Latest National Outdoor News Press Releases

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Zazzle.com Removes Animal Rights Stamps: USSA Asks for Freeze on Funds Raised- (08/21)
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Thanks to the protests of sportsmen, Zazzle.com will remove postage stamps which benefit animal rights organizations from their website and discontinue their sale. In a recent letter, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance urged the U.S. Postal Service to determine how much money the online business raised for animal rights causes and order it to be returned.

Zazzle.com, the online business which has been selling customized postage stamps featuring anti-animal use and anti-hunting slogans, has reported that it will remove stamps whose sales benefit the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and The Committee to Restore the Dove Ban from its website and discontinue their sale.

In the August 15 letter, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) asked the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to determine how much money HSUS has received from the sale of the illegal stamps and direct HSUS and Zazzle.com to return these ill-gotten proceeds or prohibit Zazzle.com from using those funds to support HSUS’s anti-hunting political agenda.

In an August 17 letter, Zazzle.com marketing director Michael Karns stated, “Zazzle did not anticipate that some of the HSUS designs and the Dove designs would be controversial or could be seen as advocating a specific agenda. Over the past few weeks, we have concluded that the most prudent course of action is to remove the designs from our website, and to discontinue their sale as postage.”

Karns also stated that “no portion of the postage value of custom postage sales benefits any group or individual. In other words, the Postal Service always receives the full face value for every ZazzleStamp sold, and does not approve or endorse any custom postage image.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) first alerted sportsmen in April about stamps for sale on the Zazzle.com website which depicted the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) logo and featured anti-animal use slogans. Zazzle advertised that 20 percent of the profit from the sale of the stamps would be donated back to the HSUS. At the urging of the USSA, sportsmen unleashed a firestorm of letters to Zazzle.com, the U.S. Postal Service and state and federal legislators detailing their outrage at this abuse.

Earlier this month, the USSA was alerted by Ed Owens, of Washingtonians for Wildlife Conservation, Hunters Heritage Council and Washington State Bowhunter’s Association to nine stamps being sold by Zazzle which featured photos of mourning doves and the slogan “Protect Michigan Mourning Doves.” The Zazzle.com website reported that all profits from the sale of the stamp would go toward protecting the mourning dove in Michigan. In November, Michigan residents are scheduled to vote on a proposed ban on dove hunting in their state.

Because of the diligent work of Mr. Owens and the thousands of sportsmen all over the country who wrote to the U.S. Postmaster General, their legislators and to Zazzle.com these stamps will no longer be sold, putting a halt to a source of fundraising for anti-hunting groups such as HSUS and ending the outrageous misuse of the USPS as a pulpit for anti-animal use political messages.

Sportsmen need to remain vigilant to ensure that businesses are not misled into supporting an animal rights agenda. Businesses such as Zazzle.com, once educated, have terminated their support of animal rights groups, but only because sportsmen took action.


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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)


For more information about how you can protect your rights as a sportsman, contact The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229. Phone (614) 888-4868. E-Mail us at info@USSPORTSMEN.org

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Animal Rights Extremist Gets Prison Sentence for Interfering with Hunt- (08/21)
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Rodney Coronado, a well-known animal rights extremist was sentenced to eight months in federal prison this month for interfering with U.S. Forest Service agents who were trying to capture mountain lions in Arizona two years ago.

The sentencing comes after Coronado and two others were convicted in December of 2005 on misdemeanor charges of interfering with a forest officer and depredation of government property, as well as felony charges of conspiracy to impede or injure an officer of the United States.

In the spring of 2004, federal officials were alarmed at a growing number of encounters between mountain lions and humans in Sabino Canyon. The U.S. Forest Service organized a hunt to trap the cats and move them out of the area.

Coronado has served prison time for setting fire to a mink researcher’s offices at Michigan State University. In public speeches, Coronado has advocated the use of arson and violence against hunters, farmers and the animal use industries. In 2003, Coronado demonstrated the proper way to build a firebomb during a presentation to a crowd of college students at American University in Washington, D.C.

Besides his prison term, Coronado will spend three years on probation, pay restitution, and has been ordered to stay away from activists involved in such groups as the Animal Liberation Front, Earth Liberation Front and Earth First.

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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)


For more information about how you can protect your rights as a sportsman, contact The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229. Phone (614) 888-4868. E-Mail us at info@USSPORTSMEN.org

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

World Hunting Association Alters Format of Competition- (08/28)
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The World Hunting Association has reconsidered its original plan for its competition which included using darts as a means to drug animals for prize money. Last week’s announcement came after months of criticism from pro-hunting organizations including the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, conservation groups, wildlife agencies and thousands of sportsmen.



The two major concerns among the opposing groups were the use of non-fatal darts which delivered tranquilizers to immobilize the animal for scoring and a competition format that results in monetary reward.



Due to the strong message sent by sportsmen and sporting businesses, the World Hunting Association (WHA) will now use traditional hunting techniques during its competition: archery equipment, rifles, and muzzleloaders. The WHA has stated that its goal is to increase participation in hunting among youth, women, and minorities. The WHA sees itself to be the catch-and-release version of hunting, similar to fishing tournaments held around the country. However, it is not practical to hold a hunting event in the same manner as a fishing tournament.

The whole notion of a hunting competition turns most hunters off. Is that what hunting’s become - a body count contest?” said Rick Story, senior vice president of the USSA.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Merger of Animal Rights Organizations Spells Trouble for Sportsmen- (09/05)
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On September 1, the Humane Society of the United States announced that it has merged with the Doris Day Animal League. The merger results in an additional 180,000 members for the Humane Society of the United States, already the nation’s largest animal rights organization.

