U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The apprentice license allows new hunters to try hunting under the mentor-ship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

A hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room 10 on the 3rd Floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. The bill is in the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy. New Jersey sportsmen and women should contact the members of the Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them that apprentice hunting is vital to the future of our outdoor heritage.

“Families Afield has a nationwide track record of safely recruiting new hunters through apprentice hunting licenses,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “This try-before-you-buy concept helps to boost hunter recruitment and retention, while keeping our hunting heritage alive for the next generation.”

Apprentice hunting licenses have been a hallmark of the Families Afield initiative across the country. The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.
Companion legislation, House Bill 1544, is pending before the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact members of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

• Chairman Bob Smith (D- Piscataway) – Bill Sponsor
  Phone: (732) 752-0770 Email: senbsmith@njleg.org
• Vice Chair Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D- Plainsboro)
  Phone: (609) 395-9911 Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org
• Senator Christopher Bateman (R- Somerville)
  Phone: (908) 526-3600 Email: senbateman@njleg.org
• Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Red Bank)
  Phone: (732) 933-1591 Email: senbeck@njleg.org
• Senator Jim Whelan (D- Atlantic City)
  Phone: (609) 383-1388 Email: senwhelan@njleg.org

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 Apprentice Hunting Bills Reintroducedon

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), and Assembly Bill 1544, sponsored by Assemblyman John J Burzichelli (D- Paulsboro), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The license would allow new hunters to try hunting under the mentorship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

“Apprentice hunting licenses have been a cornerstone of the Families Afield program and our efforts to boost hunter recruitment across the country,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “The try-before-you-buy concept has a proven track record of safely recruiting new hunters. New Jersey sportsmen are encouraged to contact their state assembly person and their state senator and ask them to support the future of hunting by passing these bills.”

Research has shown that not only is apprentice hunting successful at safely recruiting new hunters but that apprentice hunters are some of the safest in the woods.

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact their state assembly person and senator and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083 and House Bill 1544. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

To find your state senator’s contact information, use 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. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Nebraska Firearms Owners Association

Omaha, NE --(Ammoland.com)- Well it’s that time again and the Legislative session is in full swing.

Since this is a short session and things are moving so fast, I am going to break the announcement of Legislative Bills into two groups to send out for your information.

This week we will be letting you know about bills introduced during the first five days of session, and the balance should be coming next week.

We are also going to try something new this year. In order to get your view on the position your NFOA should take on the bills, we have a survey linked.

Please take a moment and let us know what position you’d like the NFOA to take on these important pieces of legislation.

Introduced Legislation

• LB785, Christensen, Authorize possession of firearms as prescribed
  Allows persons with a Concealed Carry Permit to have their firearm in their car on the property of their employer. Further, it creates a civil penalty for employers who fire an employee for legally having a firearm in their vehicle on company property. It also provides liability protections for an employer who has an employee with a firearm stored in their vehicle on company property.
  
• LB796, Avery, Adopt the Outdoor Outfitters and Guides Registration Act
  Creates a registration for Outfitters and Guides with a licensing fee of $100 and requires liability insurance.
  
• LB802, Lautenbaugh, Authorize carrying of concealed handguns by certain authorities within the scope of their employment
  Allows District Attorneys, County Attorneys, the Attorney General, their assistants, and investigators with a Concealed Carry Permit to carry in places that other Concealed Carry Permit holders cannot; when doing so for work purposes. The individual is responsible for the costs of their Concealed Carry Permit and training.
  
• LB804, Lautenbaugh, Change provisions relating to justification for use of force
  Sets presumption that someone who forcibly enters your home or vehicle is there to do you bodily harm, and places protections from civil liabilities in cases of self defense.
  
• LB807, Lautenbaugh, Change Concealed Handgun Permit Act application provisions
  Clarifies that only individuals who have been criminally convicted of a drug- or firearm-related crime would be disqualified from receiving a Nebraska concealed carry permit. Hearing is scheduled for January 19th.
  
• LB919, Schilz, Change court fees, sheriff’s fees, and handgun certificate fees
  Among other fee changes, it raises the cost of a Handgun Purchase Certificate to $10.00, an increase of $5.00. From testimony in the past the average cost to the Sheriffs Dept. for doing this runs between $12 and $15 depending upon the county.
  
• LB920, McGill, Change harassment protection order and domestic abuse protection order provisions
  Makes it so persons under a protective order cannot purchase firearms, also removes automatic hearing for a protective order.
  
• LB928, Louden, Provide for mountain lion hunting permits
  Allows the Nebraska Game and Parks Department to set a hunting season for mountain lions and provide for hunting permits.

Mission -
Nebraska Firearms Owners Association (NFOA) is organized for the purpose of voicing the opinion of its membership to the Nebraska Legislature and other law making bodies within the state as well as Federal level, as it pertains to firearms. NFOA members will also make it a priority to educate residents on firearms related issues.
On the web: www.NebraskaFirearms.org or email: AAllen@NebraskaFirearms.org for more information.

Anchorage Second Amendment Task Force

Anchorage, AK --(Ammoland.com)- On April 17, when Governor Sean Parnell adjourned the Alaska Legislature, there were four pro-gun bills left pending from the 2011 legislative session.

Due to Alaska’s two-year sessions, all pending 2011 bills will carry over and be considered in 2012.

• House Bill 80, sponsored by state Representative Mark Neuman (R-15), is a no-duty-to-retreat bill and would extend the right to use force, including deadly force, for self-defense anywhere a person has a legal right to be.  HB 80 passed in the state House by a 33 to 6 vote.  This bill is now pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
• House Bill 83, also sponsored by state Representative Neuman, would establish an apprentice hunting program.  This bill is pending in the House Resources Committee.
• Senate Bill 2, sponsored by state Senator Linda Menard (R-G), would create National Rifle Association special-request license plates.  SB 2 is currently pending in the Senate Finance Committee.
• Senate Bill 105, sponsored by state Senator Charlie Huggins (R-H), would designate the Pre-1964 Winchester Model 70 .30-06 as the official state firearm.  This bill is pending in the Senate State Affairs Committee.

When the next legislative session begins in January we will be keeping you informed on the status of HB 80 in the senate. We consider it imperative to pass this legislation.

At first this may appear to unrelated to firearms. Long range projection implies that may not be so. You may be aware that the current regime in Washington floated the idea of stopping shooting on “some” federal lands because the noise annoyed other users. (This may be a good reason to deregulate suppressors)

The idea of stopping recreational shooting met extreme resistance this time. You can bet the idea will be proposed again. Anti shooting forces are more successful at the local level. Consider the Palmer area and the efforts against shooting in that area.

