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Become a Sentry – Become a Watchdog for Hunters Rights
Wanted: 1 Million Sentries More Sentries Being Recruited

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- When you buy a hunting license, you help fund programs that provide hunting opportunities.

The same applies to fishing and trapping.

Sometimes, however, you need to invest more, to have more. One of the best—and most important—investments you can make for your outdoor sports future could be the time it takes to log online and become a member of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) grassroots Sentry program.

The time required is short, and joining is FREE!

The USSA is a watchdog organization that protects and advances America’s hunting, fishing, and trapping heritage. The USSA monitors legislation from all 50 states, Congress, and state and federal game departments and agencies, plus courts, to discover laws and proposals related to hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife management. When a bill or proposal is discovered that negatively impacts those outdoor opportunities, the USSA staff goes into action. Efforts are made to alert sportsmen and sportswomen and win public support.

Jeff Foxworthy Becomes a Sentry for USSA

This tireless effort has taken place in all 50 states, against many court cases, and on federal and state land issues. The topics have ranged from hunting on national wildlife refuges to bear hunting with dogs and bowhunting for deer issues. During recent times, the USSA has countered attempts by anti-hunting and animal rights groups to curtail the use of dogs during hunting by creating prohibitive breeder regulations. These and countless other issues are reviewed daily by USSA staff and a game plan for each issue is developed.

By performing this valuable service, the USSA is the eyes and ears of hunting and outdoors communities across America.

“Becoming a Sentry is possibly the single most important thing you can do to protect your hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor sports rights,” said Dick Cabela, co-founder of Cabela’s, and chairman of the USSA Board of Directors.

“This program permits you to discover the details and stay abreast of any introduced anti laws or animal rights agendas. If you think such bills don’t –or won’t– happen in your state, you are wrong. The thousands of anti-hunting bills introduced across the nation each year should be reason enough to cause you concern. Becoming a Sentry is a step in the right direction to ensure the future of our hunting heritage.”

Sentries are needed in all 50 states to work to protect dove, deer and predator hunting, fishing, bowhunting seasons, trapping opportunities and other sporting interests.

The Sentry program is used to quickly call attention to legislation and action that will negatively impact your hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities. This program is a rapid response method to spread the word in this electronic age, and it helps concerned sportsmen take action to speak out against —or in favor of— legislation that will impact their interests. The Sentry releases also help educate the general public on issues.

Sentries receive action alerts, news releases and issue updates via e-mail when hunting, fishing, trapping and conservation are under attack. This is a proven method to counter the efforts of powerful anti-hunting and animal rights groups wanting to take away your privileges. If you are already one of the 110,000-plus USSA Sentries, encourage a friend to sign up also.

For more details, or to become a Sentry, visit www.ussportmen.org/beasentry.

High points of the Sentry program:

• In less than one year, more than 110,000 hunters and anglers have become USSA Sentries. Sentries are needed in all 50 states.
• Signup is free at www.ussportsmen.org/becomeasentry
• You will receive e-mails when negative legislative bills or action are underway in your state or region.
• You can obtain maps, and other useful hunting gear and information as part of a member package.
• Sentries receive a free weekly e-newsletter that covers the issues.
• You will be provided details on how –and when—to take action.
• You can take part in battling—and beating—anti-hunting and anti-trapping forces, such as HSUS, PETA and other groups.
• The Sentry program has a proven track record of winning legislative and court battles.
• Work together with other hunters and anglers to defend your rights and interests.
• The Sentry program is championed by celebrities like: Jeff Foxworthy, Jim Zumbo, and Dick and Mary Cabela.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.
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New Jersey Hunting Business Needs Sportsmen Support

Hudson Farm Hunting Business Under Attack by Anti-Hunting Groups

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- A fellow outdoor organization, Hudson Farm, needs our help to defeat an animal rights initiative that attempts to erode outdoor opportunities for many people in NJ.

For the cost of a postage stamp you can help to defeat this petty and misguided attempt to harm the efforts of a good, outdoors-minded organization.

Simply copy, paste, print and mail the letter that follows. Additional background is provided next.

Please note that letters must be received by October 26th. Please mail asap!