The merger comes on the heels of the 2005 merger of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Fund for Animals.

The Doris Day Animal League (DDAL) was formed in 1987 by actress Doris Day and since that time has grown into an active animal rights proponent which works on animal issues legislation at the federal, state and local level.

The HSUS website states that the merger “paves the way for increased public policy activity by the HSUS’ affiliate, The Humane Society Legislative Fund by combining the existing organization’s membership and donor support with DDAL.”

The merger serves as an indicator of the active growth of the HSUS under president and CEO Wayne Pacelle. The merger with the Fund for Animals in 2005 led to the creation of a campaigns department within the HSUS which focuses efforts on sport hunting among other animal use practices.

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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Another Study Finds Deer Birth Control Ineffective- (09/05)
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Recent studies conducted by the National Wildlife Research Center found that use of contraception is not an effective means of controlling deer overpopulation.

The two studies, conducted in New Jersey and Maryland involved deer living in large enclosed areas. The deer were captured, injected with the vaccine, ear-tagged and equipped with radio collars for monitoring the animals. A 30 percent failure rate is reported in the New Jersey study. In Maryland, a 12 percent failure rate jumped to 53 percent in year two of the study.

National Wildlife Research Center officials reported that even if results of the study were totally successful, contraception must still be combined with hunting or culling to reduce overpopulation.

Both the contraception programs and culling programs are logistically difficult and cost citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars. White Buffalo, a private company which specializes in culling deer in overpopulated areas charges $1,000 per deer to fit radio collars for tracking, which must be done to gauge the effectiveness of contraception. Additionally, White Buffalo charges $150-$300 per deer to cull.

Both of these fees can be avoided if hunting is allowed to control the deer in these overpopulated areas. In many cases, hunters must pay extra for the licenses necessary to hunt deer in these areas. Numerous municipalities which allow hunters to cull deer in urban settings do so safely, economically and efficiently.

“The magic bullet is just not out there yet,” said Larry Herrighty, chief of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Bureau of Wildlife Management, regarding controlling deer populations.

However, sportsmen have long known that the bullets and arrows they carry into the field represent the best solution for the management of booming deer herds.

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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Big Game Hunters will Suffer from Tax Rider- (09/29)
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A recently enacted federal bill will impose severe tax restrictions on big game hunters for donated trophy mounts. Sportsmen stand to lose additional economic incentives if the federal wildlife agency enacts other regulations for trophy hunting reform.

The challenges that face international big game hunters have led the USSA to organize the International Hunters’ Rights Campaign. It was formed to ease the heavy-handed treatment that U.S. hunters have faced at the hands of the federal government. Partners in the campaign to date include Conservation Force and The Hunting Report. Virtually all other organizations representing international big game hunters have been invited to join, as well.

According to the Pension Protection Act of 2006, hunters who donate their trophies to museums or educational institutions may only deduct either the market value of a trophy, or the cost of taxidermy, whichever is least expensive. The Act prohibits sportsmen from deducting the cost of safaris and hunting trips during which the trophy is obtained.

“There is no good reason that Congress has singled out and penalized sportsmen who provide animal exhibits for educational purposes,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Sr. Vice President Rick Story. “The donation of wild animal mounts to a wildlife exhibit is just like a donation of artwork to a museum.”

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, stuck the tax revision into the unrelated pension bill. The bill was signed by President Bush on Aug. 17.

These tax changes are absurd, but the trouble doesn’t stop there for big game hunters. The International Hunters’ Rights Campaign is working to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) from slashing tax deductions even further via regulatory proposals.

The USFWS has proposed that, in certain instances, if a trophy is donated to a museum or other educational institution the donor may not deduct the value of the item from his or her taxes.

“Tax policy should be left to the IRS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should focus on wildlife issues,” said Story. “That being said, there is no evidence of adverse impacts on any species or population in the world as the result of offering tax deductions for donated taxidermy.”

However, an adverse effect on conservation education in the United States and conservation programs in range states is foreseeable if economic incentives are eliminated.

The USFWS proposal comes as the agency works on regulation reform for CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

To get involved in the International Hunters’ Rights Campaign, contact the USSA at (614) 888-4868 or info@ussportsmen.org.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Big Game Hunters will Suffer from Tax Rider- (09/29)
National
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A recently enacted federal bill will impose severe tax restrictions on big game hunters for donated trophy mounts. Sportsmen stand to lose additional economic incentives if the federal wildlife agency enacts other regulations for trophy hunting reform.

The challenges that face international big game hunters have led the USSA to organize the International Hunters’ Rights Campaign. It was formed to ease the heavy-handed treatment that U.S. hunters have faced at the hands of the federal government. Partners in the campaign to date include Conservation Force and The Hunting Report. Virtually all other organizations representing international big game hunters have been invited to join, as well.

According to the Pension Protection Act of 2006, hunters who donate their trophies to museums or educational institutions may only deduct either the market value of a trophy, or the cost of taxidermy, whichever is least expensive. The Act prohibits sportsmen from deducting the cost of safaris and hunting trips during which the trophy is obtained.

“There is no good reason that Congress has singled out and penalized sportsmen who provide animal exhibits for educational purposes,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Sr. Vice President Rick Story. “The donation of wild animal mounts to a wildlife exhibit is just like a donation of artwork to a museum.”

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, stuck the tax revision into the unrelated pension bill. The bill was signed by President Bush on Aug. 17.