When one considers Agenda 21 a trend by government to gain regulatory control of all lands becomes evident. Anchorage Title 21 is a heavy handed takeover of land use at the local level. It makes one wonder how long before shooting ranges will be regulated out of business. Consider attending this meeting to show support for repeal of the Title 21 rewrite.

Very Important Property Rights Meeting

All home owners, property owners, builders, contractors, realtors and all persons that value property rights must to be at this meeting. We are recommending that the Rewrite either be scrapped altogether or at the minimum all of Dan Coffey’s recommended amendments be incorporated in the Rewrite.

The Rewrite is a massive imposition of regulations that we don’t need. It will increase the cost of new construction. You will need permission to do anything to your own property. It will increase the culture of corruption. (Who has enough bribe money to get what he wants.) This is being imposed on you by a small group that wants Anchorage to be like Portland. Lynn Peterson, Portland’s planner, consults with them. Portland is rated as the worst planned city in the U.S.

The origins of these changes come from Agenda 21. There are strands of it all through Title 21. Watch the 15 minute video at the link below to see how your freedom is being regulated from you. There will be free copies of this video on DVD available at the meeting.

Please let all your friends know about this meeting. It can make a difference for the future of your children

Anchorage is rated the 10th best city in the U.S. by Business Week but we have folks that want to change that.

About:
The mission of The Anchorage Second Amendment Task Force is to provide Alaskans with the knowledge of the meaning and true purpose of the second amendment to the U.S. Constitution, with which they may conduct themselves as responsible citizens of our republic. Visit: www.anchorage2atf.com

Traditional Lead Shot Shells

AmmoLand Gun News

U.S. SENATE --(Ammoland.com)- Gun and sporting organizations are supporting Senator Jon Tester’s efforts to ensure that hunters and anglers can continue using traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.

Tester this week offered an amendment to clarify that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the ability to regulate bullets, shot or sinkers.

“When it comes to our outdoor heritage, Montana’s hunters and anglers deserve common sense,” said Tester, Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “It’s my job to make sure that Montana’s sportsmen can access and enjoy the Big Sky’s great outdoors without having to look over their shoulders.”

Tester’s efforts are supported by the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, American Sportfishing Association and the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation.

“The Tester amendment will preclude the EPA from banning traditional ammunition,” said Chris Cox, Executive Director of the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action. “This is an important issue to hunters and gun owners and we are grateful for Sen. Tester’s leadership on this matter.”

“Sen. Tester’s amendment is important to all Americans because a ban on traditional ammunition would not just affect hunters, target shooters and gun owners, but it would impact all law enforcement and the U.S. military as well,” said National Shooting Sports Foundation Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

Tester’s measure also maintains the ability of the U.S. military and law enforcement to use lead ammunition.

The EPA previously decided not to restrict traditional ammunition and fishing tackle, but with that decision now in the courts, Tester’s measure would enshrine protections for hunters and anglers in law.

Currently ammunition is regulated by state and federal wildlife agencies and that ability would be retained under the Tester Amendment. The amendment would not affect current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service safeguards aimed at protecting water fowl.

Tester is a champion for gun rights, hunting and fishing. Most recently, he pushed to restore the Open Fields initiative that improves voluntary access to land for Montana’s hunters and anglers.

Tester’s amendment is available online HERE.

AmmoLand Gun News

U.S. SENATE --(Ammoland.com)- On the eve of big-game hunting season in Montana, Senator Jon Tester is pushing to improve voluntary access to land for Montana’s hunters and anglers.

Tester this week introduced an amendment that will restore the Open Fields initiative. Open Fields encourages owners and operators of private lands to voluntarily make their property accessible to the public for hunting or fishing.

Tester, chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, says that the loss of access to private land is the main reason Montana sportsmen and women stop hunting and fishing.

“Montana is world famous for our hunting and fishing, but we’re also known for our good neighbors who value the traditions of access to land and water,” Tester said. “This measure keeps Montanans working together to access some of the state’s best places to hunt, benefiting Montana’s outdoor heritage and our economy.”

Currently, 26 states have voluntary public access initiatives, but funding for Open Fields was removed from a recent Senate appropriations bill.

Tester’s amendment is supported by numerous sportsmen’s organizations, including the National Rifle Association, the Montana Wildlife Federation, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, and Ducks Unlimited.

“Diminishing access to hunting land is the primary reason many Americans are forced to give up hunting,” said Christopher Cox, executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “Reinstatement of the Open Fields program will encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch and forestland to voluntarily make those lands accessible to hunters and sportsmen. This will help increase hunter retention and help preserve America’s hunting heritage.”

“Keeping the dialogue open between Montana’s private landowners and sportsmen and women is vital,” said Gayle Joslin of the Helena Hunters and Anglers. “We appreciate Senator Tester going to bat for Open Fields in order to maintain our conservation legacy and our commitment to accessible lands for our hunters and anglers.”

Open Fields – formally known as the Voluntary Public Lands Access and Habitat Incentive – is run by the U.S. Farm Service Agency along with state and tribal governments. It offers competitive grants to states and tribal governments to expand private land access through easements.

Outdoor recreation represents a $2.5 billion-per-year industry in Montana. Tester recently held a public hearing in Bozeman on the value of public lands where he heard from Montana’s sportsmen and women.

Tester’s amendment is available online HERE.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On October 5th, 2011, the House Natural Resources Committee passed Rep. Don Young’s (R- Alaska) bill to allow the importation of legally hunted polar bear trophies (H.R. 991) by voice vote.

H.R. 991 would allow Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to issue import permits for polar bear trophies legally taken in sport hunts in Canada, prior to listing of world-wide polar bear populations under the Endangered Species Act.

On May 15, 2008, the Department of the Interior listed the world-wide polar bear population as a threatened species. Due to the Endangered Species Act listing, polar bears are automatically listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the importation of hunting trophies for a depleted species. On the date of this listing, approximately 41 hunters had successfully hunted a polar bear from an approved population in Canada. H.R. 991 will reunite these legal hunters with their prized trophies.

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

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- This summer Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) introduced S. 1249, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act.

This bi-partisan legislation would give states greater flexibility in using their Pittman-Robertson funds to establish safe recreational shooting areas.

More specifically, the legislation would help facilitate the construction and expansion of public target ranges, including ranges on federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

A companion bill, H.R. 3065, was introduced in the House last week and may soon be heard in the Environment and Public Works Committee. NSSF supports this legislation and encourages its members to contact their legislators and urge them to back this pro-shooting measure.

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.

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.