Background: DATE: October 14, 2010

In the state of NJ the property known as “Hudson Farm” is a substantial area of land in Hopatcong, Byram, Andover, and Sparta. The main purpose of the property has been to host a hunting and sporting club since the late 1990’s. Since 2000, a portion of the property has received a Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit from the Division of Fish and Wildlife. This Permit allows game birds to be raised and released. It also allows more flexibility with respect to hunting seasons and days. It only allows commercial activities where commercial activities are permitted by local zoning.

In 2007, the Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit was extended to Hudson Farm West (formerly known as Westby Farm).

Thereafter, Hudson Farm proposed moving a portion of its shooting school operation to Hudson Farm West. This proposal raised concerns among a number of residents in Forest Lakes. Out of respect for the concerns of our neighbors and various economic considerations, a decision was made to withdraw that proposal and expand some of the facilities at the current shooting school located in Hopatcong Borough.

A very small (six), but vocal group of anti-hunting activists took Hudson Farm to Court to challenge the issuance of its Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit. Their opposition was fueled by misinformation and speculation. The bottom line is they simply are against Hudson Farm’s right to lawfully hunt on its own property.

On August 5, 2010, the Court rejected all of the claims brought by the anti-hunting activists, but remanded the Permit back to the Division of Fish and Wildlife to make a more complete record of its investigation, more clearly state the criteria, and more thoroughly explain its decision with respect to the Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit.

By Notice dated September 29, 2010, the Division of Fish and Wildlife solicited public comment. Public comments are due by October 26, 2010.

ACTION: Public comments matter please take the time to write in support of you freedom to hunt and fish.

Following is a sample letter you can use:

_________________________________________

Ms. Paulette Nelson

NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

Office of Business Administration

Mail Code 501-03

PO Box 420

Trenton, NJ 08625-0420

Dear Ms. Nelson:

I fully support the issuance and use of a Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit for Hudson Farm. Hudson Farm has a long history of being a good citizen to surrounding communities and to endeavors that benefit all New Jerseyans. I have listed below just a few of these instances for your review.

* Hudson Farm is one of the largest private landholders in New Jersey. The Farm has conserved more than 3,000 acres, including some environmentally sensitive and valuable areas. In many cases, Hudson Farm out bid developers. This is especially significant since much of the property was acquired before the Highlands Act. It is clear that the property would look very different today if Hudson Farm was not the owner.

* While the property is used for hunting and shooting, as well as other outdoor activities, these activities are limited to only a few hundred acres. The vast majority of the property remains untouched and virtually unused.

* Hudson Farm has allowed extensive public access throughout the year, including many miles of the Highlands Trail, which passes through Hudson Farm. Hudson Farm recently sold a portion of particularly valuable property containing an extensive trail system, opportunities for recreational fields and important ecological assets to the Township of Byram.

* Hudson Farm has always been very considerate of its neighbors. While the activities at Hudson Farm in Hopatcong are more active, they are somewhat seasonal during the cold weather and closed window time of the year. Relations with the neighbors in Hopatcong have always been very good. Generally, I believe that most neighbors in Hopatcong do not mind the small amount of noise generated from the Farm’s activities when compared with the conservation of substantial amounts of property and the public access afforded.

* The activities at Hudson Farm West (formerly Westby Farm) are very limited in intensity. The historical use of the Farm to raise crops and animals has continued. Small areas of the Farm are used for hunting only by members of the club and their guests. There are no commercial hunting activities on Hudson Farm West.

* The Farm’s benefits to the community through charitable activities are well-known. The Hopatcong and Byram Charity Hikes support the fire departments, ambulance squads, and schools in both towns. The Hudson Farm Foundation collects funds through its members to a foundation that is dedicated to Sussex County causes. It has grown to one of the largest philanthropic institutions in Sussex County.

* The Farm has always made an extra effort to be a good neighbor. The most recent example is the creation of the Roseville Community Garden where approximately 40 families maintained a garden plot throughout the year, which was a great success.

Thank you for your consideration. Please affirm Hudson Farm’s Commercial Shooting Preserve Permit.

Sincerely,

(Your Name and address)

_________________________________________

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earths resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Filed under: Hunting News by Ammoland No Comments »