These tax changes are absurd, but the trouble doesn’t stop there for big game hunters. The International Hunters’ Rights Campaign is working to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) from slashing tax deductions even further via regulatory proposals.

The USFWS has proposed that, in certain instances, if a trophy is donated to a museum or other educational institution the donor may not deduct the value of the item from his or her taxes.

“Tax policy should be left to the IRS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should focus on wildlife issues,” said Story. “That being said, there is no evidence of adverse impacts on any species or population in the world as the result of offering tax deductions for donated taxidermy.”

However, an adverse effect on conservation education in the United States and conservation programs in range states is foreseeable if economic incentives are eliminated.

The USFWS proposal comes as the agency works on regulation reform for CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

To get involved in the International Hunters’ Rights Campaign, contact the USSA at (614) 888-4868 or info@ussportsmen.org.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Thousands Prepare for First Time Afield After Hunting Barriers Eliminated- (10/09)
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More than 11,000 apprentice hunting licenses have already been sold in two states that recently passed Families Afield measures to improve hunter recruitment.



Apprentice licenses allow youth to try hunting under the direct supervision of an experienced adult hunter.



In Michigan, 9,145 apprentice licenses have been sold since Aug. 11, while more than 2,100 have been purchased in Ohio since Aug.1. In all, more than 5 million hunters in 11 states now have the opportunity to introduce their children, grandchildren and other newcomers to the hunting tradition thanks to Families Afield.



“The impressive number of apprentice licenses that have been sold to date reveals that sportsmen want to invite their children and non-hunting friends into the field to share the experiences they have enjoyed for years,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs. “We are proud of the sportsmen who are taking the opportunity to welcome newcomers, young and old alike, to the thrill of hunting traditions.”

The concept for Families Afield was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) after results of a study called the Youth Hunting Report revealed declining youth involvement in outdoor sports and pointed to reasons for the sliding numbers.

Hunter recruitment and retention is at the heart of the Families Afield initiative. A report written by Silvertip Productions, USSA and Southwick Associates Inc., shows that for every 100 hunters who leave the sport, only 69 take their place. One reason for the decline in a sport with such rich traditions is the barriers in place that bar young hunters and newcomers to the sport from going afield with an adult mentor.



Youth hunting restrictions have been improved or eliminated in:

Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Utah

“The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its partners, NSSF and NWTF, look forward to continuing efforts to break down barriers that keep people from enjoying the outdoor experience,” said Sexton.



For more information about Families Afield, and to download your copy of the Youth Hunting Report, visit www.familiesafield.org (http://www.familiesafield.org).





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Sportswoman Submits Recipe, Wins USSA Prize Package- (10/12)
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As part of a ballot issue campaign to eliminate Michigan’s mourning dove hunt, anti-hunters argue that doves do not provide enough meat to make them worthwhile fare. To counter the claims, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) asked hunters to share their favorite dove recipes. After receiving scads of recipes, one recipe contributor has been selected to receive a USSA logo hunting prize package.



Betty Taylor of Tallulah, Louisiana submitted her recipe for Durkee Doves and was drawn as the winner of a Gerber knife, Streamlight flashlight, USSA travel mug, shooting shirt and USSA cap. Click here to view her recipe.



Betty and thousands of other sportsmen and sportswomen have discovered succulent ways to prepare doves for the dinner table. With such mouthwatering recipes, as well as a reputation for providing a challenging hunt, it is no wonder mourning doves are the nation’s most popular game bird.



Sportsmen in Michigan and nationwide are urged to help defeat the anti-hunting ballot issue. Without sportsmen’s support, anti-hunters will rout Michigan’s hunting traditions and gain momentum to fight in other states.



To address the threat, outdoor leaders formed the Citizens for Wildlife Conservation (CWC). It helps to educate Michigan sportsmen about the anti-hunting threat, and will work to beat any attack on hunting, including the anti-dove hunting ballot issue. To accomplish its goal, the group must raise $3 million.



The CWC members include the USSA, Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Michigan Hunting Dog Federation, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and Safari Club International.



Sportsmen can send contributions to Citizens for Wildlife Conservation, 5859 W. Saginaw Hwy., PMB 341, Lansing, MI 48917.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Sportsmen's Votes Will be Key on Election Day- (10/27)
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In less than two weeks, voters nationwide will elect government leaders and decide ballot issues that will impact sportsmen’s rights. Sportsmen nationwide must vote to ensure protection of their liberties.



“Hunters have the numbers to affect elections and influence policy,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) vice president for government affairs. “It makes a difference when sportsmen vote. They must make their voices heard.”



Sportsmen must elect candidates who support conservation and will safeguard hunting traditions. Learn where candidates stand on hunting issues and firearms rights before heading to the polls. Contact their campaign offices and ask specific questions.



Candidates recognize the growing importance of the sportsman’s vote. It is no surprise to them that their voting constituencies consist of passionate sportsmen and sportswomen who play key roles in election outcomes.



Beyond choosing new elected officials, Michigan citizens will be asked to vote on an issue that will determine the future of dove hunting.



After sportsmen unified to make Michigan the 41st dove hunting state, anti-hunters bankrolled a campaign to send the issue to the voters. A YES vote on Proposal 3 restores the dove hunt and protects Michigan’s hunting heritage.



“The anti’s know that if they can win in Michigan, they can win anywhere,” said Sexton. “It is critical for Michigan hunters to get out to vote on November 7.”



If you have questions about local voting protocol, contact your County Board of Elections today.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Only a Handful of 52-Gun Raffle Tickets Remain- (10/27)
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The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is selling the last remaining tickets for a weekly firearm drawing. Don’t miss the chance to win!