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Gun Owners of America is working with several members of Congress to repeal a gun ban on land controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Currently, guns are prohibited on Corps land, even when firearms possession is otherwise allowed by state law. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) introduced legislation —the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act (H.R. 1865)— to allow state law to govern firearms possession.

You may recall that in July, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) offered similar language as an amendment to an appropriations bill. Gosar’s amendment passed the House on a voice vote, but its fate is uncertain as it heads to the Senate.

The Gibbs bill, as well as the Gosar amendment, is modeled after a similar measure that became law in 2009 affecting National Park Service land. Army Corps of Engineers land was not part of that bill, something the Corps was quick to point out after that law took affect.

The Corps said, in a statement: “Public Law 111-024 does not apply to Corps projects of facilities . . . [and the Army Corps] will continue to prohibit loaded concealed weapons on Corps properties regardless of the new law and notwithstanding any contrary provisions of state law.”

Rep. Gibbs’ bill will reverse the Corps’ decision.

“The Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act is a bipartisan effort to restore Second Amendment rights to law-abiding citizens while they are legally camping, hunting, and fishing on the 11.7 million acres of Army Corps recreational property,” Gibbs said. “Families and sportsmen taking advantage of this federal land should not have to worry that their legally obtained concealed weapon permit is invalid.”

Gun Owners of America applauds the efforts of Reps. Gibbs and Gosar, and will continue to push for repeal of the gun ban affecting over 400 lake and river projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails controlled by the Army Corps of Engineers.

ACTION: Please contact your Representative and urge him or her to cosponsor H.R. 1865, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act.

Click here to send a prewritten message to your Representative.

About:
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 4213, sponsored by Sen. Mark J. Grisanti (R- North Buffalo), would permit the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to allow live cable restraints, commonly called snares, to be used by trappers. Currently, New York prohibits the use of all snares.

This bill has been approved by the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation and is now pending on the floor of the Senate. Identical legislation, AB 6203 sponsored by Assemblyman Dennis H. Gabryszak (D- Cheektowaga), is currently pending in the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation.

“If passed, these bills will give the DEC and New York trappers an additional method to manage wildlife,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Cable snares are used across the country and are a proven and effective way for trappers to harvest wildlife.”

Biologists from coast to coast rely on trapping as an essential aspect of wildlife management. It is particularly important for predator control and to minimize diseases such as rabies.

“Cable restraints are a vital tool needed for New York trappers to help control coyote and beaver populations,” said Dave Miller, Executive Director of the New York State Trappers Association. “These traps are very effective, especially in the late winter months when foothold traps may start to freeze.”

Take Action! Sportsmen should contact their state senators and assemblymen and urge them to support Senate Bill 4213 and Assembly Bill 6203. Inform them there is no reason for a ban on live cable restraints.

To find your state legislators’ phone number and other contact information, use 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. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Two COHA-Sponsored Poaching Bills Await Floor Votes

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA --(Ammoland.com)- AB 1162 (Chesbro) would significantly increase penalties for serious Fish and Game violations, including violations where poachers intentionally target trophy big game animals using illegal methods such as artificial lights or bait.

AB 1162 also provides for greater penalties for commercial bear violations. Revenues from the violations would be deposited in game species accounts and used for game conservation and public hunting purposes. AB 1162 is on the Assembly Floor.

SB 752 (Berryhill) would allow hunters and fishermen an opportunity to voluntarily release their contact information to non-profit conservation groups of their choice when purchasing any license through the Department of Fish and Game’s Automated License Data System (ALDS).

In doing so, the bill would help non-profit conservation groups educate sportsmen and women about their important work while facilitating additional conservation efforts at the grassroots level. SB 752 is on the Senate Floor.

For more information about these bills and other COHA efforts, please visit our website.

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.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- This week New Hampshire Governor John Lynch signed House Bill 206, making New Hampshire the 32nd state to pass Families Afield legislation.

The Families Afield initiative was started in 2004 as an effort to reduce barriers to new hunters joining our ranks.

House Bill 206, introduced by Rep. Dennis Reed (R-Merrimack), creates an apprentice hunting license. The license would allow newcomers to try hunting while accompanied by an experienced hunting mentor before being required to complete the state’s hunter education course.

New Hampshire follows Idaho who passed a similar bill in March to become the 31st.

“The try before you buy concept has had great success across the country in safely recruiting new hunters,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services.

“Hundreds of thousands of apprentice licenses have been purchased across the country as a result of the Families Afield program. The New Hampshire legislature should be commended for their hard work in passing House Bill 206.”

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Families Afield coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the programs inception.

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.

Safari Club International Foundation

Washington, D.C. --(Ammoland.com)- Safari Club International (SCI) applauds the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife for holding a hearing addressing Congressman Don Young’s (R-AK) legislation allowing the importation of approximately 40 polar bears.

Young’s bill, HR 991, will amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to authorize the Secretary to issue import permits for polar bears taken legally from approved populations in Canada prior to the importation ban imposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on May 15, 2008.

The ban deprived these individuals of their rightful property. HR 991 would help rectify this unfortunate situation by allowing only the importation of these already harvested polar bears. The bill would not authorize the importation of bears hunted in the future.

“The harvest of these animals provided important income to local native communities, thus supporting sustainable use conservation of this species. The bears were harvested based on quotas reflecting the appropriate levels of sustainable take as determined by Canadian wildlife experts,” said SCI President Kevin Anderson. “These already harvested bears now provide no conservation value as they sit in cold-storage in Canada.”

Importation of these trophies under H.R. 991, will generate up to $45,000 in additional permit fees (under MMPA Section 104(c)(5)(B)) to use for conservation and research activities for the U.S. and Russian polar bear populations. Although these important conservation benefits are lost by preventing these imports, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has determined that the law prevents it from issuing these once-routine import permits.

“I’d like to thank Congressman Don Young for reintroducing this bill on behalf of the sportsmen community. We appreciate his continued commitment to this important issue,” concluded Anderson.

Safari Club International, along with 23 other hunting and wildlife conservation organizations, have already sent a letter to Chairman Doc Hastings and Ranking Member Edward Markey of the House Committee on Natural Resources communicating our strong support of H.R. 991.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports allowing imports for those hunters who both hunted and submitted a permit application prior to the listing on May 15, 2008. International Fund for Animal Welfare testified in opposition to H.R. 991. The FWS’s refusal to fully support HR 991 and IAFW’s complete opposition to this legislation undercuts the sustainable funding of polar bear research that U.S. hunters have provided for over 10 years.

Learn more about protecting hunting at www.hunterdefensefund.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.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.

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.

