MI Hunters Rights Preserved in Huron-Manistee Forest Lawsuit

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- A single citizen’s five-year legal battle to end gun hunting and snowmobiling in portions of Michigan’s Huron-Manistee National Forests —an effort that very well could have jeopardized hunting in all national forests— reached its likely end last week, when the U.S. Forest Service announced that both activities will be allowed to continue.

That decision stems from a 2010 ruling by the 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the Forest Service failed to comply with several of its own regulations and a federal statute during revision of the 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan for the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Kurt Meister, a forest user who owns a cabin in nearby Cadillac, Mich., filed suit in 2007 alleging that the management plan for Huron-Manistee favored gun hunting and snowmobile riding over “quiet” recreational activities. He sought to have approximately 66,500 acres of semi-primitive, non-motorized areas set aside for quiet uses.

His complaint was originally thrown out by a federal district judge in Detroit, but Meister won on appeal.

Specifically, the court found that the Forest Service (1) did not coordinate its planning with the state of Michigan, as required, to reduce duplication of recreational activities with respect to firearm hunting and snowmobiling, and (2) violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it failed to consider closing 13 semi-primitive, non-motorized areas and the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area to gun hunting and snowmobiles.

In response to that lawsuit, Huron-Manistee officials amended the management plan, offering four alternatives ranging from taking no action —which would have flown in the face of the court’s ruling— to ending gun hunting and snowmobiling on 14 different areas of the forest.

The agency instead opted to reclassify 13 of those 14 areas to management designations that imply more noise but still allow for “more secluded” and “less roaded” recreation relative to the rest of the forests’ nearly 1 million acres.

This preferred alternative (Alternative 4 in the draft plan) allows gun hunting and snowmobile use to continue and was supported by NRA and more than 30 other pro-hunting organizations via a letter submitted to the Forest Service in October. The Record of Decision implementing the preferred alternative, signed on Jan. 27 by Regional Forester Charles L. Myers, says the Forest Service will:

• –  Continue to allow gun hunting in the previously designated semi-primitive, non-motorized and primitive areas of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in accordance with regulations of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and
• – Continue to allow snowmobiling on designated trails within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Hunters should take note, however, that the plan still must clear several hurdles before it becomes final.

For starters, forest spokesperson Ken Arbogast said the Department of Justice will submit the Record of Decision on the Forest Service’s behalf to the U.S. District Court in Detroit, which will determine if the plan complies with the Sixth Circuit’s ruling.

The decision will also be open to a 45-day public appeal period.

Despite these pitfalls, it looks as if a precedent-setting ban on gun hunting has been averted, at least for the time being.

“The Forest Service made the right decision to keep secluded areas open to gun hunting, but in changing the land designations, the agency creates the impression that gun hunting should be excluded from semi-primitive and primitive areas,” said Susan Recce, NRA Director of Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources.

“The only way to protect gun hunting on national forests, regardless of individual land designations, and to stop these frivolous lawsuits, is for Congress to enact H.R. 2834.”

Supported by NRA, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, and the American Sportfishing Association, among other conservation groups, H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act, safeguards hunting, fishing and recreational shooting from arbitrary closure on federal lands.

The bill states that lands under Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service jurisdiction, including lands designated as wilderness, or administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable, and primitive or semi-primitive areas, shall be open for fishing, hunting and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close lands to such activity.

The closures or restrictions must be necessary and reasonable and supported by facts and evidence.

H.R. 2834 also corrects another problem that the ruling created with respect to duplication of activities. The court’s ruling suggested that the Forest Service, by its own planning rule, had to look outside the boundaries of the Huron-Manistee to see if hunting was allowed on non-forest lands, implying that the agency should close forest lands to hunting if other nearby state or federal lands were also open to hunting.

An analysis completed by Huron-Manistee officials and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources found that there was no opportunity to reduce duplication because of public demand for hunting and snowmobiling opportunities in more secluded areas.

However, H.R. 2834 removes any obligation for federal land managers to consider sportsmen’s activities on other lands when planning for public use on its own lands.

H.R. 2834 is expected to reach the House floor in March, and a Senate version of the bill was introduced by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) on Thursday, Feb. 2.

For additional information on H.R. 2834, please read: NRA Fights to Secure Access to Federal Lands

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Today the House Natural Resources Committee passed H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act.

This bill would protect fishing, hunting and recreational shooting on federal lands.

H.R. 2834 passed the Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 29-14.

This vital piece of legislation would require fishing, hunting and recreational shooting to be included in all federal land planning documents and would fix numerous inconsistencies in federal law that are being exploited by litigious environmental groups to reduce hunting opportunities on federal land.

This bill is strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association, and millions of sportsmen across the country.

“This legislation is vital given the Administration’s recent actions toward hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Melissa Simpson, Director of Government Affairs for Safari Club International.

“Sportsmen have repeatedly sought to collaborate with the federal agencies and have been greeted with proposed closures in areas such as the Sonoran Desert National Monument, where the BLM intends to close the entire one-half million acre national monument to shooters. There are some 63 shooting sites within the monument, closure of which will end access for sportsmen. Passage of H.R. 2834 is necessary to protect against these anti-hunting policies.”

“Sportsmen are increasingly facing attacks aimed at stopping them from using public land,” said Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

“This bill closes the loopholes that anti-hunters have used time and time again to try to deny access for hunting, fishing and shooting. Now is the time to put a stop to it. We are extremely pleased and appreciative that the House Natural Resources Committee recognized the importance of this bill.”

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.

Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition Applauds Governor's Quick Action on Pro-Hunting Legislation

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The Gun Case Bill, SB 228, just passed through the Assembly yesterday. No longer will Wisconsin have the most restrictive gun case law in the country.

It is currently illegal to lay an uncased and unloaded firearm on the trunk of your car as you tighten your boots.

“Thanks to the Governor’s quick action in signing this legislation, hunters will be able to exercise safer handling of their firearms already in the 2011 deer season,” said Carl Schoettel, Vice President of the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association. “Wisconsin’s gun case law has been completely impractical and has done nothing but penalize hunters for an irrelevant action, giving Wisconsin the reputation of being unfriendly to hunters.”

SB 228 is very straightforward, allowing hunters to have uncased and unloaded guns, bows and crossbows in or on their vehicle. Placing the firearm on or in the vehicle is often the safest and most practical place. Hunters should not have to put their firearm in the snow as they get out their gun-case every time they get back to their vehicle.

The other bill being signed today – SB 75 – from Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst), helps preserve the integrity of Wisconsin’s deer hunting seasons by permanently ending Earn-a-Buck and making October T-Zone hunts into a rarity.

“We thank the Governor for recognizing that the intention of these programs was to help maintain our deer herds and all we have to show for it is an increase in tagging violations thanks to inaccurate registrations and population estimates” said SCI Central President Joe Koback.

The programs have been incredibly unpopular and the only measurable impact on hunting has been to turn some hunters away from the sport. The Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) own statistics show fewer hunters are hunting and less deer are being harvested while their own deer population numbers continue to grow.

The Hunters Rights Coalition is Wisconsin’s only group 100% dedicated to advancing hunting opportunities and protecting the rights of Wisconsin’s hunters. The Coalition is made up of several groups including: The Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International, and Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

For more information please contact our representative: Bob Welch 608-819-0150

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) — the trade association for the firearms industry — is urging all sportsmen to support H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act.

The bill, which is currently being considered in the House Natural Resources Committee, has strong bi-partisan support.

This important legislation would re-establish hunting, fishing and recreational shooting as important traditional activities that have a key place on the public lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

The NSSF is deeply concerned that failure to specifically provide for continued fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting on these lands will lead to reduced opportunities and diminished support for conservation.

By requiring federal land managers to support and facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act would establish an appropriate “open until closed” management regime for these activities which would allow more Americans to utilize the public lands that they own.

Please take a few minutes to contact your representative in Washington, D.C., and urge him or her to support of this pro-hunting, pro-conservation and pro-industry bill.

• The Capitol Hill Switchboard is 202-224-3121
• Visit NSSF’s Government Relations site at nssf.org/GovRel.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Congressional Sportsmen

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- H.R. 2834, legislation “to recognize the heritage of recreational fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting on Federal public lands and ensure continued opportunities for these activities,” was introduced Friday by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Rep. Ban Benishek and co-sponsored by former CSC Co-Chairs Rep. Dan Boren and Rep. Don Young and CSC Member Rep. Mike Kelly.

The “Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act” would direct the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to utilize the “multi-use” mandates in their agencies’ respective land management plans to promote sportsmen and sportswomen’s access to national forests and public lands, enhancing the ability of Federal land managers to provide, promote, and plan for recreational uses that balance the needs and interests of all outdoor enthusiasts.

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has been working alongside us and many of our partners in introducing this legislation to allow Federal public land planners to evaluate the effects that management initiatives have on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting, and provide a clear analysis of how proposed actions would affect sportsmen’s access to Federal public lands,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane.

The legislation requires Federal land managers to support and facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting and affirms an “open until closed” management policy for these activities on Federal public lands managed by the USFS and the BLM. H.R. 2834 also maintains state authority in managing fish and wildlife on Federal lands.

“Nearly 50 million men, women, and youth hunt and fish. Almost half of all hunters use Federal lands, and in certain states the Federal government owns the only open land available. Millions more engage in target shooting at ranges and informal sites on our public lands. We must protect and enhance sportsmen’s access to Federal lands and opportunities to participate in these activities,” said Rep. Boren.

BLM and USFS lands designated as wilderness, wilderness eligible, or suitable and primitive or semi-primitive areas under provisions of the bill are considered “open” to all legal forms of hunting, fishing and recreational shooting unless there are good reasons to close such areas and the bill requires a transparent public process for any closure or restriction. BLM and USFS would be required to report to Congress on the closure or significant restrictions of 640 or more cumulative acres of land for use in or access to hunting or fishing and related activities.