The 2006 52-Gun Raffle, sponsored by Vance’s Shooters Supplies in Columbus, OH, and Buckeye Outdoors in Hebron, OH, gives participants opportunities to win new firearms while protecting hunters’ rights.



Only a few of the 1,000 tickets (numbered 000-999) are still available for $50 each. Winning numbers will be determined by the Ohio Lottery’s Pick 3 drawing on Monday nights. Participants can win more than once.



The raffle began June 5, but there are still more than 30 chances left to win. Prizes, including shotguns, rifles, pistols, bows and muzzleloaders, will be awarded each week through May 28, 2007.



To buy tickets, visit www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org) and click on “Win a Gun Every Week.” Ohio residents may also contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation office to obtain an entry form. Out of state participants may purchase tickets via the USSA website only.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Gander Mountain Partners With USSAF for Mentoring Program- (10/27)
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The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is proud to partner with Gander Mountain to teach families the finer points of outdoor pursuits through the Trailmaster mentoring program.



This fall, Gander Mountain retail stores will host Trailmaster Days in Lakeville, Minnesota (Nov. 18); Washington, Pennsylvania (Nov. 18); and Houston, Texas (Dec. 2). Trailmaster is the mentoring aspect of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s (USSAF) Trailblazer Adventure Program, a two-part program that was developed to help recruit the next generation of sportsmen. Since 2001, Trailblazer has introduced more than 250,000 non-hunting, non-fishing young people and their families to conservation and the outdoor lifestyle.



The primary aspect of Trailblazer is the Adventure Day. It is a single-day event that serves as an all-around introduction to the thrill of outdoor sports and the importance of conservation. The Adventure Day features a variety of activities, demonstrations and orientation sessions designed to show children and their parents what the outdoor lifestyle is about.



The families then move on to participate in Trailmaster. Through Trailmaster, families work closely with sportsmen mentors, called Trail Guides. Trail Guides provide hands on archery and firearm instruction, get families involved in furbearer trapping exercises, encourage enrollment in outdoor education programs and investigate sporting equipment options with participants.



Those who complete the mentoring program will be eligible for the Trailmaster Award patch, the highest recognition within the Trailblazer Adventure Program.



To register for one of the three Trailmaster events, click here.



The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program has been honored with the Take Pride in America® award by the U.S. Department of Interior for its leadership in recruiting youth and families to the experiences of hunting and fishing and for teaching them about outdoor activities and conservation. The USSAF is one of the Take Pride in America Charter Partners, who work to improve public lands, historic sites and other recreation areas.



Trailblazer is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) STEP OUTSIDE Program and NSSF is a major sponsor. Corporate sponsors include Bushnell Performance Optics, Cabela’s, Charles Daly, Crosman, North Fork Bancorporation and The Outdoor Channel. Additional support comes from the William H. Flowers Jr. Foundation.



The USSAF also works in partnership with Boy Scouts of America; Bowfishing Association of America; Foundation for North American Wild Sheep; Fur Takers of America; Kentucky Fur Takers Association; Masters of Foxhounds Association of America; National Wild Turkey Federation chapters; Ohio Division of Wildlife; Safari Club International, NY Tri-State Chapter; Shikar Safari Club International Foundation; U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit; West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; state wildlife agencies and local sportsmen’s clubs to make Trailblazer a success nationwide.



Gander Mountain is the nation’s largest retail network of stores for outdoor sports.



For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure Program, e-mail trailblazer@ussportsmen.org or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org (http://www.trailblazeradventure.org).





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Sportsmen Must Vote Tuesday to Protect Hunting Rights- (11/03)
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The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance reminds all outdoorsmen that it is your right and your responsibility to vote on Election Day. Your votes on Nov. 7 will influence the outcome of key gubernatorial and legislative races and decide ballot issues that will impact sportsmen’s rights.



“Hunters must turn out at the polls on Tuesday to elect candidates who support conservation and hunting traditions,” said Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) vice president for government affairs. “Before you head to your voting location, research the candidates and learn where they stand on hunting issues and firearms rights. Their campaign offices, as well as local papers and articles on the Internet, can help you with that information.”



Candidates recognize that a significant number of their voting constituents are sportsmen. They know that sportsmen can play important roles in election outcomes. Drive that point home by voting on Nov. 7.



Beyond choosing elected officials, Michigan citizens will be asked to vote on Proposal 3 to determine the future of dove hunting. The state became the 41st to approve dove hunting in 2004, but anti’s bankrolled a campaign to send the issue to the voters. A YES vote on Michigan Proposal 3 will restore the hunt and protect the state’s hunting heritage.



If the anti’s can win in Michigan, they can win anywhere. It is critical for hunters in Michigan – and nationwide - to vote on Nov. 7.



If you have questions about local voting protocol, contact your County Board of Elections today.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

USSAF Fights to Keep Hunting Open on Refuges- (11/02)
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The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has asked a federal court judge to not terminate hunting and fishing on 37 National Wildlife Refuges. The court could impose the closures while the federal wildlife agency complies with a ruling to update environmental impact records.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (U.S. SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has asked U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina to allow hunting and fishing regulations to remain effective while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) revises reports on federal environmental studies. Judge Urbina ruled in August that the USFWS must evaluate the environmental impacts of hunting on the entire National Wildlife Refuge System.



“There is no reason to disrupt hunting seasons that are already underway on these refuges,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Legal Counsel William Horn. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has committed to updating the environmental studies, as required by the court, by next summer.”