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- MISSOULA, Mont.–Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, today introduced legislation –the “Making Public Lands Public Access Act of 2011″– that guarantees funding for improving hunter access to existing public lands.

This bipartisan legislation is supported by the Boone and Crockett Club, the National Rifle Association and other hunting organizations.

The bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and BLM to acquire rights of way and other land interests from willing-seller landowners to open access to existing public lands where public access for hunting and fishing is closed.

“Sportsmen and women want the Forest Service and BLM to provide better access to our national forests and BLM lands for hunting and fishing. Senator Jon Tester and Senator Jim Risch are tackling this problem head on with this bill,” said Ben Wallace, president of the Boone and Crockett Club.

Additionally, Wallace praised Tester and Risch for “their deep commitment to enhancing hunting opportunities on our public lands.” Tester is the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus within the U.S. Senate. Risch is the vice co-chair of the same caucus.

For the 32 million American hunters, anglers and recreational shooters, federal public lands are an increasingly vital to their participation in outdoor sports. Nearly half of all hunters, for example, conduct a portion of their hunting activity on public lands. Reduced access is cited as a primary reason that hunters, anglers and target shooters stop participating in these traditional sports. A 2004 report to the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations concluded that more than 35 million acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land have inadequate access.

Specifically, nearly 2 million acres (or 10 percent) of USFS lands in Montana and 8.4 million acres (or 29 percent) of BLM lands in the Montana/Dakota’s region were identified as having inadequate access.

Sportsmen and women make important contributions to both wildlife conservation and the nation’s economy. The hunting and shooting sports industries create over 160,000 full-time jobs nationwide, generating an economic benefit of over $20 billion annually.

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) — the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry — is encouraging all hunters, shooters and gun owners to contact their United States Senators and Representatives.

Urge them to become an original co-sponsor of the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act, legislation that will clarify that Congress has not given the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to regulate ammunition and its components under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Currently, anti-hunting groups are trying to force the EPA to ban all traditional ammunition under TSCA.

The legislation would also prevent the EPA from banning traditional fishing tackle.

This legislation is set to be introduced in both the Senate and House shortly by Senators Jon Tester (D-Montana) and John Thune (R-SD) and Representatives Jeff Miller (R-Fla.-1st) and Mike Ross (D-Ark.-4th), all of whom are the co-chairs of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus.

Please, call your Senators and Representative today! Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121

Background:
Last fall the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considered a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) – a leading anti-hunting organization – to ban all traditional ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, a law in which Congress expressly exempted ammunition from EPA oversight.

Though the EPA ultimately rejected the petition, a decision that is now being challenged in court by the CBD, the attack demonstrated the need to preserve and protect the rights of all sportsmen to choose their own ammunition and fishing tackle. This is why Senators Tester and Thune and Representatives Miller and Ross will introduce the Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting Sports Protection Act.

It is important to note a ban on traditional ammunition will affect not only hunters and sportsmen but also law enforcement, military and target shooters who may never go afield. Passing an amendment that will necessarily lessen the military and law enforcement’s ability to train puts the safety and well-being of all Americans at risk.

Important Facts You Need to Know about Traditional Ammunition:

• There is no scientific evidence that the use of traditional ammunition is having an adverse impact on wildlife populations requiring a change in current regulation. Regulating the methods and implements for the taking of game is best managed by the wildlife biologists in the state fish and game agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, not the EPA.
• A 2008 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on blood lead levels of North Dakota hunters confirmed that consuming game harvested with traditional ammunition does not pose a human health risk.
• A ban on traditional ammunition would have a negative impact on wildlife conservation. The federal excise tax that manufacturers pay on the sale of the ammunition (11 percent) is a primary source of wildlife conservation funding. The bald eagle’s recovery, considered to be a great conservation success story, was made possible and funded by hunters using traditional ammunition, the very ammunition organizations like the CBD are now demonizing.
• Recent statistics from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service show that from 1981 to 2006 the number of breeding pairs of bald eagles in the United States increased 724 percent. And much like the bald eagle, raptor populations throughout the United States are soaring.

Visit NSSF’s Government Relations site at nssf.org/GovRel.

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.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Families Afield legislation aimed at increasing hunter recruitment and retention rates are making gains in Michigan and Idaho.

In Michigan, Senate Bill 207, introduced by Senator Joseph Hune (R- Hamburg Township), and House Bill 4371, introduced by Representative Peter Pettalia (R- Presque Isle), would eliminate the state’s minimum hunting age and create a mentored youth hunting program for those under the age of 10.

This program, to be administered by the state’s Natural Resources Commission, would allow these youth to hunt under the supervision of an experienced adult mentor. Click here to read more about these bills.

Senate Bill 207 unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism yesterday. House Bill 4371 has had one hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation and is expected to be voted upon this coming Tuesday, March 15th.

In Idaho, House Bill 85, introduced by the House Resources and Conservation Committee, allows the state’s Fish and Game Commission to establish a mentored hunting program. The program would allow newcomers to try hunting while accompanied by an experienced hunting mentor before the newcomer was required to take the state’s hunter education course.

House Bill 85 has passed the full House and the Senate Committee on Resources and Environment. It is currently pending before the full Senate and could be voted on at anytime.

If the bill is passed, Idaho would become the 31st state to have passed Families Afield legislation since the program’s inception.

The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation in 2004 in order to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Recently, the National Rifle Association and the National Assembly of Sportsmen Caucuses have joined Families Afield with the common goal of reducing barriers to hunting.

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.

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Assembly Member Wes Chesbro (D-Arcata) has introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 1162 to significantly increase penalties for serious poaching violations, including those which involve the illegal take of trophy big game animals.

The measure is sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA).

“AB 1162 provides the Department of Fish and Game with an effective tool to protect our game and wildlife, some of California’s most valuable resources,” stated Assembly Member Chesbro. “My bill is modeled on legislation supported by hunters in other Western states where poaching has also become a big problem.”

AB 1162 would authorize significant financial penalties (up to $40,000), hunting license forfeiture and equipment seizure for poachers who intentionally target trophy big game mammals, such as deer, elk, bighorn sheep and antelope, using illegal methods. Violations involving the use of bait, the use of spotlights, the take of game outside of legal season(s) or the wanton waste of game meat would be subject to the new penalties.

Several other western states, including New Mexico and Montana, have implemented similar laws in recent years to address ongoing big game poaching problems, and the new laws have been well received by state fish and game agencies, hunters and private landowners.

In the last several years in California, there have been a number of high-profile poaching cases involving big game, including the illegal take of trophy mule deer from Yosemite National Park and the shooting and subsequent abandonment of two elk at Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterrey County.