About:
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. Throughout this time, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the political arena. Visit: www.sportsmenslink.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- At some point, nearly every hunter will be called on to point out the merits of hunting.

Will you be up to the task of defending this great tradition by citing well-sourced facts in your discussion?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, can help you make your points with its newly updated Hunter’s Pocket Fact Card. The card is free and available online at nssf.org/lit and in bulk quantities to your hunting club, shooting range, conservation organization or firearms retail store.

Using statistics, pie charts and color photographs, the card points out the following:

• That sportsmen contribute nearly $8 million daily to wildlife conservation through hunting license sales revenues, excise taxes collected on sporting equipment, the sale of Federal Duck Stamps and other revenue sources.
• That hunting helps support 600,000 jobs in the United States.
• That hunters and target shooters have paid $6.8 billion in excise taxes since the inception in 1937 of the Federal Aid in  Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly known as the Pittman-Robertson Act.
• That game species such as white-tailed deer, waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk, wild turkeys and pronghorn antelope have been restored to healthy populations from dangerously low levels in the early 1900s.

“Hunters must be more than sportsmen, they must be spokespersons who speak up in defense of our traditions when that need arises,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti.

“I keep a supply of our Hunter’s Pocket Fact Cards handy. It’s nice to leave a card with the person you’ve been talking to about hunting.”

NSSF Hunter Facts Card

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Learn about the Foundation’s history at www.nssf.org/50.

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is facing the loss of up to $20 million from its share of federal Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funding as the result of a budget proposal that would allow New York’s Department of Budget (DOB) to tap into the state’s conservation fund.

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts levy an excise tax on the sale of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, and this money is returned to the states each year via grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

State fish and wildlife agencies in turn use these funds to manage fish and wildlife populations, acquire and improve habitat, fund hunter education, provide public hunting, fishing and boating access, and build and maintain public shooting ranges, among others. Hunters and anglers have contributed an astounding $13.7 billion in these excise taxes since 1937.

But in order to receive this valuable federal funding, which is allotted based on a formula that accounts for a state’s land area and total number of paid hunting and fishing license holders, states must agree not to spend license money and other dedicated wildlife funding on purposes outside of wildlife conservation. If they do, they risk losing their federal apportionments.

Such is the case in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2011-2012 budget allows the DOB to use money from the conservation fund to balance the state’s budget, a proposal that has put the USFWS on notice.

“Even if the DOB has no intent on using conservation fund money for other reasons than its intent, the fact that the budget allows for them to do so is enough for the USFWS to withhold P-R (Pittman-Robertson) and other funding,” DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Assistant Director Doug Stang said July 5 in the Register-Star. “The conservation fund would be in deep trouble without it.”

New York originally had until July 15 to address concerns raised by the USFWS about the diversion of wildlife funds, but the state was given a 30-day extension to amend its budget or risk losing the federal money.

“The Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson programs provide crucial funding to manage the nation’s wildlife and fisheries,” said Hannibal Bolton, Assistant Director of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. “The Fish and Wildlife Service closely monitors situations such as this one in New York and stands ready to take the necessary action.”

For fiscal year 2011, New York was apportioned $9,133,327 in Dingell-Johnson and $11,215,150 in Pittman-Robertson grant funding—for a grand total of $20,348,477.

New York could now be in jeopardy of losing some or all of that money.

“This issue needs to get fixed and fixed faster than the federal government wants to pull our funding,” said New York Sportfishing Federation Director Bob Danielson. “In this fiscal climate we need every dollar we can get.”

This isn’t the first time a state has proposed to divert wildlife funds. Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey and South Dakota have all been guilty in the past of trying to use hunters’ dollars to boost their bottom lines.

It’s also not the first time a New York governor has raided —or proposed to raid— the conservation fund. Former Gov. Mario Cuomo, Andrew’s father, raided the fund to the tune of $20 million in 1990, although $15 million was later returned.

Now, 21 years later, history stands to repeat itself, unless New York rescinds the language in its budget that allows for conservation fund dollars to be used for something other than their intended purpose.

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

Safari Club Internationa

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- On behalf of millions of American sportsmen and women, Safari Club International’s (SCI) Director of Hunter Advocacy, Melissa Simpson, testified yesterday before the House Committee on Natural Resource’s subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Simpson provided testimony on H.R. 1581, the “Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011” on behalf of a sportsmen’s coalition that included the National Rifle Association and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

“H.R. 1581 would help hunters who are being denied or limited access to public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service,” Simpson says. “Currently, the Bureau and Forest Service are managing nearly 43 million acres of public land under the prohibitions of wilderness area study area policy, even though the agencies have recommended to Congress that these areas are not suitable for wilderness designation.”

The protectionist management by the two agencies severely restricts hunter access to these lands by 1) failing to authorize roads and trails that would help disabled and elderly hunters’ access hunting areas; 2) prohibiting or limiting hunters from using carts for game retrieval and; 3) reducing hunters’ ability to access lands inaccessible by existing roads and trails. Studies have shown that one of the biggest reasons for the decline in hunting participation in recent years has been the lack of access to hunting lands.

Despite opponents claims that H.R. 1581 would open affected lands to oil, gas and timber development, testimony from high level officials of the Obama Administration confirmed that, if released into multiple-use, these lands would not immediately be available for development, but would be afforded the safeguards under current land use plans and other environmental regulations. Any changes would only occur during the land use plan revision process after public and local input.

“We applaud Congress for taking the necessary steps forward to follow the agencies recommendations and put these lands into multiple-use. Unlike the current ‘one size fits all’ management of these lands, HR 1581 will allow for local communities to determine what multiple-use management is most appropriate and improve access for sportsmen.”

About SCI
Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information. www.hunterdefensefund.org.

Becoming an SCI Member
Joining Safari Club International is the best way to be an advocate for continuing our hunting heritage and supporting worldwide sustainable use conservation, wildlife education and humanitarian services. JOIN NOW: www.safariclub.org/Join.

Hunting Suddenly Banned in Los Padres National Forest

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, VA--(Ammoland.com)- The July 15th, 2011 online announcement was about as curt and non-explanatory as you could imagine:

“Los Padres National Forest officials announced that hunting will not be allowed within the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area of the Santa Barbara Ranger District. The Forest Order was issued to provide for public safety and will remain in effect through February 29, 2012.”

And there was this, too: “Violators are subject to a $5,000 fine for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.”

At the bottom there was a big blue link to the actual order, but clicking on it took me to a “Page not found” message.

Other than the unexplained “public safety” issue, there was not one word about why hunting was suddenly banned on national forest land, whether the public had any chance to comment on the decision, how the ban might affect wildlife management in the area, or whether maps of the closed area were available.

Forest Service spokesperson Andrew Madsen gave us some more background. Although he did not know the total number of acres now closed to hunters, he described it this way: “There’s a road in the hills above Santa Barbara here (Paradise Road) and it goes from Highway 154 to the first river crossing—about six or seven miles, maybe a little more.”

Considering there is a potential $5,000 fine and jail sentence here for stepping one foot in the wrong place, let’s hope hunters have more precise information available. Madsen says there is.

“The District has a lot of extensive maps in that office, which is along the road, and folks are well aware they can go in there with questions. The front desk staff will help them.”

Although day-use recreation sites and residential areas are established along the road, the area has been used by hunters for generations. The District Ranger closed it because of “numerous complaints” from residents about hunters going into people’s yards.

“Jackrabbit hunters, for example,” said Madsen, “in pursuit of their prey are following them into areas where we can’t have them. Guns and folks don’t mix in those areas. It presents a safety problem.”

However, Madsen was not aware of any shooting accidents or injuries that came about as a result of hunting in the area. “I haven’t heard that it reached that point,” he said.

Asked how well the private land boundaries in the area are marked, Madsen said, “I don’t know whether there are any postings up there or not, but hunters have been using it for years. They are all pretty well aware of where they can hunt and where they should not be hunting.”

While trespassing complaints should be taken seriously, verifying that clear signage marking private land exists, or encouraging residents to call local law enforcement, would have been a much better option than a sudden, virtually unexplained closure of a traditional hunting area. Hunters try very hard to respect boundaries, but anyone who has hunted public land knows how inadequate signage can lead to a totally inadvertent step onto private property.

Moreover, this hunting ban was apparently put in place purely at the discretion of the Santa Barbara District Ranger. Asked if the public had any chance to comment on the decision before the ban was implemented, Madsen said, “Not that I’m aware of. I don’t believe there is a stipulation that we need to involve the public in closure orders.”

Whether there is a stipulation or not, a certain group of citizens about to be banned from using public land deserves to be included in the process. To exclude them is nothing short of arrogance.

Had he been given the chance to comment, here’s what Bob Tench, who has lived in the area for 16 years, would have said:

“In a good year I may hunt the area 5-10 times. This decision will remove my only known spot to hunt band-tailed pigeons. It was the closest place to my home to hunt dove and quail. The next closest place I know is about a 75-mile drive. I will note that the closed zone is only ½ mile from the road with plenty of forest outside that zone, but the terrain beyond that is generally so rugged that it is inaccessible for hunting.

“I have lived in the area for 16 years and receive the local newspaper, watch the local TV stations, and read local Internet news sites. To my recollection, I have not heard of any hunting-related accidents or chronic problems in the area. As a point of comparison, the local news talks every summer about people being hurt swimming or hiking in the same area. There are also frequent stories of hikers getting lost and requiring rescue. Therefore, there is news coverage for what goes on there.

“I called the forest service office to get more clarification on the location and was given a vague description of the area. I asked if the area’s specifics would be posted on the Web and the answer was unknown. The person on the phone then just told me to avoid a one-mile strip of land in the area.

“I will mention again that I try to keep up with the local media and I did not see any notification about this closure prior to the announcement itself.”

While nobody advocates trespass (even one hunter who commits it makes us all look bad), no hard figures were offered as to how many complaints were filed, or if they were all confirmed violations. Beyond that, the relevant agency cannot give out “vague descriptions” to hunters trying their best to obey the law. And while a government agency may be obligated to address residents’ complaints, the process needs to involve all affected parties. A sudden, blanket closure of public land to hunting is a rash, knee-jerk reaction.