The case was filed in 2003 in the Washington, D.C. Federal District Court by the Fund for Animals, which has since merged with the Humane Society of the United States. It originally sought to ban hunting on 39 units of the 100 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System. The case claimed that the USFWS, which manages the refuges, failed to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires extensive Environmental Impact Statements, prior to establishing hunting programs.



In September of 2005, Judge Urbina granted a motion for partial dismissal of the anti-hunters’ case, ruling that since the goals outlined in the USFWS strategy are not final agency action there is no need for comprehensive environmental studies.



The U.S. SLDF is representing sportsmen’s interests in this case along with other defendant interveners, including Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Izaak Walton League and the California Waterfowl Association.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund is the nation’s only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen’s interests in the courts. It defends wildlife management and sportsmen’s rights in local, state and federal courts. The SLDF represents the interests of sportsmen and assists government lawyers who have little or no background in wildlife law.





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Information on this website can be reprinted with a citation to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Time Will Tell What Election Day Changes Will Mean for Sportsmen- (11/10)
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Millions of voters cast their ballots on November 7, and their choices have resulted in a dramatic shift in state and federal leadership. The coming months will show how the changes will impact sportsmen’s rights.



In the States

State legislatures are where a majority of wildlife- and sportsmen-related legislation will appear. Since states control the wildlife resources within their boundaries, with the exception of migratory birds and federal endangered species, this is where the anti’s will show up to try to steal sportsmen’s rights.



Prior to the election, 20 state legislatures had republican control in both chambers; 10 states had republican control of one chamber, democratic control of the other; and 19 states had democratic control in both chambers. The new breakdown is 12 legislatures have republican control in both chambers; 15 states have republican control of one chamber, democratic control of the other; and 20 states have democratic control in both chambers.



The partisan split of state chief executives now stands at 28 democrats and 22 republicans.



Regardless of which political party may dominate in any one state legislature or governorship, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) reminds all sportsmen to initiate communication with new lawmakers and foster relationships with those who have been in office. Bills that threaten hunting can be introduced by members of either party. Also, it’s nice to have a good relationship with someone who may soon be the key vote for a bill to allow additional hunting opportunities.



The USSA will continue to alert sportsmen via its E-mail Network and Sentry newsletter of bills that target America’s outdoor heritage. Grassroots action, which is made simple by the Legislative Action Center on the USSA website, is how the hunter makes his voice heard.



Federal Government

The Democratic Party became the majority in the U.S. Senate, capturing 51 out of 100 seats. It also took over the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, a 435-seat chamber.



The shift from a republican majority in both chambers to a democratic majority means new majority and minority leadership and modifications to committee chairmanships.



Who will be the chairman of the House Resources Committee? Senate Energy Committee? Interior Appropriations Subcommittee? How have they voted on sportsmen’s issues in the past? These are questions the USSA is eager to find out so that we can work with the new leadership to protect the rights of America’s sportsmen.

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[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Radio Legend Lets Anti-Hunting Colors Fly High- (11/17)
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One of America’s most well-known radio commentators earlier this week showed his anti-hunting colors in a nationally broadcast message.



On Nov. 13, syndicated broadcaster Paul Harvey’s noon report announced how ‘thankful’ Michigan doves are that voters rejected the state’s dove hunting initiative. He proudly rattled off a number of other ballot issue campaigns to which the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has contributed in recent years, including efforts to ban trapping and bear hunting. Harvey concluded by praising the organization’s new-found political prowess, saying HSUS “has never had such clout on the Hill.”



Obviously, Paul Harvey is entitled to his opinion. In fact, it’s his job. However, the advocacy of an agenda that seeks to destroy the lifestyle and livelihoods of millions of Americans will elicit responses.



“America’s sportsmen do not stand idle when the faction that is trying to eliminate hunting, fishing and trapping is handed credibility,” said Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president. “Paul Harvey’s support and recognition of the animal rights movement, and HSUS specifically, is a blow to the pro-hunting movement and deserves to be addressed.”



This is not the first time Harvey has used his radio segment as a soapbox for his animal rights viewpoint. He has praised People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals leader Ingrid Newkirk “for her dedication and commitment towards making planet earth a better place for animals.” He made these glowing comments about a woman who hopes hoof-and-mouth disease will come to America!



Take Action! Sportsmen are urged to express their dissatisfaction with Paul Harvey’s controversial radio segment. Let radio stations that air Paul Harvey’s program know that you object to his extremely controversial views on animal rights.



Also, contact Paul Harvey sponsors and let them know that you object to their support of a program that acts as a mouthpiece for the anti-hunting movement.



For a list of radio stations nationwide that air Paul Harvey segments, click here. For a list of Paul Harvey’s sponsors, click here. Please be sure to send the USSA a copy of the message you send.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

4-Star Rating Proves USSAF is Worthy of Your Year-End Gift- (12/15)

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For the fourth straight year, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has received a 4-star rating from America’s premier charity evaluator, Charity Navigator.



“We are proud to announce U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation has earned our 4-star rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances,” said Trent Stamp, executive director of Charity Navigator. “Only twelve percent of the charities we’ve rated have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible.”



The USSAF is proud to be featured by Charity Navigator for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition proves that the organization is living up to high standards set within the nonprofit sector.



“Savvy donors who are looking for a fiscally responsible, conservation charity to support have found it,” said USSAF President Bud Pidgeon. “Our contributors’ hard-earned money is used efficiently to produce quantifiable results, which means that your hunting heritage will benefit.”