AB 1162 would also authorize the Department of Fish and Game to seek substantially higher civil penalties for those particular poaching cases that it believes warrant additional financial penalties. Civil penalties were first authorized under the Fish and Game Code in 1988, but the maximum fines have remained essentially unchanged since then while, for example, the market price for wildlife parts has skyrocketed in many cases.

“AB 1162 would ensure that poachers pay back the entire value of wildlife they effectively stole from the public,” stated Mark Hennelly, Vice President of COHA.

For waterfowl, upland game bird and big game-related violations, the revenues from the additional financial penalties provided in the bill would be deposited in 3 dedicated game species accounts, and could only be used for the conservation of those particular game species. The first legislative hearing on AB 1162 will likely occur in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee in April.

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

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Modesto) has introduced Senate Bill (SB) 752 to allow hunters to directly contribute to their favorite wildlife conservation organization when they purchase a hunting license or associated stamps and tags.

The legislation is sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA).

SB 752 would create a sportsmen’s organization “check-off” box that would permit hunters buying their licenses through the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Automated Data License System (ALDS) to voluntarily make a donation to the non-profit hunting-related organization of their choice. Hunters would also have the opportunity to voluntarily release their contact information to the non-profit organization in order to receive educational and promotional materials.

“As a hunter, I can proudly talk of the vital role these non-profit organizations play in California,” said Senator Berryhill. “I believe this bill will go a long way to preserving and strengthening California’s rich hunting history.”

Non-profit sportsmen’s groups provide valuable assistance to DFG in the agency’s effort to conserve and manage California’s wildlife and their habitats. Projects include, but are not limited to, wetland restoration efforts, big game population surveying and research, controlled burning to improve habitat, re-forestation efforts, securing public access to land, facilitating conservation easements on private land, migratory bird banding, installing guzzlers to provide water for wildlife, and trapping and relocation efforts.

“This bill would help financially support the many non-profit groups that protect and restore game species’ habitat or carry out other critically needed conservation projects,” stated Mark Hennelly, Vice President of COHA.

“It would also encourage more hunters to get involved locally to assist these important conservation efforts.”

The first legislative hearing on SB 752 will likely occur in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee in April.

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

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 Bow Hunting Bill Signed Into Law

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Now that the bill has passed and will soon become law we can stop smiling over a job well done and answer the question, why was this bill so important to bow hunters?

First of all we have to understand what exactly the bill does. It allows a legally licensed bow hunter to hunt from an elevated stand at a distance of 150’ from a building or structure.

You still must have the legal right to be on the property, you can not trespass on posted private property and you can not be within 450’ of a school playground. If we take a quick look at the old 450’ law and draw a circle around a dwelling it excluded 14 acres of huntable area. The new law excludes only 2 acres.

This becomes important if your neighbor is an anti hunter and wants to stop you from hunting your own property. If you and your neighbor own adjoining five acre lots the 450’ law would exclude you from bow hunting on almost all of your property. Also it allows the bow hunter to have more of an impact in controlling urban deer populations which before this law passed they did not have access to. These urban deer populations populations are also the ones causing most of the problems. The most common of these being deer car collisions, destruction of trees and plants and the spread of Lyme disease. When hunters have access to a deer population, the State, through the setting of seasons and bag limits can do its job in controlling these populations. Without access there is no control.

With each victory by the sportsmen and women of New Jersey comes the responsibility to live up to the high expectations that are being placed on us.

We will never convince the anti-hunters that we have a right to even exist. It is the non-hunting public that in the end will decide our fate. We have a great opportunity with the passage of the Sunday bow hunting bill last year and the perimeter bow bill this session to show the people of the State of New Jersey that hunters are an important tool in wildlife management. It is important to remember that hunting is a privilege granted by legislation.

We must always remember that safety comes first and the best shot very often is the one not taken. If we continue to police our own ranks and prove to the public their trust in us is well deserved we will continue to make strides in increasing hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities in New Jersey.

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

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- On August 19, Governor Christie has signed into law the much awaited bow perimeter bill.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Van Drew and Oroho, and Assemblypersons Burzichelli, McHose, Albano, Milam, Moriarity, Chiusano, Addiego, Rudder and Riley that reduces the safety perimeter for bowhunting from 450 feet to 150 feet around occupied buildings.

“The eradication of natural predators of deer, such as the grey wolf, the mountain lion and eastern coyote has allowed the deer population to thrive and increase,” said Chiusano.

“Hunting is vital to furthering agriculture in the state, and it helps preserve our forests. Bow hunting, in particular, is a safe and effective means of helping to control the deer herd which is essential to their overall well-being.”

Governor Christie also signed into law a measure that will authorize counties to develop community based deer management plans and apply for special deer management permits for county-owned lands.

The diverse conservation organizations that supported these bills include the United Bow Hunters of New Jersey, NJ Audubon, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Trout Unlimited, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, NJ Farm Bureau.

The New Jersey Angling and Hunting Conservation Caucus have inspired new legislative leadership. Senators Donald Norcross and Steve Oroho will chair the Senate seats.

Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Gary Chiusano will chair the Assembly seats.

New Jersey joins thirty-eight fellow states of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. This sportsmen’s legislative caucus at its inception gathered interest from a bi-partisan group of twenty-six legislators, all having an interest in advancing angling, hunting, trapping, and forestry and conservation issues. The NJAHCC will provide opportunities for legislators, outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen to share information educate and inspire each other about the challenges and possibilities of New Jersey’s forests, marine, fish and wildlife resources.

The interaction between legislators and the outdoor community will ensure that our traditions and heritage that we cherish will continue and thrive. The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance looks forward with earnest working closely with our state caucus, the sharing of information, ideas and interaction with other state caucuses.

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

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, CA –-(Ammoland.com)- The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is asking California hunters, as well as our 40-plus member organizations, to contact the Governor’s office as soon as possible in support of three separate pieces of state legislation.

