Aspiring for the status quo is a swift ticket to obscurity. So when it comes to protecting and advancing hunting, fishing and trapping we must measure our risks, but never run for the hills.
2009 has been the most aggressive year ever for the anti’s. For example, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has been “mainstreaming” itself to win over many Americans, especially as it works to pass dog related legislation in over 30 states that will destroy sporting dog owners’ future ability to hunt.
To date, 68 bills have been introduced in these states, but the USSA has been able to stop or modify the most dangerous ones impacting sporting dog owners. However, the fight is far from over. Please consider:
Contact your state legislators to voice your opinion about anti-hunting bills.
Nevada Legislature Overrides Families Afield Veto
Legislation Enhanced Opportunities for Youth to Try Hunting
Nevada’s road to becoming the 28th state to pass Families Afield legislation that enhances youth hunting opportunities was rockier than expected.
Assembly Bill 246, sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien (D- Washoe County), creates an apprentice hunting license for those 12 and older and allows an apprentice hunter the opportunity to try hunting, while accompanied by an experienced mentor, before completing a hunter education course.
Governor Jim Gibbons vetoed the bill on May 28 due to concerns unrelated to the Families Afield premise. Fortunately, the apparent setback did not derail the bill from becoming law as the Nevada Legislature voted over the following weekend to override the Governors veto.
“We’re extremely pleased that Assemblyman Bobzien and members of the Nevada legislature understood the importance of bringing a new generation of sportsmen into the field,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President and CEO Bud Pidgeon.
The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. In Nevada, USSA, NSSF, and NWTF worked with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Nevada Chapters of Safari Club International (SCI) and others to ensure support for AB 246.
California “Dog Wars” Heat Up
California is once again a hotbed of activity in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of sporting dog owners. The USSA is working closely with the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance and others to neutralize several bills currently being debated including a mandatory spay/neuter law and a “puppy mill” bill.
On June 2, Senate Bill 250, the mandatory spay/neuter legislation sponsored by state senator Dean Florez (D- Hanford/Bakersfield), passed the California Senate. The bill would mandate the sterilization of all dogs with limited exceptions for those with an unaltered dog license from a city or county. While the bill does include a weak exemption for hunting dogs, it simply does not provide the necessary protection for sportsmen, sporting dog kennels or field trialers. While the bill's sponsor has committed to including a stronger exemption as the bill moves to the Assembly, California sporting dog owners must still contact their state representatives today to tell them to oppose this bill without a full exemption for sporting dogs. The bill will now move to the California Assembly for further hearings.
Meanwhile, two additional bills which pose significant troubles for California sporting dog owners are starting to make noise as well.
Assembly Bill 241, sponsored by Assemblyman Pedro Nava, is California’s version of the “puppy mill” bill craze that is sweeping the nation. The measure arbitrarily limits the number of animals any person may own or possess at one time and is less than clear in its aim. If passed, the bill could severely damage or put out of existence many law abiding sporting dog kennels who are not primarily engaged in commercial dog breeding. AB 241 passed the state’s assembly on May 21st and is currently pending before the Senate Public Safety Committee..
Assembly Bill 1122, sponsored by Assemblyman Ted W. Lieu, prohibits the sale of dogs in many common public places including parking lots, public right-of-ways, or "outdoor special sales." The bill could threaten sportsmen's ability to purchase a high quality sporting at a field trial or performance event. AB1122 passed the Assembly on May 28 and is currently awaiting referral to a Senate committee.
Take Action! It's imperative that legislators hear from California's sportsmen and sporting dog owners today. Ask them to oppose SB 250, AB 241 and AB 1122. Tell them that these bills pose a serious threat to California sporting dog owners and the future of our hound hunting heritage. Let them know these measures will end the time honored tradition of hunting with dogs, field trialing, fox hunting and more. To find your legislator’s contact information, please use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.orgg.
Wolf Delisting Challenged
Rocky Mountain Wolf Delisting Challenged: A coalition of 13 anti-hunting and environmental groups filed a challenge in federal court to block the recent removal of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection from northern Rocky Mountain wolf populations.
If successful, this would prevent Idaho and Montana from assuming control over the management of their wolf populations including proposed, regulated hunts.
The groups joining the case are: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Friends of the Clearwater, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Oregon Wild, Cascadia Wildlands, Western Watersheds Project, Wildlands Project, and Hells Canyon Preservation Council.
Wisconsin Population Booms: Wisconsin’s wolf population has exploded over the past year according the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), underscoring the reason that states should resume management over their wolf populations.