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation protects and defends America's wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits -- hunting, fishing and trapping -- which generate the money to pay for them. It is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Contributions to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, a 501(C) 3 organization, are tax deductible.

“We are not just another hunting club,” said Pidgeon. “We are meeting and defeating the anti-hunting movement as it invests millions to eliminate big game hunting, upland game hunting, hunting with hounds, trapping and other aspects of our outdoor heritage.”



Are you ready to give? We can help you plan gifts and bequests that will help protect hunting, fishing and trapping for present and future generations. Your support for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation will mean the continuation of the outdoor lifestyle upon which our nation was founded. Visit www.ussafoundation.org (http://www.ussafoundation.org) or call the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation headquarters (614) 888-4868 for giving options.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Fox Television Joins Movement to Ban Trapping- (12/21)
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(Columbus) - Fox Sports Net, which provides regional sports programming to 85 million households, has refused to cancel a gratis anti-trapping advertisement produced by the nation’s largest animal rights group.



News Corporation, the parent company of Fox Sports Net and other Fox Cable Networks, approved a 15-second anti-trapping commercial, produced by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), as a public service announcement. Fox Sports rejected a request by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the nation’s leading sportsmen’s advocacy organization, to immediately pull the spot. The company will run the ad through the end of December at no cost to the anti's.



The advertisement features HSUS leader Wayne Pacelle and a second animal activist urging viewers to support trapping bans. To add to the sensationalism, the spot opens with a loud clank as a foot hold trap with teeth - a trap that has been banned throughout the country for decades - snaps shut.



A senior official for Fox told the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance that he and other associates had reviewed the ad and believe the content meets their criteria for public service announcements.



“This is not a public service announcement; it is a free political advertisement for a movement that wants to eliminate trapping, hunting and all other forms of animal use,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. “Hunters and anglers must understand that the Humane Society has repeatedly stated that a ban on trapping is merely a means of softening public sentiment to clear the way for a ban on all hunting and fishing. Hunters, trappers and anglers should generate a flood of complaints from friends, family and everyone they can reach out to.”



Trapping is recognized by every wildlife agency at the state and federal level as a viable and important conservation tool. It helps keep furbearer populations at healthy levels and is important in stemming the spread of wildlife diseases that threaten animals and humans.



The Humane Society of the United States opposes all animal use, including trapping, hunting and fishing. It has a multi-million dollar budget that it invests in legislative and ballot campaigns to ban trapping and hunting. It also has a legal arm to challenge sportsmen’s rights in court.



In 2002, Sportsmen can make a difference in this fight. Jeep raised the ire of sportsmen when it aired a blatantly, anti-hunting commercial called the “Deer Hunter.” After a flood of sportsmen contacts, Jeep pulled the commercial in three days.



Sportsmen nationwide should contact News Corporation and demand that the spot be cancelled. Let the company know that outdoorsmen object to the network acting as a mouthpiece for the animal rights movement. Explain that state wildlife professionals support trapping and see it as a necessary tool for managing furbearers. Inform News Corporation that trapping has proven to be a critical element in the comeback of waterfowl populations, and that managers see it as extremely important in protecting the public from outbreaks of diseases such as rabies.



Contact Rupert Murdoch, Chairman/CEO, News Corporation, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, 8th Floor, New York, NY, 10036. Phone (212) 852-7000. Fax (212) 852-7147.



Sample letters to News Corporation are available using the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org).



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance 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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Effort to Boost Hunter Recruitment Gets Rolling in Five States- (01/19)
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Hunting advocacy organizations have launched new campaigns in a number of states to tear down age and other barriers that prevent people from hunting.



The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions and ease hunter education mandates.



Legislation addressing these concerns is being prepared and introduced in California, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin in 2007. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its partners have been consulting with state officials and sportsmen’s leaders to craft legislation that addresses the specific needs of the five states, while removing and reducing unnecessary restrictions on hunting. The National Rifle Association is backing the bills in North and South Dakota, and is expected to join the effort in the remaining states. The groups advocate the concept that newcomers to outdoor sports should have the opportunity to experience hunting before making large investments of time and money in equipment and training.



"These states are taking bold first steps to ensure hunting traditions continue to be passed on to the next generation," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. "Our Families Afield partnership with the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation is squarely aimed at helping to eliminate barriers to entry and to increase opportunities for participation. It will truly make a difference for the future of hunting.”



To date, Families Afield legislation and regulations have been approved in 12 states. Two of those states, Michigan and Ohio, established apprentice hunting programs. First-year results appear extremely promising. More than 17,500 apprentice licenses were sold in Michigan, plus over 9,500 in Ohio, during 2006. These 27,000 new hunters suggest a 33 percent jump in the two states' combined population of hunters age 15 and under.



Families Afield was developed after results of a study, called the Youth Hunting Report, showed that youngsters are less likely to take up hunting in states that have more restrictive requirements for youth participation. However, states that have removed barriers to youth hunting have a much higher youth recruitment rate.



Studies have also shown that supervised youth are the safest class of hunters.



“Hunting is a remarkably safe sport to begin with, and hunting accidents are even rarer in states where parents decide at what age their children are allowed to hunt,” said Dolnack. “Another up-side to an early introduction is the fact that youth who are permitted to try hunting at an early age are more likely to continue their involvement in the sport, which would help reverse the trend of declining sportsman numbers.”