The following COHA-sponsored bills received broad bipartisan support within the State Legislature, and are currently awaiting consideration by Governor Schwarzenegger:

• SB 1058 (Harman) would provide accountability and transparency over the expenditure of hunting license tag/stamp monies to help ensure that such monies are used for game species conservation and public hunting purposes. The bill would create a single, consolidated fiscal account for all big game tag monies, create an advisory committee of sportsmen’s groups to review and provide comment on proposed expenditures of hunting license tag/stamp monies and facilitate greater nonprofit assistance with related conservation projects. For a sample letter visit www.outdoorheritage.org
• AB 1254 (Berryhill) would authorize the Department of Fish and Game to temporarily suspend, as well as seek reimbursement of, a County’s expenditure of Fish and Game (DFG) fine monies should DFG find that the County is improperly spending such funds on purposes unrelated to fish and wildlife conservation. The bill also authorizes DFG to offer incentives (e.g. special hunting opportunities) to hunter education instructors in order to recruit and maintain a sufficient number of instructors statewide. For a sample letter for a sample letter visit www.outdoorheritage.org
• AB 979 (Berryhill) would keep local governments from arbitrarily banning or restricting hunting and fishing activities. This measure is necessary as growing urban development and other recreational uses continue to infringe on traditional hunting and fishing areas. For a sample letter visit www.outdoorheritage.org

Support letters may be faxed to the Governor at 916-558-3160. You may also email his office at http://gov.ca.gov/interact

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.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Van Drew and Oroho, and Assemblypersons Burzichelli, McHose, Albano, Milam, Moriarity, Chiusano, Addiego, Rudder and Riley that modifies the perimeter for bow hunting around occupied buildings was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie.

The new law changes the area for bow hunting around an occupied building to 150 feet and will assist in providing a means of accessing deer populations for culling purposes.

“This bill will go a long way toward helping to reverse destruction of our forests and help restore balance to currently compromised ecosystems throughout New Jersey. These ecosystems are life sustaining habitats for a myriad of dependent wildlife,” said Anthony P Mauro, Sr, chairman of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Restrictions for bow hunting within 450 of a school playground remain in effect. The law also stipulates that an arrow may only be released when the hunter is in an elevated position, which ensures the arrow has limited travel and a downward trajectory.

Mauro continued, “The law not only facilitates the reduction of deer and car collisions but will also help to diminish a source known for carrying the deer tick, which responsible for most of the cases of Lyme disease.”

Bow hunting has a proven track record of being a safe and effective means of controlling game populations.

Tom Connors, Legislative Liaison, New Jersey Outdoors Alliance stated, “There are many diverse conservation organizations that supported this bill, including United Bow Hunters, NJ Audubon, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, Trout Unlimited, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, NJ Farm Bureau and more. The law is good public policy.”

In 2006 Pennsylvania successfully changed its bow hunting limit from 450 feet to 150 feet without compromising public safety.

“I’m thrilled to see that both the legislature and Governor are providing the necessary leadership to ensure public safety and environmental stewardship,” said Mauro. “This law is but one of many changes that we need in New Jersey to assist us in the caretaking of our natural resources.”

The Governor also signed into law a measure that will authorize counties to develop community based deer management plans and apply for special deer management permits for county-owned lands.

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

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., today introduced legislation that guarantees funding for improving hunter access to existing public lands.

Included within the Clean Energy Jobs and Oil Spill Accountability Act is a provision supported by the Boone and Crockett Club and other hunting organizations which directs the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with volunteering landowners to enhance access to existing public lands for the purposes of hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.

“Sportsmen and women want better access to their national forests and BLM lands for hunting and fishing. Sen. Harry Reid and Sen. Max Baucus are tackling this problem, head on, with this bill,” said Lowell Baier, President of the Boone and Crockett Club.

Additionally, Baier praised Reid and Baucus for “their deep commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities on our public lands.”

For the 32 million American hunters, anglers and recreational shooters, federal public lands are an increasingly vital to their participation in outdoor sports. Nearly half of all hunters, for example, conduct a portion of their hunting activity on these lands.

In addition, lack of access is cited as a primary reason that hunters, anglers and target shooters stop participating in these traditional sports. However, numerous reports verify that access to federal lands is problematic in many places. In fact, a 2004 report to the U.S. House Committee On Appropriations concluded that more than 35 million acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service land have inadequate access. Specifically, nearly 2 million acres (or 10 percent) of USFS lands in Montana and 8.4 million acres (or 29 percent) of BLM lands in the Montana/Dakota’s region were identified as having inadequate access.

Sportsmen and women make important contributions to both wildlife conservation and the nation’s economy. The hunting and shooting sports industries create over 160,000 full-time jobs nationwide, generating an economic benefit of over $20 billion annually.

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

Connecticut --(AmmoLand.com)- On Thursday, April 15, Governor Jodi Rell (R) signed House Bill 5545 into law.

HB5545, one of several bills introduced to aid gun owners, will impose a modest reduction to the recent fee increases associated with hunting and fishing licenses approved during last year’s legislative session.

With many families struggling to afford basic necessities in this difficult economy, it’s important that we keep hunting accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic status.

In addition, there have been recent experiences in other states that show lower license fees generate more revenue for conservation and the state by giving lower-income earners the opportunity to buy a license they might not otherwise afford, thereby broadening the base of hunters. Because of declining numbers of hunters, overpopulation of species like the whitetail deer, and decreased revenue for conservation projects, it simply makes sense to lower hunting license fees.

Thank you to all of the NRA members who took action in support of HB5545. Without you, this victory would not have been possible.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Request Gov Christie Sign the 150′ Permiter Bowhunting Bill into law – it’s easy! We need your help on moving forward with the 150′ Bow Perimeter Bill Take Action!

Urge Governor Christie to sign these bills now

We all have worked very hard to advance a bill that will help to improve forest health, reduce deer/car collisions, minimize the spread of Lyme disease, reduce agricultural damage and assist in providing food for hunters, their families and donations of venison to people in need. The bill is the Bow Perimeter change.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has spent two years arduously moving the bill through parliamentary procedures with the help of supporting organizations. We have had to maneuver around strategic impediments created by animal extremist organizations, which served to mischaracterize the bill and create hysteria. Opposition to the bill, included NJ Sierra, HSUS and extremist animal rights groups that played on people’s ignorance and prejudices by using inflammatory, false and often misleading statements to deride the bill.

They have made use of a campaign replete with misinformation in an attempt to emotionalize the bow perimeter change by going as far as using small children as props during committee hearings to accentuate safety concerns. They purchased bill boards showing innocent children with arrows aiming at their heads. However, in fact, there is no history of safety incidents associated with bow hunting in NJ. The bow perimeter bill will bring the safety zone within the same parameters, or further, as those being used in the nearby sates of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

In spite of the malicious and calculated maneuvers, both the senate and assembly asked salient questions and saw the merit of a bill designed to improve the quality of life in New Jersey for both animals and people. Our efforts to educate legislators has now resulted in the Bow Perimeter bill being passed by both houses and is now awaiting Governor Christie’s signature.

It’s time move the bill over the goal line by requesting that the Governor sign bill A1181/A1683. The bill is supported by diverse coalition of conservation organizations including; NJ Audubon, Jersey Coast Angler’s Association, foresters, NJ Farm Bureau, New Jersey Conservation Foundation and more.