Finally, with a $5,000 fine and possible imprisonment for violations, a better effort needs to be made to inform people about the decision than a tersely-worded announcement on the Los Padres web site.

The February 29, 2012 end date for the order, “could have been shorter,” Madsen said, but the basic idea was to make sure the ban applied to all possible hunting seasons. It’s unclear whether hunting will be closed beyond that date, although rest assured NRA will take steps to find a better solution than the ban. In the meantime, California hunters are urged to call the Santa Barbara Ranger District office at 805-967-3481 and express how they feel about being thrown off public land without a chance to voice their concerns.

The Los Padre National Forest encompasses 1.75 million acres along California’s central coast between San Jose and Los Angeles.

Link to the original Forest Service Announcement: http://tiny.cc/w5w36

About:
For the most up-to-date information about your hunting rights there’s just one source: www.NRAhuntersrights.org.

Fix the Endangered Species Act

Safari Club International

Washington, D.C. –-(Ammoland.com)- Safari Club International (SCI) members will participate in more than 170 meetings this week with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on behalf of hunters everywhere.

Safari Club International’s lobby day on Capitol Hill represents the largest annual gathering of U.S. hunters in Washington, DC. This year’s focus will be on working with Congress to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to better manage species recovery and address the Act’s numerous failures.

The ESA was originally intended to help recover species at risk of extinction, but unfortunately the ESA has failed in its species recovery efforts. Currently there are over 2000 species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” while only 20 recovered species have been removed from these lists since the ESA was enacted.

In addition, scientific decisions for species conservation are inappropriately being made by the courts and not by the wildlife professionals within the federal agencies tasked to administer the ESA. The ESA also has a detrimental impact on jobs and the economy, particularly in rural communities, and imposes unnecessary and burdensome requirements. Radical anti-hunting and protectionist organizations have spent millions of dollars in an effort to manipulate the mandates of the ESA to list animals for the express purpose of regulating greenhouse gases. This extreme agenda is diverting the scarce resources of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to lawyers and legal fees, rather than to conservation and species recovery.

“SCI’s 53,000 worldwide members – particularly the 200 that will be traveling to Washington this week – are insisting that Congress take real action to reform the Endangered Species Act,” said SCI President Dr. Larry Rudolph. “Since the late 1980s, there have been over one hundred Congressional hearings on the ESA as well as dozens of public ‘listening sessions’ across the country. It is time to actually update and modernize the Endangered Species Act so that we can do a better job in recovering species.”

Other legislative priorities SCI members will be discussing and supporting this week include:

• H.R. 1558/S. 838 – Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act
• H.R. 1445 – Outdoor Sports Protection Act
• H.R. 1444 – Federal Management Plans include Hunting
• H.R. 991 – Importation Permits For Polar Bear Conservation
• H.R. 990 – Restoration of the U.S.-Russia Polar Bear Conservation Fund Act of 2011
• H.R. 838 – Western Great Lakes Wolf Management Act
• H.R. 509/S. 249 – National Wolf Delisting
• Contact: Nelson Freeman, Media@safariclub.org

About the Hunters’ Defense Fund:
Safari Club International Hunters’ Defense Fund supports the important advocacy, conservation and legal work keeping hunters afield and promoting hunting worldwide. Donations to the Hunters’ Defense Fund have a direct impact on our freedom to hunt, wildlife conservation policy and important legislative, regulatory and legal issues. DONATE NOW: www.safariclub.org/hunterdefense

Safari Club International:
First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

Montana Shooting Sports Association

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)-SB 136 would make it possible for our children who were born in Montana to come home to hunt with family members at twice the cost of a resident, but without having to take a chance on the drawing for a nonresident license.

My letter to House FWP committee members is pasted below, FYI.

The House FWP Committee will hold its public hearing on SB 136 this afternoon at 3 PM. Please send messages to Committee members in support of SB 136.

=================================

March 15, 2011

Representative Xxx Xxxxx
Montana House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee
Capitol Station
Helena, Montana 59620

Dear Representative Xxxxx,

MSSA supports SB 136.

If it hasn’t happened to you personally, you probably know somebody whose child or children have had to leave Montana for work or college.

In Montana, we have a tradition to hunt together as families. That precious time sitting around the campfire in a high mountain elk camp is some of the most valuable time many parents will ever spend with their children.

Yet the high cost and unavailability of nonresident licenses makes it impossible for many Montana children to come home to share the traditional family hunting experience. This is about much more than meat on the table. It’s about keeping in touch with our children, and keeping our children in touch with their roots, Montana and their extended family.

SB 136 would cost Montana very little but would be an important aid to our distinct Montana culture.

Please approve SB 136.

Very sincerely,

Gary Marbut, President

About Montana Shooting Sports Association:
MSSA is the primary political advocate for Montana gun owners. Visit: www.mtssa.org

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) has introduced Assembly Bill 606, to encourage greater private landowner participation in voluntary, incentive-based conservation easement and wildlife habitat conservation programs administered by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).

“COHA is pleased to partner with Assemblyman Gatto to fight to protect important wildlife habitat,” stated Jason Rhine with the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA). “Without willing private landowners, programs such as the Permanent Wetlands Easement Program or the California Waterfowl Habitat Program will cease to exist and hundreds of wetland dependent species will greatly suffer from a lack of available habitat.”

AB 606 seeks to clarify that private landowners participating in a DFG-managed conservation easement or wildlife habitat conservation program, such as the Permanent Wetlands Easement Program, the California Waterfowl Habitat Program, and the Landowner Incentive Program, can continue to engage in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreational activities on their property, unless expressly prohibited.

“The future of maintaining fish and wildlife populations is making sure we preserve and manage their habitats,” said George C. Thornton, National Wild Turkey Federation CEO. “Private landowners are a critical player because of their direct tie to the water and land.”

With nearly 50% of California land in private ownership, farmers, ranchers, and other landowners play an extremely important role in protecting and maintaining wildlife habitat. Often, the incentive for landowners to maintain their property for the benefit of wildlife stems from their passion to pursue our outdoor traditions.

“Voluntary wildlife habitat conservation programs preserve thousands of acres of land a year,” said Assemblyman Gatto. “If we can encourage more private landowners to participate in these programs by ensuring that they will maintain the right to recreate on their land, we could save countless more acres of disappearing wetland and riparian habitat across the state.”

“Acknowledging the role of hunting associated with conservation easements helps ensure that future generations of Californians will have the same opportunities afield as we currently enjoy. This bill is an important step in clarifying that easements are intended to maintain the habitat values associated with these special lands, not to restrict their recreational benefits,” stated John Devney, Senior Vice President Delta Waterfowl.

The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting hunting and promoting wildlife conservation. For more information, visit www.outdoorheritage.org/

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the preservation of our hunting rights in California. COHA is a 501(c)4 Political Advocacy organization dedicated solely to influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policy decisions which promote wildlife conservation and our outdoor heritage. For more information about COHA, visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

Hunters’ Rights Special Session at NRA Annual Meetings

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- A Special Session devoted to hunters’ rights issues will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2011, at the NRA’s 140th Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Threats to hunter’s rights are escalating—and diversifying.

This session will bring you up to date on the most serious threats to hunters’ rights and NRA’s actions to protect them.

Whether the challenge is an attempt to ban hunting ammunition, difficulty accessing public hunting land, a shooting range in jeopardy, or anti-hunters’ legal maneuvering, NRA is at work on every front to ensure your continued right to hunt.

The session will present five key NRA staffers who fight daily for hunters’ rights. Moderated by J.R. Robbins, Managing Editor of www.nrahuntersrights.org, the session speakers will include:

• Kayne Robinson, Executive Director, NRA General Operations
• Susan Recce, Director, Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources, NRA-ILA
• Darren La Sorte, Manager, Hunting Policy, NRA-ILA
• John Joines, Range Services Specialist
• Bob Davis, Manager, Hunter Services

Commenting on the ways hunting is being attacked, Kayne Robinson, former NRA President, now Executive Director of NRA General Operations, said, “Shrinking lands, dwindling numbers of hunters and other factors are combining to threaten our hunting heritage. Stifling regulations are overly complex and too often have nothing to do with game management.

Anti-hunting groups with well-financed coffers and celebrity spokespersons have the media on their side. The average hunter has trouble finding a place to hunt or even a range to sight-in. Only NRA has the power to protect the rights of the hunter from these threats and stop the downward spiral in hunter numbers.”

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has proposed a moratorium on the licensing of new fox and coyote enclosures meant for dog training and field trialing.

Essentially, the proposed rule would act as an outright ban on new facilities as it prohibits the Division of Natural Resources from licensing any new fox and coyote enclosures after January 1, 2012.

These enclosures are large tracts of land where hunting dogs can be safely trained to chase foxes and coyotes. Only one facility currently operates within the state and it covers more than 300 acres.

Sportsmen and sporting dog owners have been working with the Division on rules that would ensure that existing and new enclosures within the state are held to a high standard while continuing to allow for the safe trialing and training of sporting dogs.

Sportsmen and sporting dog owners should contact both the NRC and the Governor’s office and ask them to oppose the moratorium on the fox and coyote training enclosures. Tell them a moratorium on licensing the enclosures is unnecessary. The new rules governing the enclosures will more than adequately ensure that the training and trialing grounds are operated at levels that more than adequately protect both the dogs and the game they pursue.

Public comments concerning the enclosures will be accepted by the NRC through the end of February. However, sportsmen should plan to write the NRC as soon as possible.

Please use the address below to submit your comment to the NRC. You must include your name and the city, town, or county in which you reside.

Comments to the NRC can also be submitted online by going to http://www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm and clicking on “Comment on this rule” next to the Coyote/Fox-Dog Training Grounds.

Sportsmen can contact the Governor’s office by calling (317) 232-4567.