Take Action! Sportsmen are encouraged to support the Families Afield bills in their state legislatures. To make grassroots action easy, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance features the Legislative Action Center on its website, www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org). The resource allows visitors to find and send messages to their lawmakers.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations. It 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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

New Legislative Sessions, Same Anti-Hunting Threats- (01/17)
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New sessions are beginning in state and federal lawmaking bodies, but sportsmen can bet on one thing - with new legislative sessions will come attacks to eliminate outdoor sports.



In 2007, legislative sessions opened in 48 states, and the USSA is sorting through thousands of bills to make sure that the hunters, anglers and trappers are prepared to fight those that impact sportsmen’s rights. Based on trends the USSA has seen, sportsmen will likely find themselves defending bear hunting, hunting with hounds, trapping and other issues in states from coast to coast.

“Although most state lawmaking bodies start with a clean slate in 2007, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance expects to see the reintroduction of bills that the anti’s have tried to pass in previous years,” said Tony Celebrezze, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “The anti’s have targeted aspects of our outdoor heritage that they feel are vulnerable, and will continue their attacks, particularly in states where they have had recent victories and momentum behind their cause.”



Sportsmen on the Offense

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation and National Wild Turkey Federation, partners in the Families Afield campaign to eliminate hunting age and other barriers, will work in state legislatures to promote the effort.


“In 2006, twelve states made it easier for newcomers to take part in hunting,” said Celebrezze. “The USSA and its partners want to continue the program's success and will work with state lawmakers to do so.”



Stay in the Loop

One of the easiest ways to make sure you are up to date on important legislation is to join the USSA’s FREE E-mail Network. E-mail Network members receive weekly e-mail updates and news about issues that impact outdoorsmen’s rights. Visit www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org) to register today.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Sportsmen Outraged at Proposal to Ban Bear Hunting- (01/26)
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The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is on its hind legs after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed to list polar bears, including populations in Canada that are stable and increasing, as a federally threatened species. If approved, the listing will stop American sportsmen from hunting polar bears in Canada.



On Dec. 27, 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed that the polar bear be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Instead of limiting threatened status to only the distinct population segments that are decreasing, FWS’s recommendation will put all of the bears, including healthy, hunting populations, under the same restrictions.



“There are 19 distinct polar bear populations, and the healthy ones, well-managed by Canada, provide exciting hunting opportunities,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Director of Federal Affairs William Horn. “The unwarranted, blanket listing sought by the Fish and Wildlife Service will bring an immediate end to the hunts that help the populations remain stable.”



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is preparing comments to submit to the FWS opposing the proposal. A final decision on the listing will be made in Dec. 2007 after a 12-month public comment period and scientific review.



Barring U.S. sportsmen from polar bear hunting in Canada will cause more harm than good. For example, the polar bear populations in the Canadian Arctic are thriving in part because American hunters, who cannot pursue the animals in the U.S. due to restrictions in the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, spend thousands of dollars to hunt the animals abroad. The money is then invested in the resource to ensure healthy populations. If U.S. citizens are shut out of these hunts, a primary funding source for polar bear management will be eliminated and the now-healthy populations will then, in fact, be at risk.



The FWS proposal is in response to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups. In 2005, the Center for Biological Diversity, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Greenpeace sued the agency after it failed to respond to petitions that sought protection for the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act. The groups believe the animals are threatened by the shrinking of Arctic sea ice as a result of prospective climate change.



“FWS says shrinking sea ice that might occur over the next 40 years, caused by climate change, is the primary factor that may impact polar bears,” adds Horn. “There is tangible evidence that hunting is beneficial to the healthy polar bear populations, but the Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to list all of the bears as threatened is based on speculation that climate change may be an issue. Even if it is, listing the animals as threatened and cutting off hunting opportunities will not solve the problem associated with climate change.”

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Trial Begins for PETA Employees Charged with Animal Cruelty- (01/26)
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Two employees for an animal rights organization that opposes all animal use are now on trial for allegedly killing and dumping adoptable dogs and cats.



The trial for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) employees Adria Hinkle and Andrew Cook, who are each charged with 21 felony counts of animal cruelty, began Jan. 23. The two are accused of tossing garbage bags full of euthanized cats and dogs into a dumpster in Ahoskie, North Carolina on June 15, 2005.



The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) has issued reports from the trial this week. The reports detail how Ms. Tonya Northcott, an employee at the Ahoskie Animal Hospital, on June 15 sent a mother cat and her two kittens with the defendants who claimed that they would have no problem finding homes for the cats. Northcott explained that the cats had been socialized, played with, and had their shots.



Those cats ended up in a trash dumpster less than an hour later.



The CCF also reported that Bertie County Animal Control Officer Barry Anderson turned animals over to Hinkle and Cook on June 15. He described several healthy, adoptable dogs that he sent with the defendants with the understanding that they would find homes for the animals. These animals were among those found dead.



Defense lawyers tried to get Anderson to concede that he knew the animals would be euthanized after being picked up. Anderson admitted that he had seen PETA employees injecting animals, but he was told that the animals were being sedated for the ride back to Virginia.



PETA claims to be uncompromising in its stance against animal cruelty, but the organization has in fact killed more than 14,400 dogs and cats and pets since 1998.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Bill Safeguards Hunting on Federal Lands- (02/02
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Legislation to protect quality hunting on federal land has been introduced in Congress.



U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Georgia, on Tuesday introduced SB 408, the Hunting Heritage Protection Act. A key element of the bill is a stipulation for “no net loss” of hunting on federal land. Under the provision, the government is directed to maintain, within the confines of state and federal law, current levels of federal hunting lands. It requires the opening of compensatory huntable land if an area is closed to the sport.



Senate Bill 408 awaits debate in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.