Please follow the following link to a prewritten letter at the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance website. We’ve done all of the work for you. Simply fill out your personal information and hit send and you will be asking Governor Christie to sign the bill.

You can also print and mail the following letter:

—————————————————————————————–

The Honorable Kim Guadagno
Lt. Governor of New Jersey
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Re: Please sign into law Bills S1181/A1683

Dear Lt. Governor Guadagno:
Dear Governor Christie

Recently both Houses of New Jersey’s state legislature approved bills S1181 / A1683 and now awaits your signature. The companion bills change the perimeter for bow and arrow hunting around an occupied building from 450′ to 150′.

As a supporter of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance and the bow perimeter bill I respectfully request that the bill be signed into law. Changing the bow perimeter to 150′ will bring New Jersey into line with the nearby states of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, which have considerable success and no history of safety issues.

The bill is designed to assist in the culling of currently inaccessible deer populations. The culling is needed to reduce forest destruction and improve regeneration, decrease deer/car collisions, minimize Lyme disease transmission, reduce crop damage, provide food for the hunter and his or her family, augment recreational hunting opportunities and thereby increase revenue generation for the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Additionally, some of the venison will most likely be donated to the needy through a New Jersey program called Hunters Helping the Hungry.

Thank you for your recognition of the important contributions of New Jersey’s angling, hunting and conservation community to environmental stewardship. We greatly anticipate your signing of bill S1181/A1683.

Sincerely,

—————————————————————————————–

Thank you for your support. Thank you for letting Trenton know that the +800,000 anglers, hunters, trappers and conservationists are committed to environmental stewardship.

JOIN NJOA: 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

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Today (June 21,2010) the senate voted 25 (y)- 7 (n) – 8 (abstain) in support of the bow perimeter bill!

The assembly will now hear the bill on Thursday. If the bill passes the assembly it goes to Governor Christie for his consideration.

Contact your assemblypersons, ask them to support the bill. Together we can send the bow perimeter bill to the Governor!

Call and write your assemblypersons (there are 2 in each district)

1. Click on link: www.njleg.state.nj.us/SelectMun.asp
2. Click on the tab for “Select your Municipality” then “Find Representatives”
3. Check the TWO (2) ASSEMBLY REPRESENTATIVES and then click on “Select Representatives.” (If you’re not sure who to select, then select all three representatives.)
4. Choose Environment – Fish Game & Wildlife then Copy and Paste the following “Message”

As my representative I respectfully request that you vote in favor of bill A1683, the “bow perimeter bill.” This bill is good public policy. It 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.

Thanks to all of you for your support. A united group of +800,000 anglers, hunters and conservationists have proven they can make a difference!

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

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

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)-The Assembly Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee met today to discuss and vote on A1683 (Bow perimeter bill).

This bill will assist in the reduction of deer/car collisions, improve forest health and minimize Lyme disease transmission. The bill is good public policy and has been promoted as by the NJOA for more than 2 years.

The following is coverage of A1683 (Bow Perimeter Bill):

A1683 (Burzichelli/McHose/Albano/Milam) – Changes perimeter for bow and arrow hunting around occupied building. Assemblyman Burzichelli testified on behalf of this bill, emphasizing that the intent is to protect agricultural interests and manage the ever-increasing deer population in the State. Witnesses in support reiterated the Assemblyman’s position, testifying that an overabundance of deer can cause a multitude of problems throughout NJ.

Tom Connors and Ed Markowski testified in favor of the bill on behalf of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Other conservation, hunting and hunting organizations testified on behalf of the bill; including JCAA, UBNJ, NJ Audubon, NJCF, NJ Farm Bureau, NJSFSC and more.
The bill was released with a unanimous vote of 5-0.

The bill must be posted in the senate and assembly for a full vote. Passage in each house will deliver the bill to the Governor.

More information about the bill’s progress and how you can support passage of the bill will be forthcoming.

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

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The 150′ bow perimeter bill is now up for a vote in the Agriculture & Natural Resources committee (assembly) on Monday, June 14.

Whether or not we bow hunt, a show of force by ALL hunters/anglers/conservationists helps to provide a “presence” in helping in the passage of all hunting/angling/conservation bills.

The animal rights crowd is weighing in from all over the world. Our state representatives don’t always ask “where are you calling from.” So it is important for all of us in NJ to weigh in on a bill that affects the health of all New Jerseyans.

This bill is designed to improve deer management, which will reduce car/deer accidents, reduce incidence of Lyme disease transmission and improve the health of our forests.

ACTION: Please make a phone call. It will take less than 5 minutes. NJOA Legislative Liaison, Tom Connors, requests that you call committee members:

Assemblyman Nelson Albano

Pick one or call them all.
(609) 465-0700 (Cape May Court House)
(856) 765-0891 (Millville)
(856) 696-7109 (Vineland)
(609) 926-3779 (Somers Point)

Assemblywoman Celeste Riley

Pick one or call them all.
(856) 455-1011 (Bridgeton)
(856) 251-9801 (West Deptford)
(856) 339-0808 (Salem)

Assemblyman John Amodeo
(609) 677-8266

Assemblyman Ronald Dancer
(732) 901-0702

Assemblyman Gilbert Wilson
(856) 742-7600 (Brooklawn)
(856) 541-1251 (Camden)
(856) 853-2960 (Woodbury)

Here is your script:

Good morning. I’d like to leave a message for Assemblyman/woman ___________. I’d like him/her to support Assembly bill A1683, the bow perimeter bill, when it comes up for a committee vote on June 14th.

We need everyone to call and support this and beat back the vocal anti-hunting minority that wants to take away your right to hunt and fish!

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

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

TRENTON, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- NJOA Trustee Ed Markowski and Legislative Liaison Tom Connors testified in favor of two bills on behalf of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance. Both bills were passed by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

Bill A2304 revises statute concerning licenses to take menhaden
In a rare occurrence this bill had support of all interested parties and did not need additional testimony from organizations that were in attendance.

Assembly Bill No. 2304 provides that the Commissioner of Environmental Protection may only issue a license for a person to take menhaden with purse or shirred nets if that person possessed a valid license for at least one of the years between 2002 through and including 2009, and commencing in 2011, the commissioner may only issue a license to a person to take menhaden who (1) possessed a valid license for at least one of the years between 2002 through and including 2009, and (2) possessed a valid license in the preceding year.

The bill also provides criteria for the replacement and retiring of vessels used to take menhaden with purse or shirred nets.