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.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Are you willing to help pass on your passion for the outdoors to the next generation?

Then consider volunteering as a Local Field Director (LFD) with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF)!

The USSA is gearing up for another year of grassroots battles against the anti-hunting movement and the USSAF is working to continue bringing the joys of the outdoors to hundreds of thousands of youth through our Trailblazer Adventure Program. By becoming an LFD, you will be on the front lines, defending our outdoor heritage. In fact, Local Field Directors are a critical component in protecting our outdoor right from coast to coast.

LFDs play an indispensable role in helping the USSAF organize our nationally recognized Trailblazer Adventure Program. They are “on the ground” at locations around the country facilitating Trailblazer events. The goal is to guarantee that youth and their families have the type of experience that will keep them interested in the outdoors. Thanks to the efforts of dozens of LFDs, the Trailblazer Program has had one million participants go through since its beginning in 2001.

Do you want the Anti's deciding your Hunting Future? Act Now!

LFDs also visit local sportsmen’s clubs to promote the missions of the USSA and USSAF. They help organize political and fundraising rallies and a variety of other vital activities.

Members of this elite group have received special attention across the nation. Howard Robinson, an LFD from Arkansas, was awarded the “People’s Choice Unsung Hero” award for 2010 from Outdoor Life magazine. He was recognized at a special event at the 2010 SHOT Show. Mike Kapp, another LFD from Wisconsin, made it onto the “Outdoor Life 25” 2010 list honoring the efforts of top sportsmen from across the country.

Although this is a volunteer position, the USSA and USSAF cover work-related expenses and, depending on the activity, provide compensation for time invested.

If you want to help protect outdoor traditions for future generations, we need your help.

Please contact Frank Price, Field Services Director at fprice@ussportsmen.org or call (614) 888-4868, ext. 202 for information about how you can protect our heritage for future generations by becoming a Local Field Director.

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.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- For years you’ve probably been seeing our press releases talking about the ongoing court battles over the Canada lynx and trapping in both Maine and Minnesota.

Hopefully, you’ve read our latest release highlighting the victory on the recent appeal in Maine.

In the most recent case, the Animal Welfare Institute and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine filed a lawsuit against the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife requesting an injunction to permanently shut down trapping in the state. They claimed that Maine’s trapping regulations allowed for Canada lynx, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), to be incidentally caught in traps.

Ultimately, the Court ruled that even if lynx were incidentally caught in traps the antis had to show that accidentally catching a single lynx “irreparably harmed” the lynx population as a whole. In the end, they couldn’t do this. Sportsmen won the case and the subsequent appeal.

If you aren’t a trapper in Maine or in Minnesota there is a good chance that you’ve wondered what the Canada lynx (and the above case) has to do with you. Why does a lawsuit concerning lynx in Maine matter to a hunter in Kansas or a fisherman in Florida?

The answer can be boiled down to two words, legal precedent.

Legal precedents are set when courts interpret what the law says, in this case the ESA. These interpretations are examples for other courts across the country to follow. On the surface, the lynx cases were a simple attack on trapping in Maine and Minnesota. However, had the antis won; the legal precedent set by these cases would have set the stage for much, much more than just a ban on trapping in those states. Anti-hunting groups across the nation could have used the case as basis in other courts to attack hunting, fishing, and trapping.

There are all kinds of ridiculous lawsuits that anti-hunting groups could dream up if they had set a favorable precedent in the lynx cases.

Perhaps they’d set their sights on pheasant hunters in Kansas claiming they are “harassing” an endangered species by simply walking through fields that the species might occupy (harassing an endangered species is prohibited under the ESA). Maybe they’d seek a fishing ban in Florida because fishermen could accidentally catch a fish listed as threatened under the ESA.

The sheer amount of time and money that these groups have spent in court highlights just how important of a precedent the lynx cases could have set for them and how dangerous it could have been for sportsmen. They’re willing to spend years in court and countless dollars on legal fees because they know that if they get that one precedent-setting win it will make it that much easier for them to chip away at hunting, fishing, and trapping in other states.

Fortunately, sportsmen have won the first few rounds in the Lynx battles. Even so, sportsmen can’t turn a blind eye to what is happening in other states because, in the end, something that seems too far away to matter, like the Canada lynx in Maine, could end up playing a pivotal role in whether or not you get to hunt, fish, and trap in your own backyard tomorrow.

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.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Nashville, TN - -(Ammoland.com)-  The Tennessee Wildlife Federation has been a champion on issues of importance to sportsmen and women for more than 60 years.

Today, we are proud to have led a six-year process to amend the state constitution to guarantee the personal right to hunt and fish.

This has been a grassroots effort, a campaign with a short timeline and a very limited budget. We led a coalition of virtually all national conservation organizations and more than 100 local clubs and chapters across the state.

Thousands of volunteers helped ensure our success, and their children and grandchildren will thank them one day.

Hunting and fishing are important to the people of Tennessee – and to the state – for economic and other practical reasons.

As we’ve seen here and in other states, some groups want to see hunting and fishing outlawed. But as of tonight, we can rest easy knowing that it will not happen here.

These days, the reality is if you want to be sure about something, you had better get it in writing.

About:
The Purpose of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation is to champion the conservation, sound management and enjoyment of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for current and future generations through stewardship, advocacy and education. Visit: www.tnwf.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- According to a recent Behavior Research Center poll, Arizona voters support Proposition 109 with a seven-point lead statewide (42 percent for and 35 percent against) and a 17-point lead for voters under 35 years old.

At the same time, the Humane Society of the United States’ (HSUS), along with another donor that has partnered with HSUS in the past, has donated more than a half million dollars in the last 10 days to oppose Prop 109.

Don’t allow HSUS to further its state-by-state anti-hunting agenda.

Tennessee, Arkansas and South Carolina will also vote on “right to hunt and fish” amendments on Election Day.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 5,500 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The officers of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance have determined it is best not to make endorsements in the upcoming federal elections (congress and US senate) this upcoming November.

The focus of our organization is primarily on state issues and to perform the necessary steps to make a fair and thorough examination of all federal candidates and conclude with an array of endorsements is currently beyond the capabilities of our all-volunteer organization.

However, as we have in the past, we will on occasion become involved at the federal level if an individual case can be justified.

In fact, two years ago the NJOA did believe it was justified to endorse John Adler for congress. Even though we will not be endorsing federal candidates this year we want to be clear to outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen that we believe Congressman Adler has done an exceptional job representing our state’s outdoor interests in Washington, DC. We also believe it is our obligation to recognize the efforts of legislators we have endorsed and who work diligently on behalf of our issues.

Therefore, out of respect to his commitment and efforts to New Jersey’s outdoor community the officers of the NJOA feel it is appropriate to forward a letter from Congressman Adler that is addressed to each of you.

My personal thanks go out to Congressman Adler. I have enjoyed working with him during the past two years and look forward to our future joint efforts in advancing conservation and environmental stewardship.

Sincerely,

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr

Chair

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

Letter from Congressman Adler follows:

——————————————-

Dear Sportsman-

I am a strong and unwavering supporter of Second Amendment and sportsmen’s rights. Sporting is a valued pass-time, major economic contributor and to many folks in South Jersey and the Shore-area, a way of life. In the many “town halls” and public events I’ve had in towns like Manahawkin, Tuckerton and Toms River, I hear regularly about how critical it is to protect the community’s right to fish. That is why I am rolling up my sleeves in Congress to stand up for local hunters and fishermen.

I host a Sportsmen Advisory Board, because I am interested in the thoughts and concerns of hunters and fishers. As a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I advocate for pro-hunting policies with members of both sides of the aisle.

I supported the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act, which preserves millions of acres of wilderness, establishes new parks and monuments, and makes other down payments for the future of sporting and hunting in our great country. Among the most critical amendments to this bill was one which protects the Constitutional right to bear arms in our National Parks. It is critical that taxpayers be able to hunt on the very land they helped finance.

I will always vote to preserve Second Amendment rights. When the government tried to intrude on our privacy by taking away certain weapons designed for hunting, I was proud to stand tall with our sportsmen. I wrote the Secretary of Homeland Security to let her know, we can keep our country safe and free without impeding the rights afforded to hunters and fishers. I also voted to protect the right to bear arms in federal housing and in Puerto Rico.

Fishing has always provided a living for families at the shore. We must work to continue this tradition. I have introduced legislation to help clean Barnegat Bay and put into place a plan to ensure its long-term health. My bill will help protect a valued natural resource, as well as the $3.3 billion worth of benefits that Barnegat Bay brings to our local economy.

As an original cosponsor of The Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act, I believe that more flexibility is needed in the process so that unrealistic quotas are not implemented to the detriment of our fishermen and New Jersey’s shore economy. Fishery management experts state that rebuilding requirements are too rigid and may not be the best way to manage species in diverse environments. The bill I sponsored can help bring some common-sense to the way fisheries are managed. I am proud to help keep our fishermen working.

Hunting and fishing has been a way of life for many Americans since our great nation’s founding. I pledge to preserve this tradition for many generations to come.

Sincerely,

John Adler

Member of Congress

——————————————————————————

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

Is Your Friend Or Neighbor A Huntophobe?

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-I am a hunter. There, I have put it in writing for all posterity. To use a popular idiom, I have come out of the closet.

Even in this day, a time when the public prides itself on being open minded, there are those with prejudice against hunters. I twist another common word to symbolize such bias: huntophobia.

Huntophobia: is an intense disgust of people that hunt and is manifest in the loathing of the hunting culture.

Aside from huntophobia, the second leading cause of prejudice against hunters is ignorance, particularly in the media and the radical element of the environmental and animal rights movements. It is well documented that societies are filled with those naturally afraid of the unknown and the misunderstood. Their fears have proven to be one of the most common causes of huntophobia. This is especially true about society’s attitudes towards huntsmen and huntswomen.

However, hunters perform an important environmental service to society on many levels.

