... I differentiate between the two terms. There is a difference between what I critically think, and what I personally 'feel'. And as an individual, what I personally 'feel' doesn't really matter to anyone but me. That said, if and when enough people feel the same, the meaning of a word may evolve, despite what anyone wants, or argues. Just ask my friend 'Dick"...

jim