Lastly, the bill provides that the Commissioner of Environmental Protection would regulate the taking of menhaden, including the issuance and transfer of licenses for the taking of menhaden, by rule or regulation and upon adoption by the commissioner of these rules and regulations, the provisions of section 2 of the bill would expire.

Bill S1181 150 foot bow perimeter bill.
This bill would amend current law to provide that no person, except the owner or lessee of the building and persons specifically authorized by the owner or lessee in writing would, for the purpose of hunting, taking or killing any wildlife, have in the person’s possession a nocked arrow while within 150 feet of any occupied building in this State, or within 450 feet of any school playground.

Additionally, a person, while hunting with a bow and arrow in the perimeter established in the bill, would be required to be elevated so a person could angle an arrow downward.

Current law provides that no person may, for the purpose of hunting, taking or killing any wildlife, have in the person’s possession a loaded firearm or nocked arrow while within 450 feet of any occupied building in this State, or of any school playground. The bill does not change the 450 foot requirement with respect to a loaded firearm.

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

Vermont Families Afield Bill Sent to Governor Pic:Keith Sutton

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Vermont --(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) previously reported on a Families Afield bill in Vermont that will allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.

House Bill 243, sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), cleared the Vermont Senate this week with near unanimous support and will now head to the desk of Governor Jim Douglas.

The Families Afield initiative was started in 2004 by the USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation in an effort to reduce barriers to new hunters entering the field. Also supporting the effort in Vermont are the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition, and Ducks Unlimited.

“Securing the future of Vermont’s rich hunting heritage is extremely important and we are encouraged by the overwhelming support the House and Senate have shown for this measure,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA director of state services. “Sportsmen across the state should ask Governor Douglas to sign this bill into law.”

To date, 29 states have enacted measures resulting in over 418,000 new hunters.

Louisiana Families Afield Bill
Meanwhile, a similar bill in Louisiana is also moving forward as Senate Bill 384, introduced by Senator Dan Claitor (R- Baton Rouge), unanimously passed the Senate. It now moves to the House. The bill allows a new hunter to take the field before completing a firearm or hunter safety course if that hunter is under the direct supervision of a parent, step parent, grandparent, or step grandparent who has completed a firearm or hunter education course.

“This bill will allow parents and grandparents to pass along their hunting heritage to the next generation of Louisiana sportsmen and women,” said Heusinkveld. “Louisiana sportsmen should reach out to their State Representatives and urge them to support for this key measure.”

Take Action – Vermont! Vermont sportsmen should contact Governor Douglas and let him know that HB 243 is an important step to protect and promote conservation by reducing barriers for the next generation of Vermont hunters to take to the field.

He can be reached by phone at (802) 828-3333 or click here to email him or send a letter to:

Take Action – Louisiana! Louisiana sportsmen should contact their State Representatives and urge them to support SB 384. Tell them that this bill will protect conservation in the future by getting new sportsmen into the field today.

To find your legislators, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

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

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.

State of California

Sacramento, CA --(AmmoLand.com)- Senator Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach) vowing to keep up the fight, re-introduced legislation today that seeks to ensure that hunting license tag and stamp funds benefit game species and their habitats.

Senate Bill 1058 will require that, before any hunting monies can be expended, hunting-related organizations would have an opportunity to review proposed projects and provide comment to the Department of Fish and Game. Not only will this create much-needed transparency, it will allow for projects to be modified to better fit the needs of game species and hunters.

“As an avid outdoorsman, I feel pretty strongly that money rightly belonging to species preservation be spent accordingly,” said Harman. “We got so close last year to fixing this problem that I just couldn’t give up the fight. People pay those fees with the expectation that the money goes where it’s supposed to go – not that the fees are sucked up by a bureaucracy for office expenses.”

Current law, particularly as it relates to bear and deer tag monies, does not always require that the monies be used for a dedicated purpose. Unfortunately, these funds have been continuously used for non-game purposes.

“This bill will ensure transparency in the spending of these funds,” said Harman. “That is something we should have in all government spending – clarity – so people know where the dollars go.”

SB 1058, sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA), a sportsmen’s advocacy coalition of over 30 wildlife conservation and hunting organizations, will address the funding issue and add transparency as to how the tag and stamp fees are utilized.

“Hunters are proud of their key role in funding many of the Department of Fish and Game’s conservation activities through the purchase of hunting license stamps and tags,” stated Mark Hennelly, Vice President of COHA. “SB 1058 will help ensure that those important dollars are used as efficiently and effectively as possible to benefit game species and their habitats.”

SB 1058 is a reintroduction of SB 589 which passed out of the legislature with bipartisan support and was unfortunately vetoed by the Governor.

“This bill went all the way to the Governor’s desk last year. It had a lot of support and I am committed to seeing it signed into law,” said Harman. “I am working with the Governor’s office to address their concerns.”

The first hearing on SB 1058 will likely be in early April in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

Sacramento, CA --(AmmoLand.com)- Senator Tom Harman (R-Orange) has introduced SB 1058, COHA-sponsored state legislation which would prevent big game tag and upland bird stamp monies from being misused for non-game or non-hunting purposes.

A similar COHA-sponsored bill, SB 589, was vetoed by the Governor last year.

SB 1058 would mandate that all deer, elk, wild pig, antelope, bighorn sheep and bear tag revenues and upland game bird stamp monies be used to benefit those particular species, their habitats, and the users that generate them. It would also provide much-needed opportunity for sportsman’s groups to review and provide comment on proposed expenditures of the funds.

Beginning in the 1980s, a portion of hunting license tag/stamp monies were redirected away from game species conservation to other purposes. Loopholes in state law also currently allow for a significant portion of deer tag monies and all bear tag monies to be used for non-game purposes, while a large percentage of pig tag funds have also remained unspent or have been redirected in recent years.

According to data from 2006, only 62% of deer tag revenue was actually used for deer-related projects. Similarly, only 64% of wild pig tag money and 48% of wild sheep auction tag money was used for related conservation work.

SB 1058 also consolidates various existing big game species fiscal accounts into a single account, which improves efficiencies in the use of the monies and gives the Department of Fish and Game greater flexibility to benefit all big game species.

A separate provision of SB 1058 elevates hunting and fishing above other recreational uses when the Fish and Game Commission determines which uses are appropriate for DFG’s Wildlife Management Areas.

“California sportsmen and women expect their license dollars to go to the wildlife management and conservation programs they were intended for,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. “These funds should not be spent to fix roads or patch holes in the state budget.”

SB 1058 will be heard in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee in early April. Please contact members of the Committee and urge their strong support of this much needed measure. For Legislator contact information and a sample support letter, click here.

To view Senator Harman’s press release announcing the reintroduction of the legislation, click here.