To become fully aware of these environmental merits it is first necessary to understand that the omnipotent force that has sustained life on earth since the dawning of time, and the designer and steward of ecosystems that maintains all earthly organisms, is Mother Nature.

This grand lady has created and executed a formula that has successfully perpetuated the existence of life on our planet for four billion years. It would seem that humankind would be wise to study her formula and employ it to the best of its ability if it wants to be harmonious with the ways of nature and ecosystem health.

The way that Mother Nature sustains life on earth, and balances populations of living things with available habitat, is by means of predator and prey relationships. It is the never ending pursuit of the hunter hunting and catching the hunted (predator and prey) that is the essence of Mother Nature’s formula that provides the ebb and flow for balance in the world’s ecosystems.

We may ask ourselves why it is that nearly every living thing on our planet survives by consuming another living thing, from stealthy micro fauna to the most ungainly beast. The simple answer is that from the time of birth until the moment of death living things must consume energy in order to sustain their lives and the source of energy is found in other living things.

Hunters are Honest About their Food
The huntophobe is often lulled by modern conveniences into to believing he or she does not participate in this formula. But, the huntophobe works to earn money in lieu of hunting and trades their hard earned currency with the food purveyor who in return performs the butchery.

Butchery has become an industrialized process with the food market as the end distribution point. The fact that the dirty work is often hidden from view conveniently anesthetizes the mind of the huntophobe from understanding that their own role in bloodshed is equal to that of the hunter.

Hunters are Good for the Enviroment
Additionally, the huntophobe imposes environmental damage that the hunter does not lay claim to.

The industrialization of food distribution has its origins in the farming of domesticated livestock and agriculture. In order to create farms forests are razed and in the process habitats are destroyed and wildlife is displaced or killed. Non-indigenous grasses are planted to feed animals such as cows, chickens, pigs, turkeys, sheep and more. These animals may even pollute our air with methane gasses or cause further collateral environmental damage. The livestock is then slaughtered and distributed along highways and flyways in pollution-generating vehicles with final destinations being food markets. These businesses have also razed forests for their buildings and paved surfaces.

The huntsman or huntswoman leaves no such scarring on the landscape. They enter the fields and forests and leave it as it was found, perhaps with a deer or other wild animal that is the quarry that will feed their families. The hunter does not support or perpetuate the industrial engine we call food manufacturing and distribution. This seems to me to be a good thing for our environment and society.

There are additional benefits to society that comes from the practicing hunter. One of these advantages is that hunters consume a prey that is not fed with adulterated products or treated with drugs that have been shown to compromise human health over the long term. Hunting does not add to the growing list of ailments caused by processed foods, which swells the cost of providing health care and burdens an already overstressed health care delivery system.

Yes, hunters perform important environmental services to society. The benefits include culling overabundant game populations in a way that follows Mother Nature’s predator/prey formula for ecosystem balance while at the same time obtaining healthy, lean game meat as a way to obtain the energy that all things need to survive.

Yes, I’m a hunter. I’m also at ease at being out of the closet.

Anthony P. Mauro, Sr is Chairman and cofounder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance a group of three non-profit conservation organizations. Mr. Mauro has also authored books about conservation. He was also a member of Governor Christie’s DEP Transition Team. He can be reached at apmaurosr@njoutdooralliance.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- A key U.S. House Committee that oversees natural resource issues voted for a resolution calling for the disclosure of all pages from an Obama Administration memo that examined the setting aside of millions of acres of federal lands as new “National Monuments.”

Parts of the memo were circulated earlier in the year and raised concerns among many sportsmen groups that hunting, currently allowed on these areas, could be prohibited on any lands receiving the designations.

On June 16, the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee passed House Resolution 1406, sponsored by Representative Doc Hastings (WA), the ranking Republican on the committee. The resolution calls on the Secretary of the Interior to release all documents related to the memo in question within 14 days of the legislation’s passage.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) previously reported on this memo in March.  The memo identifies approximately 13 million acres in nine western states for “National Monument” designation under the 1906 Antiquities Act.  The Act allows the President to make these designations without Congressional approval or local input.

A Monument designation does not automatically limit hunting or other uses. However, experience has shown that this designation can have a negative impact on access and conservation efforts. For example, President Carter created millions of acres of National Park Service Monuments in Alaska which immediately closed the areas to sport hunting. It took a subsequent act of Congress to undo many of these hunting closures.

The memo caused a firestorm of controversy, leading numerous Representatives to seek additional documents from the Obama Administration despite repeated statements from Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar that the piece was only intended for planning purposes and that a public process would take place before any designations.

Though the resolution cleared a committee, it remains unclear if the full House will take the issue up for vote.

The USSA continues to maintain that any change in public land use should only occur after open discussion with stakeholders allowing them to voice their concerns.

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.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- We’ve just learned the bow perimeter bill we have been reporting on all week is up for a vote on Monday in the senate.

You can bet the Anti-hunting forces are pulling out all the stops to beat back this pro hunting bill. It is time you did your part to preserve and expand hunting opportunities in NJ.

Whether you hunting, shoot, fish or just believe in science based conservation you need to take two minuets and send a message to NJ representatives that you support this Bill.

We need your action now!

Action step

1. Click on link:     http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp
2. Click on the tab for “Select your Municipality” then “Find Representatives”
3. Check ALL THREE of your representatives and then click on “Select Representatives.”   (We have a reason for selecting all three as there is two version of the bill)
4. Copy and Paste the following “Message”

RE: Vote YES for S1181 & A1683

Please vote in favor of bill S1181 and A1683, the “bow perimeter bill.” This bill is designed to improve deer management, which will reduce car/deer accidents, minimize the risk of Lyme disease transmission, and improve the health of our forests while helping people to feed their families.  Thank you.

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 earth’s resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Knife Rights Launches Million-Dollar “SECOND FRONT” Campaign

KnifeRights.org

New Hampshire --(Ammoland.com)- As Knife Rights pursued its successful legislative agenda this past year, key allies have been leading grassroots Second Amendment organizations and supporters who recognize that it’s our Second Amendment too! From their point of view, Knife Rights opened a “second front” in the defense of our Second Amendment.

Those who have for so long fought for our Second Amendment rights are encouraged to see a new ally.

While all of us view our knives as tools, ultimately our right to own and carry these tools is enshrined in the Second Amendment, for which we should all be eternally grateful. Look at the Knife Rights logo and you will see the two pillars upon which we stand, “Essential Tools – Essential Rights.” We cannot retain the former without the latter. One need only look over the ocean to England to see the bleak alternative of a society that doesn’t trust its own citizens with the most common of tools. We retain freedoms only if we continue to fight for them. For too long we just stood by, but no more! However, fighting for our rights takes money, plain and simple.

Financial support from these Second Amendment allies has been critical to our success this year and will be in the near future as we have much work to do before we are large enough to fund our efforts entirely ourselves. So, I am very excited to announce the launch of a major Knife Rights fundraising effort to support our legislative initiatives.

Appropriately, we’ve chosen to call it our “SECOND FRONT” Fundraising Campaign and our initial goal is raise one million dollars to support Knife Rights’ legislative initiatives.

SECOND FRONT fundraising will support Knife Right’s National Knife Law Preemption Campaign which was launched with the model Knife Preemption Law passed into law in Arizona earlier this year. Knife Rights plans preemption initiatives in other states as well as legislation modeled on the Knife Rights Bill just passed in New Hampshire legalizing switchblades, dirks, daggers and stilettos.

Knife Rights has received preliminary pledges of $150,000 even before official announcement of the campaign. A million dollars is an audacious goal, but it is achievable. We are not alone, and we are very lucky that we are not, as we could not afford the dramatic advances we have and will achieve if we were.

We could not have gotten to this point without the continued support of our members and funding from grassroots sources. Your membership and ongoing support are key in growing Knife Rights and the execution of our mission — a Sharper Future.

Here is how you can help make this new campaign a success. We have assembled a team to contact potential donors. From experience, we at Knife Rights know that many of you have relationships with people who could contribute to the Second Front Campaign. You do not need to do the asking. Our Fund Development team will do that, but we do need your help to identify these individuals. Please take a moment to think about who might be a potential donor and then please contact us at: SecondFront@KnifeRights.org . Your relationships and introductions are priceless and we will take it from there.

See the Press Release:

Knife Rights Launches Million-Dollar “SECOND FRONT” Campaign

KnifeRights.org

Atlanta, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Knife Rights chairman Doug Ritter announced a million-dollar “SECOND FRONT” fundraising campaign at Knife Rights’ Sharper Future Awards Breakfast at the BLADE Show in Atlanta.

“This past year, Knife Rights opened the ‘second front’ in the defense of our Second Amendment rights. Now, we launch a new fundraising effort to support this work. Appropriately, it’s our SECOND FRONT campaign,” said Ritter.

“This effort represents a broader application of Second Amendment rights beyond traditional firearms issues. It’s our Second Amendment, too.”

SECOND FRONT fundraising will support Knife Right’s National Knife Law Preemption Campaign which was launched with a model Knife Preemption Law passed into law in Arizona earlier this year. Knife Rights plans preemption initiatives in other states plus legislation modeled on the Knife Rights Bill just passed in New Hampshire. Their new law legalizes switchblades and other knives once banned in an irrational reaction against 1950s-era Hollywood film excesses of the day.

Ritter said Knife Rights has received preliminary pledges of $150,000 even before official announcement of the campaign.

“Our Second Front campaign will help increase the relevance of Second Amendment issues in the minds of many who haven’t historically considered the Second Amendment their own. The campaign will expand the base of support for the Second Amendment to the benefit of all,” concluded Ritter.

Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice to influence public policy to protect and enhance their rights.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Jeff Foxworthy, one of America’s leading entertainers, is the latest celebrity supporting the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Sentry Program.

The USSA developed the program to build an army of volunteers from coast to coast to promote and protect America’s outdoor heritage for future generations. There is no cost to become a Sentry.