According to winter tracking surveys, the state’s wolf population is an estimated 630 to 680 in contrast to 2008’s estimated 540 wolves.
Wisconsin wolves are part of the Great Lakes populations removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act on May 4. The HSUS and other anti-hunting groups are expected to file a challenge to block this delisting as well.
California Expanding Ban on Traditional Ammunition
USSA Joins NSSF in Condemning Move
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has joined the National Shooting Sports Foundation in condemning the May 13 decision by the California Fish and Game Commission to expand the state’s ban on lead ammunition.
The decision comes as the result of a lawsuit settlement between California, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Center for Biological Diversity mandating that small game inside of the endangered condor’s range must be taken with alternative ammunition. The decision is not supported by the Department of Fish and Game (CDFG).
Sportsmen nationwide should be concerned as the cost of non-traditional ammunition drives hunters out of the field.
“Hunting has already declined in the region where traditional ammunition was recently banned for taking big game, potentially costing California millions of dollars for wildlife conservation,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO.
“It’s easy to just expand the long reach of the law, but the key to dealing with this issue is education,” states Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “California is taking a meat cleaver approach to preserving its condor population when a scalpel is more appropriate.”
Congress Passes Bill Allowing Guns in National Parks
Congress passed a bill reaffirming a policy set in the waning days of the Bush Administration that allows holders of state issued concealed carry permits to take firearms into most of the nation’s national parks and wildlife refuges.
The December 2008 rules included all states in which citizens are allowed to carry a concealed weapon, but were blocked in March when a federal judge ruled against it. However, an amendment reinstating the Bush policy was inserted into a bill dealing with credit card laws and cleared both chambers in Congress.
“No longer will sportsmen get tangled in a ridiculous web of legal problems merely because they are exercising their Second Amendment rights when in the nation’s parks,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.
“Angling” for the Future: Fishing Opportunities in Washington Threatened
Congress Working to Authorize Continuation of Restocking in National Park
Anglers used to fishing in the certain lakes of the North Cascades National Park risk losing that opportunity unless quick action is taken in Congress.
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a July 1 deadline for Congress to pass legislation authorizing it to allow further restocking programs for several lakes in the Washington based park. Legislation, HR 2430, sponsored by Representative Doc Hastings (R- WA), is now pending that would accomplish this.
Stocking was allowed to continue in the North Cascades while the NPS performed an environmental review. Currently, over 1,000 people fish the restocked lakes.
The NPS eventually determined that the stocking of non-native and non-reproducing fish could be allowed in 42 of the 91 lakes that had been stocked in the North Cascades, but only if Congress passes a law.
If HR 2430 passes both chambers in Congress, Washington will be allowed to continue its program in the 42 lakes detailed by the NPS.
Atlanta TV Report Puts HSUS Donations in the Spotlight
Questions Surround Fundraising Practices
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has recently become the subject of scrutiny after an Atlanta based news station’s investigative report raised questions over millions in donations to the HSUS.
The report, done by WSB-TV channel 2, focused on concerns that the HSUS may engage in fundraising tactics in which donors believe their contributions predominately go to help local animal shelters.
HSUS President‘s Own Words Reveal Agenda
Pacelle Blog Admits Effort to Mainstream and Criticizes “Stubborn Adherence to Custom”
Do sportsmen feel that they are stubbornly adhering to custom? It appears that HSUS president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, believes those that criticize the animal rights’ group are doing just that.
In his latest blog posting, Pacelle states, “While the HSUS may not have always been viewed over the decades as the most influential group in our field, there’s little doubt about our preeminent status now.” He went on to suggest that HSUS opponents should, “start adjusting to the evolving ethos in American culture. You’ll get ahead through innovation and adaption, not stubborn adherence to custom or current business operations.” Finally, Pacelle stated that other animal rights’ groups “miss the bigger picture, and our interest in reaching mainstream Americans.”
Minister Warns: Anti’s Using Religion
Groups Use Faith to Sway Youth
Religion is being used by animal rights groups to advance a radical agenda according to an ordained Baptist Minister.
Dr. Wes Jamison, an ordained Minister, warned at a public event in May that animal rights’ groups are intentionally selecting certain biblical passages that focus on individuals’ compassion and guilt.
Another “Fishy” Stunt by PETA
PETA wants to start buying lighthouses and convert them into "fish empathy centers."
PETA has let the National Park Service (NPS) know that it like to purchase several lighthouses including ones in Michigan, New Jersey, and Wisconsin so they can used to let people know that fish have emotions, personalities and feel pain.
Not surprisingly, the NPS hasn’t responded.