By becoming a Sentry, sportsmen and sportswomen receive instant information about local and national threats to their outdoor rights, organizing more quickly and efficiently than ever before. They will also act as USSA’s “eyes and ears” in locales across the country helping protect and promote conservation programs – something Jeff Foxworthy feels strongly about.

“I am a lifelong sportsman, hunter and fisherman and have a deep respect for conservation and the outdoors,” said Foxworthy. “I am glad to be able to help an organization like the USSA that is on the front lines every day defending our rights to be in the field. I encourage every sportsman and woman in this country to join with me and become a Sentry.”

Jeff Foxworthy Becomes a Sentry for USSA

Again, there is no cost to be a Sentry and requires only a minimal amount of information from those interested. To sign up or for more information, contact the USSA at 614-888-HUNT, visit www.ussportsmen.org/BeASentry, or e-mail info@ussportsmen.org.

“We could not be more grateful that Jeff has stepped up to the plate to help us continue our mission of advancing America’s heritage of hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “By coming together under the Sentry Program, sportsmen will enhance our ranks and collectively stand tall for our heritage.”

Click here to listen as Jeff describes the Sentry Program.

Jeff Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful entertainers in the country. He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee, and best selling author of 11 books. He has starred in numerous television shows including his current hit series “Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader?”

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.

York County, VA To Look At Restricting Shooting... Again

Virginia Citizens Defense League

York County, VA --(AmmoLand.com)- Rick Pierce reports with what happened on Tuesday at the York County Board of Supervisor’s meeting on the proposed firearms ordinance changes:

This was a work session for the York County, Board of Supervisors, and they would not let citizens make comments.

The meeting went very well. They discussed proposed notifications to be made to adjacent property owners so hunters could hunt on property that were in the 300 feet area of banned neighborhoods only if zoned RR or RC.

One supervisor questioned why should we notify if it is not a safety concern, then he questioned why do we have restrictions of 300 feet on citizens property that are adjacent to banned neighborhoods. Is it for safety? The consensus was that it posed no danger and the hunter shooter was already responsible for his bullet path, and that he/she was responsible enough to not shoot into the banned neighborhoods.

They discussed that the safety of these neighborhoods was why the 300 feet was in the current code. Also one member stated there was no history of problems, so he implied why are we imposing laws for no reason. So they all agreed that the 300 feet banned area would be removed from the current code.

They did express concern that they want no discharge within 300 feet of public schools in the county. Also if someone shoots within 1000 feet from a school they are to notify the principle of said school, but not by answering machine message, it should be by direct phone contact.

Also removed all restrictions for bb and pneumatic guns from entire county in this code.

The board was very concerned with the rights of people to hunt & shoot on their property regardless of the distance from banned areas. There were also several new neighborhoods that were added to the list of banned areas. They do have the exemptions as you stated for deer managed hunts, or self defense in one’s life or to kill a dangerous or destructive wild animal.

They also would not allow high powered rifles except firing ranges, for deer managed hunts, or self defense in one’s life or to kill a dangerous or destructive wild animal. They still allow shot guns and 22 cal. rifles in the allowable areas.

I saw one individual carrying a handgun at the meeting and another with a VCDL shirt and several other concerned citizens.

All in all it went very well. I believe they are planning a public hearing after they modify the ordinance and will allow public comments at that time.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- The United States Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests has scheduled a hearing on April 28 concerning S. 1241, sponsored by CSC Senate Vice-Chair Sen. Jon Tester.

This legislation would establish new guidelines for filming hunting and fishing programs on federal lands.

Along with companion legislation filed last year in the U.S. House, H.R. 2031, sponsored by CSC House Co-Chair Rep. Dan Boren, and co-sponsored by six CSC members including Co-Chair Rep. Paul Ryan, S. 1241 would direct the Secretary of Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to create an annual permit and fee for commercial filming activities on Federal land for film crews of 5 persons or less.

Currently, fees and permits are used to help offset any impact made to public lands, but for the average hunting or fishing program the present rate is completely incompatible with the impact they actually make. The criteria for granting permits are most often inconsistently applied at the discretion of regional managers.

S. 1241 and H.R. 2031 would create a separate guideline and fee schedule to be truly reflective of the impact small crews’ activity has on the Federal land.

About:
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2009. Throughout this time, CSF has maintained a singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the political arena. Visit: www.sportsmenslink.org

National Rifle Association

Fairfax, Va. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Today the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal animal cruelty law so broadly written that it would criminalize the distribution of hunting videos and magazines under many circumstances.

The 8-1 ruling in U.S. v Stevens is a big win for the National Rifle Association and hunters across America. A brief submitted by the NRA was cited in the majority’s opinion.

“The NRA condemns animal cruelty. However, hunting and depictions of hunting are not animal cruelty. This excessive law would have imposed felony penalties for creating, possessing or selling mainstream hunting images. Therefore, we are pleased that the Supreme Court ruled against this overbroad law,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action.

“Indeed, NRA publications like American Hunter, the largest-circulation all-hunting magazine in the world, could have been in jeopardy if this law was upheld.”

Anti-hunting extremist organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) were the primary advocates for the deliberately overreaching language in Congress and its defenders in Court. HSUS’s intentions should have been apparent from the beginning. Before becoming president of the organization, Wayne Pacelle said, “The definition of obscenity on the newsstands should be extended to many hunting magazines.” And, this is precisely what the law did.

“American hunters and sportsmen are our country’s true conservationists. It is offensive that those who work hardest for the preservation efforts of wildlife in this country are grouped with those who commit actual animal cruelty,” concluded Cox.

“Fortunately, the Supreme Court chose the First Amendment over Pacelle’s radical agenda, and the overruling of this law prevents the unwarranted punishment of ethical hunters and outdoor media in the United States.”

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

Safari Club Internationa

Washington, DC –-(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Supreme Court today, in United States v. Stevens, struck down a federal law that could have criminalized the sale of hunting videos.

As reported on AmmoLand.com Safari Club International and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation joined to file an amicus (friend of the Court) brief that explained how the law could apply to many hunting videos. The Court quoted SCI’s brief and relied, in part, on SCI’s arguments to hold the law unconstitutionally overbroad.

The law made the production or sale of a depiction (e.g., video or picture) of “animal cruelty” punishable by up to five years in prison. The Supreme Court found that Congress wrote the law much too broadly. The law made illegal any depiction of the killing or wounding of a live animal if the act being depicted is itself illegal in the state where the video is sold. As a result, videos of hunting activities that are legal where filmed would violate the law if the videos were sold in a state where that type of hunting activity is illegal. One example from SCI’s brief on which the Court relied was the sharp-tailed grouse, which may be hunted in Idaho, but not in Washington.

The Court also quoted from SCI’s brief to reject the argument that hunting videos would be protected by the law’s exception for videos with serious educational or scientific value. The Court’s opinion stated “According to Safari Club International and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, many popular [hunting] videos ‘have primarily entertainment value’ and are designed to ‘entertai[n] the viewer, marke[t] hunting equipment, or increas[e] the hunting community.’”

SCI President Larry Rudolph said, “This tremendous victory is a great example of how SCI is First for Hunters. SCI did not hesitate to devote its resources to filing a brief with the Supreme Court to advocate our interests. The people who produce and sell the hunting videos we all enjoy should not have to risk five years in prison and now they will not. With this opinion, SCI has reached a new level of advocacy for SCI members and for all hunters.”

-SCI-
SCI-First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 190 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 18 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- If passed by Arizona Senate, HCR 2008 would let voters decide on state constitutional amendment to make hunting and fishing a right

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission supports House Concurrent Resolution 2008, a measure that would create a state constitutional right to hunt and fish.

HCR 2008 yesterday passed the Arizona Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt by a 5-1 vote. It will next go to the Senate for consideration and, if passed, will go on the ballot in the fall election.

Robert Woodhouse, a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, testified in favor of the bill at yesterday’s Senate committee hearing.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Commission stands in support of HCR 2008,” said Woodhouse. “We believe it is a needed amendment to our constitution.”

In response to questions from the committee, Commissioner Woodhouse added that the amendment would protect the right of citizens to lawfully hunt and fish and that it would retain the commission’s authority over wildlife management as granted by the legislature.

During his testimony, Woodhouse also thanked the resolution’s sponsor, Rep. Jerry Weiers (R-Glendale), for his leadership on this issue, and thanked the National Rifle Association, one of the leading proponents, for its willingness to work collaboratively on the language.

The commission voted on Feb. 23 to support HCR 2008. HCR 2008 passed the Arizona House on March 24 by a 37-18 vote.

“Hunting and angling are long-standing and honorable traditions,” said Commissioner Jack Husted. “HCR 2008 recognizes the right to hunt and fish and will protect that right for all citizens for all time.”

To read a copy of the bill and a list of frequently asked questions, click here and scroll down the page.

The Game and Fish Commission is comprised of five members (serving staggered five-year terms) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party.

The commission is the policy-setting board overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since its inception in 1929, this organizational structure has served as a buffer for the best interests of science-driven wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Maine --(Ammoland.com)- On March 29, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) led a legal brief with a Federal District Court of Appeals as part of its ongoing defense of both trapping in Maine and a major legal precedent protecting sportsmen nationwide.

The brief is the latest action taken by the SLDF to defend sportsmen from anti-hunting groups that seek to manipulate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in order to block hunting and trapping seasons across the nation.

The latest case was originally filed in 2008 by the Animal Welfare Institute and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine against the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The antis argued that Maine’s trapping regulations provided insufficient protection for the Canada lynx, a species listed as threatened under the ESA, and thus required the season to be stopped.

The USSAF, along with the Maine Trappers’ Association, Fur Takers of America, National Trappers’ Association, and several individual sportsmen, argued that the antis must show that Maine’s trapping practices were a threat to the entire Canada lynx population.

In November of 2009, Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. of Maine’s Federal District Court denied the injunction sought by the antis to stop the state’s trapping season. The opinion of Judge Woodcock closely followed the arguments made by the USSAF and others by requiring that plaintiffs looking to shut down a trapping (or hunting or fishing) season prove not only the incidental take of ESA-protected species, but also “irreparable harm” to the entire population. Judge Woodcock concluded that take of individual members of a reasonably numerous protected species does not meet the requirement of irreparable harm in this case.

This decision would make it difficult for antis to shut down hunting and trapping in other states based upon the incidental take of a single animal that falls under ESA protection. The precedent is so important that the antis filed an appeal in December, 2009 seeking to reverse the decision. This prompted the USSAF and others to file a new set of legal briefs in order to defend the hard fought victory.

“The importance of our courtroom win last year can’t be overstated…it makes it much harder for anti-hunting groups to launch a cascade of similar lawsuits from coast to coast to block sportsmen from enjoying their rights,” said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs. “We are confident in our ability to win the appeal and will continue to battle the antis as far as they want to take it.”

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. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Alabama --(AmmoLand.com)- The Alabama Senate recently passed legislation that will require the state to maintain at least the current acreage of hunting land that is available today.

The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Bob Riley (R).

House Bill 330, introduced by State Representative Craig Ford (D- Etowah), requires the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to open new hunting land if a department owned property currently open to hunting is closed.

The bill also directs the department to make every effort to open the replacement hunting land in the same region of the state as the property that was closed. The bill is similar to previous efforts in other states that were promoted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). The USSA has also developed and supported “no-net loss” legislative language at the national level including two current bills pending in Congress collectively known as the Hunting Heritage Protection Act.

HB 330 cleared both the House and Senate unanimously and the Governor’s office has indicated that he plans to sign the bill early next week.

“No net loss bills like House Bill 330 are very important in a time where access to hunting land is increasingly becoming difficult for sportsmen,” said Rob Sexton USSA vice president for government affairs. “We appreciate the efforts of all Alabama sportsmen who made this bill possible.”

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Vermont --(AmmoLand.com)- On March 17, the Vermont House of Representatives passed Apprentice Hunting legislation aimed at reducing barriers to new hunters entering the field. House Bill 243 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

It is part of the national Families Afield effort by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), will allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.

“We’re proud that Representative Adams and the House of Representatives have taken the first step to ensure the future of Vermont’s hunting heritage,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. “Vermont sportsmen should continue voicing their support for this bill by calling their state senators.”

The Families Afield initiative was established by the USSA, NSSF and NWTF in 2004 in order to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Since the program’s inception, Families Afield legislation has been passed in 29 states with over 300,000 apprentice licenses sold to date. Other groups giving key support to the Vermont effort include the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.

Take Action!
Vermont sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state senators and urge them to support HB 243. Tell them that this bill is an important step to protect conservation efforts by reducing barriers for the next generation of Vermont hunters to take to the field. To find your state senator’s contact information, visit the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

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. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Commission today urgently asks the public in joining them in opposition to Senate Bill 1200, proposed legislation creating a new appointment recommendation board that would evaluate and control which candidates for commission vacancies the governor could select.

SB 1200 is scheduled to be debated tomorrow and voted on this week in the state senate.

The commission asks people to immediately contact their state senator in opposition to SB 1200 and let them know that House Bill 2619 is a much better solution to an open and fair commission appointment process. Contact your senator now by following this link.

The commission expressed concern that SB 1200, if passed by the Arizona Legislature, could threaten the current commission system by granting greater influence to a select group while weakening the public’s voice in wildlife management.

“This legislation would lead to, and is intended to lead to, a commission made up entirely of people with similar views, similar backgrounds and similar intentions,” said current commission chair Jennifer Martin from Phoenix. “If this bill passes, and the majority of our stakeholders are disenfranchised and most Arizonans are left out, our broad support base that’s always waiting in the wings to protect the commission system, if necessary, will disintegrate.”

Other commission members voiced concern that the current commission system doesn’t need to be changed.

“Such legislation unnecessarily and dangerously polarizes an already delicate political process,” said Chino Valley commissioner Norm Freeman. “I don’t see a problem that needs to be corrected by legislative action that adds another layer of bureaucracy. “

Freeman said that he supports the great wildlife conservation work of the groups that are supporting this bill who represent approximately 6,000 citizens in Arizona, but he could not support change that grants a greater voice to one special interest group over another.

“The legal duty I undertook when appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate was to establish policy for the management, preservation, and harvest of wildlife and for watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations in the public trust for the benefit of the citizens of Arizona. I take that to mean all of the approximately 6,500,180 Arizona citizens, not a 6,000 member subset thereof,” he said.

Instead of all Arizonan’s having an equal voice in the commission selection process, SB 1200 would allow a 6,000 person subset representing less than 2 percent of hunters and anglers to decide commission membership.

As an alternative, the current Arizona Game and Fish Commission supports House Bill 2619.

“HB 2619 provides a better solution for an open and transparent commission appointment process by providing a timeline that needs to be followed and making the list of applicants available for public review,” said commission chair Martin.

The Game and Fish Commission is comprised of five members (serving staggered five-year terms) appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. No more than one commissioner may be from any one county. No more than three may be from the same political party.

The commission is the policy-setting board overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since its inception in 1929, this organizational structure has served as a buffer for the best interests of science-driven wildlife conservation during eight decades of back-and-forth political change.

To contact your state legislators click here.

To find out who your legislator is click here.

Action is needed now!

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Washington, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- A leaked memo from the U.S. Department of the Interior reveals plans to set aside millions of acres of federal lands, currently open to a multitude of users, as new “National Monuments.” Basically, these designations could be established by a stroke of President Obama’s pen with no oversight.

The memo identifies approximately 13 million acres in nine western states for “National Monument” designation under the 1906 Antiquities Act. The Act allows the President to make these designations without Congressional approval or local input.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) is deeply concerned as prior Monument designations have caused trouble for hunters and wildlife conservation.

For example, President Carter created millions of acres of National Park Service Monuments in Alaska which immediately closed the areas to sport hunting. It took a subsequent act of Congress to undo many of these hunting closures. President Clinton also created Monuments at the end of his term. Wilderness activists have since blocked wildlife management projects in these areas arguing that conservation efforts are inconsistent with Monument purposes.

Monument designation does not automatically limit hunting or other uses, but experience has shown that this designation can have a negative impact on access and conservation efforts. USSA holds that any change in public land use should only occur after open discussion with stakeholders allowing them to voice their concerns, if any.

“President Obama campaigned on keeping government decisions transparent to the public and we ask that he honor that pledge by not making a decision on Monument designations without first hearing the opinion of America’s sportsmen and other concerned citizens,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “The USSA will be watching closely and respond immediately if sportsmen and others are kept in the dark.”

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. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Illinois --(AmmoLand.com)-A so called “assault weapon” bill in Illinois will ban numerous commonly used hunting firearms.

Senate Bill 3036, introduced by Senator Antonio Munoz (D- Chicago), prohibits the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase, or possession of “semi-automatic assault weapons.” Included in the bill’s definition are firearms used for hunting such as semi-automatic shotguns that have either a pistol grip or a thumbhole stock and many hunting rifles.

While the bill allows for possession of those firearms that are currently owned, it would prohibit the purchase or transfer of new firearms that are on the banned list in Illinois, even if those firearms are commonly used for target shooting or for hunting purposes.

The measure does include an exemption for the possession of these types of firearms when used for hunting, but fails to allow for target or other recreational shooting activities including sighting in. Essentially, sportsmen could only use certain firearms for hunting if they already possess them or purchased them out of state.

“The bill’s broad definition outlaws numerous firearms used commonly for both deer and turkey hunting and other shoot sports,” says Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “There is simply no justification for this bill.”

Take Action! Illinois sportsmen should contact their senators and tell them that the firearms included in SB 3036 are commonly used by scores of citizens for target shooting, hunting and other recreational activities and should not be banned. To find your state senator’s phone number and other contact information, use USSA’s Legislative Action Center

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) work nationwide, representing over 1.5 million sportsmen through member clubs and individual constituents. The organizations provide legislative, legal defense and public education services to defend and advance sportsmen’s rights in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 states. Visit: www.ussportsmen.org

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON, DC --(AmmoLand.com)- The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today lauded the creation of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, a new federal advisory committee that will advise the government on wildlife and hunting issues and work to sustain America’s hunting heritage into the future.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced formation of the council, which was officially launched this afternoon at a ceremony at Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial near Washington, D.C. In addition to TRCP staff, attendees included U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam D. Hamilton, U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

In a memo from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the “scope and objective” of the new council are defined as providing “advice about wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that (a) benefit recreational hunting; (b) benefit wildlife resources and (c) encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation community, the shooting and hunting sports industry, wildlife conservation organizations, the states, Native American tribes and the federal government.”

“The TRCP’s mission is founded in the desire by sportsmen to promote the conservation of fish and wildlife populations and their habitats as a means of securing our outdoor traditions,” said Tom Franklin, TRCP director of policy and government relations, “and we look forward to continuing to advocate for such policies governing the responsible management and use of our natural resources, on behalf of the nation’s sportsmen-conservationists, as the council commences this important work.”

Learn more about the TRCP’s goals and objectives as outlined in the TRCP 2010 Conservation Policy Agenda.

Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.

NRAHuntersRights.org

NRAHuntersRights.org

Fairfax, Virginia - -(AmmoLand.com)- AmmoLand.com’s featured Gun Blog of the Month of February 2010, is NRAHuntersRights.org.

The right to keep and bear arms if closely linked to the right to hunt. Yet many hunters fail to appreciate the danger of losing their rights to hunt because of a pending gun law.

The reverse is true of many gun owners that are quick to leap to the defense of their RTKABA but take a wait and see posture when hunters rights come into question.

To take it one steps further the ability to manage and conserve our natural wildlife is ultimately dependent on the ability of hunters to remove game and keep animal populations in balance. Simply put without Hunters we have no conservation only the flawed science of preservation.

One blog at the fore front of this fight to protect hunters rights is NRAHuntersRights.org . Take a moment and get to know the folks fighting for your rights.

NRAHuntersRights.org Blog Interview:

Q: What is your Blog’s Official Name?
A: The name is “Hunter’s Blog” and it appears as part of the website: www.nrahuntersrights.org. We also have a “Discussion Forum” where we introduce a topic, stand back and let hunters weigh in on it.

Q: How many people work on the NRA Hunters Rights Blog or what is the organizational structure?
A: There are two main bloggers, and occasionally we allow a “guest blog.”

Q: What are the names of the writers or contributors to the NRA Hunters Rights Blog?
A: I (J.R. Robbins) am Managing Editor and I am helped by Assistant Editor Justin McDaniel. I have been with NRA for 26 years, including stints on American Hunter Magazine, InSights (NRA’s junior magazine) and as Manager of Communications for NRA Programs. After years of writing how-tos and where-tos, I realized how much threats to hunting are escalating in this country and devoted myself to speaking out against these threats, and promoting what NRA does for hunters. I mostly hunt deer, antelope, black bears, ducks, geese, pheasants, grouse, quail and woodcock.

Justin has been with NRA for four years, the last two of which have been spent working on www.nrahuntersrights.org. Before joining my staff, Justin also spent two years in our Communications Department helping to promote NRA Programs. He is a lifelong hunter and NRA Member and returns to his home state of Pennsylvania as often as possible to hunt deer, turkeys, and a variety of small game.

Q: Does each person have a specialty or area of interest that they focus on?
A: We blog about anything that affects hunters’ rights. This could include ridiculous media statements about hunting or smacking down false information communicated by anti-hunting groups. We expose the bureaucracy that inhibits hunters’ access to public lands and makes hunting too expensive and too burdened with paperwork and blizzards of red tape. The number of hunters in this country is declining. We need to make hunting more accessible and less complicated, especially for newcomers, to reverse that trend.

Q: Where is the NRA Hunters Rights Blog located? A: The exact url is: http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/blog/Default.aspx. To find the Discussion Forum, go to www.nrahuntersrights.org, and scroll down about halfway. The forum is on the left side.

Q: What is the point of view or purpose of your blog?
A: Through the Hunters’ Blog and the Discussion Forum we make hunters aware of escalating threats to hunting, what NRA is doing about them, and we stimulate discussion from hunters on these topics. It is imperative that hunters become more informed and vocal about these issues. We need more hunters showing up at public hearings and taking part in public comment periods on issues that affect hunting. You can bet the anti-hunters are showing up at these meetings and sending in comments on many hunting issues.

Q: How long has your Blog been active?
A: Both the Hunters Blog and the Discussion Forum have been up since November 2008.

Q: Do you have a specific agenda or goal of the NRA Hunters Rights Blog?
A: While defending the Second Amendment will always be NRA’s first priority, 80 percent of our members hunt, and every issue that’s important to hunters is important to us-especially access to hunting lands and retention/expansion of hunters’ gun rights.

One goal of the blog is to make people more aware of what NRA does for hunters-we have nationally known youth and women’s hunting programs and we are involved in legislation that affects hunters at every level of government. NRA-backed Open Fields and No-Net-Loss legislation work to get hunters access to private and public hunting lands.

We work with several federal agencies to expand access to federal lands and to keep public shooting ranges open. We’ve helped pass “Right to Hunt” Constitutional amendments in 10 states. We’ve supported youth-mentored hunting laws and fought attempts to ban hunting for doves, bears, wolves, prairie dogs and other species. There’s a lot more, but you get the idea.

Q: Do you have any other digital sites?
A: The Hunters’ Blog is part of www.nrahuntersrights.org. We launched this site late in 2007. This site offers links to outside headlines, gear write-ups, a monthly Gift Giveaway, links to other hunting resources, and several ways to find state/federal public hunting lands and even a state list of guides and outfitters.

There is also a Trophy Gallery where we post photos of hunters and their downed game.

Q: What is the biggest issue facing hunters today that most concerns you?
A: It has become too difficult for the average guy to find a place to hunt, or even to find a range where he can sight-in, practice marksmanship, or teach his kids to shoot. Fighting to keep ranges open, and to protect and expand hunter access to private and public lands is our most important-and most difficult-challenge. Access to hunting land is directly connected to the number of hunters. If the number of hunters continues to spiral downward, it threatens the very existence of the tradition of hunting.

Plus, it means even more revenue lost for wildlife conservation. It’s hunters who pay for wildlife management in this country.

Q: What is one thing that you want AmmoLand Shooting Sports News readers to know about the NRA Hunters Rights Blog?
A: The Hunters’ Blog and the Discussion Forum are two very visible places where your opinion can be heard! We want your voice on this site!

Q: What was the best thing done on the NRA Hunters Rights Blog that got the most reaction from your readers?
A: In November, a California high school student was expelled for having two unloaded shotguns locked in his off-campus truck. He had the guns because he had gone bird hunting before school. People were outraged.

Q: What was the worst thing you did on your blog that go the most reaction from your readers?
A: No one thing comes to mind, but it is true that some hunting issues can be divisive. Even so, we want to hear from all hunters and make sure we understand their point of view.

Q: What do you think the outlook is for the future of gun rights or in you case hunter rights in America?
A: We have battles ahead and hunters must be informed and active in those battles. Restrictions on traditional [lead] ammunition are being pushed hard by anti-hunting groups. As America continues to become more urbanized, more hunting lands are lost, and more restrictions on guns are called for by new residents of areas previously open to shooting and hunting. And it’s not just fringe anti-hunting groups we face today, either.

It’s well-funded, radical environmental groups that would block hunters’ access to public lands, and sympathetic media who trumpet their cause.

Q: Of the topics you cover what do you enjoy writing about the most?
A: Hunting is in my blood, and to have slowly evolved from writing “Ten Hot Spots for a Tree Stand” to “Abysmal Harvest Angers Wisconsin Hunters” has been an enjoyable, and meaningful, process.

Q: What things would you like to do or expand on in the NRA Hunters Rights Blog in the future?
A: I would like to open up the Hunters’ Blog to more typical hunters who have an informed opinion on a hunting issue they would like to share.

Q: What would you like to say to those that are anti hunting or maybe just unsure of the purpose of hunting and guns in our society today?
A: Hunting is an essential wildlife management tool. Decisions about hunting should be based on solid science researched by qualified wildlife biologists.

Hunting decisions cannot be made based on emotion, politics or personal agendas. Hunters are the original conservationists, and without us, many species would never have come back from near-extinction at the beginning of this century.

Q: What parting remarks or comments you would like to make or promote?
A: Hunters tend not to get riled up and active until hunting is threatened in their own favorite spot. At that point, it’s often too late. Stay informed about issues anywhere that could affect a hunter’s rights, and get active in opposing them.

Visit: NRAHuntersRights.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Missouri --(AmmoLand.com)- A new legislative proposal in Missouri begins the process of amending the state constitution to make it more difficult for the animal rights groups to attack hunting, fishing, and trapping at the ballot box.

House Joint Resolution 76, introduced by Representative Mike Dethrow (R-Alton), would require a four-sevenths majority vote to pass any ballot issue dealing with hunting, fishing, or trapping to become state law.

Currently, these types of ballot measures only require a simple majority vote to pass. Both chambers of the legislature must pass the measure before the amendment is put before voters on November’s ballot.

The antis often go to the ballot box when they are unable to sway lawmakers into passing anti-hunting, fishing, and trapping measures. In their attempt to ban hunting, these ballot campaigns often aim to misinform voters by using emotional rhetoric instead of scientific facts. Nationally, many losses by sportsmen at the ballot would have been prevented if a four-sevenths majority or slightly over 57 percent were needed.

This amendment would go a long way toward protecting Missouri sportsmen from these types of attacks.

“Increasing the percentage of votes required to pass anti-hunting laws at the ballot box would make it much more difficult for the antis to take away our rights,” said Doug Jeanneret, vice president of marketing for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). “Sportsmen need to let their legislators know that they overwhelmingly support this amendment.”

Take Action! Missouri sportsmen are urged to contact their legislators and ask them to support HJR 76. Tell them that passing this amendment is a necessary step toward protecting the outdoor traditions sportsmen have always enjoyed.

To find your state legislators’ phone number, use USSA’s Legislative Action Center.

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. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Sacramento, CA - -(AmmoLand.com)- In a move that further validates California as the front line in the nationwide fight to protect the future of hunting, the California State Legislature has laid claim to the first ever Caucus formed solely to push an animal rights agenda.

According to a press release issued by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the new “Animal Protection Caucus” – co-chaired by Senator Dean Florez (D-Shafter), Senator Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), Assembly Member Cameron Smyth (R-Santa Clarita), and Assembly Member Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) – will serve to highlight important issues affecting animals and to educate legislators and their staff on the need for “sensible” animal protection legislation.

This bold move by certain members of the California Legislature and the animal rights community clearly demonstrates their focus on California and their increased priority of passing legislation in our state that directly challenges your freedom to hunt.

“Although it may be unfathomable, hunters and other conservationists have just been served serious notice that California will now face even greater challenges to our outdoor traditions,” stated California Outdoor Heritage Alliance President, Bill Gaines.

California’s outdoorsmen and women simply have no choice but to ensure their voice is loud and united in the halls of the State Capitol by supporting the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) and COHA’s Political Action Committee (COHA PAC).

Do your part – unite with COHA and help meet this challenge by joining COHA at Join COHA.

http://www.outdoorheritage.org/donate.php

Support COHA PAC and enter to win great prizes by purchasing tickets for the COHA PAC raffle at COHA PAC. COHA PAC funds are only used to help elect pro-hunting candidates for statewide public office

To view the HSUS press release: http://tiny.cc/radicalhsus

The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of wildlife conservation and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA was created in early 2006 by the California Waterfowl Association to enhance the political effectiveness of hunters and other wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts in the halls of our State Capitol and beyond. For more information on COHA and its member organizations, please visit www.outdoorheritage.org