Several states, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi and West Virginia have recently passed “no net loss” laws that protect state hunting land for future generations. Sportsmen’s grassroots support paid off in each of these states, and is needed to ensure the passage of SB 408.



Take Action! Sportsmen nationwide are urged to contact their U.S. senators. Let them know SB 408 is important for the future of hunting and will help ensure America’s outdoor heritage for years to come. To find your senator and for contact information, call (202) 224-3121 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Bowhunting Recognized as Key for Urban Deer Control Strategy- (02/20
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports nationwide, deer collisions with cars cause $1.1 billion in vehicle damage annually. These accidents kill 150 people and injure 29,000 others. The national average car insurance claim for a deer collision is $2,800. Statistics like these have led many towns to seek a safe way to decrease deer herds, and allowed bowhunting to find its niche.



Earlier this month, USA Today highlighted several towns that have kicked off bowhunts, including the following:



Fort Smith and Barling, Arkansas lifted hunting bans and established a bowhunt in a 7,200-acre area that lies in both towns. The hunt was instituted when factors indicated that the overabundant deer herd might starve. It will also help reduce the risk of the animals roaming into the area as it fills with new homes and businesses.



Two public parks in Kansas City, Missouri held pilot bowhunts in 2006. Forty-one deer were taken from late November to Dec. 10. The City Council authorized the hunts after learning that at least 400 deer per year were hit by vehicles within the city.



Bowhunters in Warsaw, Indiana took 20 deer during a three week archery season in November. Councilman Jeff Grose said, "We felt the residents in that area had a legitimate argument to declare the deer population as a nuisance."



After reports of deer killing pets, damaging property and being the cause of multiple automobile accidents, Alamosa, Colorado will allow hunting with bows and shotguns on a city-owned golf course until Feb. 28.



Suburbs of Des Moines, St. Louis, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, have also staged bow hunts or are considering doing so.



“Bowhunting is a safe and effective deer control,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. “The anti-hunters try to pressure many local governments to use costly, ineffective methods such as deer birth control, but it’s the bowhunt that proves worthwhile.”

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Sportsman Wins $10,000 in Trailblazer Sweepstakes- (02/12
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An Ohio sportsman has won the top prize in the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance annual sweepstakes and is planning to give back to the conservation community.



Mr. Richard Mackey of Cortland, Ohio is the grand prize winner of the 2006 Trailblazer Sweepstakes. He will receive $10,000 for his effort to protect hunting. Mackey was pleased to win and said that the money will go to his local conservation club, Conservation League, Inc. in Cortland.



Roger Nussgen of Martin, South Dakota was the second prize winner, pocketing $5,000. He was proud to have made a donation to the Trailblazer Sweepstakes. He appreciates the USSA’s work to educate young people about wildlife conservation, which it does through programs such as Trailblazer Adventure and Families Afield.



The Trailblazer Adventure Program is an outdoor education program designed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to introduce youth and families to hunting, fishing and outdoor opportunities. Families Afield was established by the USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions and ease hunter education mandates for first-time hunters.



Trailblazer Sweepstakes contributions help USSA in its mission to protect against anti-hunters’ attacks, win support for outdoor sports, and involve youth and families in the outdoor experience.



A special thank you goes out to Trailblazer Sweepstakes prize donors. Visit www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org) for a list of companies that are leading the effort to protect our outdoor heritage.



For an UNOFFICIAL 2006 Trailblazer Sweepstakes winners list, please e-mail info@ussportsmen.org or call (614) 888-4868.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

USSA Briefs Senators on Hunting and Polar Bear Conservation-

(02/26) National
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(Columbus) - The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance represented the nation’s sportsmen Friday as it addressed U.S. Senators on why listing the polar bear as federally threatened and curtailing Americans’ opportunities to hunt the animal will prove detrimental.



On Feb. 23, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance representative David Lampp met with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to explain how a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list each of the 19 polar bear populations as threatened under the Endangered Species Act will impair wildlife research and conservation efforts. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, the committee’s ranking minority member, had invited the USSA to address the committee.



“Listing the polar bears puts conservation for these animals in jeopardy,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. “The listing will do nothing toward addressing the environmental factors claimed to pose a long-term threat to polar bear populations. The proposed listing seems to be more a gesture of political correctness than a true conservation measure.”



“Legally hunted polar bear populations are among the healthiest populations in the world,” said Lampp. “This is due in large part to the funding that hunting provides for research and conservation, and the high economic value placed on the polar bear as a result of hunting programs.”



Lampp pointed out that the proposed listing will put an end to the Canadian hunting program, which has been part a proven polar bear management plan.



Ninety percent of Canada’s polar bear hunting clientele come from the United States. These sportsmen, who hunt the bears and return to the U.S. with their trophies, account for approximately 80 hunts per year, which means more than $2.4 million into local communities, and polar bear research and conservation annually.



American hunters cannot pursue the animals in the United States due to restrictions in the Marine Mammal Protection Act.



“The proposed listing will prohibit the import of all polar bear trophies into the United States,” said Lampp. “This will deal a severe blow to polar bear hunting and research.”



While the listing will put effective polar bear conservation in jeopardy, the problem that the service identifies as the formidable threat to the polar bear population will not be addressed.



“The service names the loss of Arctic sea ice due to climate change - not hunting - as the threat to polar bears,” said Lampp. “The Endangered Species Act provides no way for the Interior Secretary to stop climate change, thus the listing will not address the perceived threat.”



On Dec. 27, 2006, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed that the polar bear be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Instead of limiting threatened status to only the distinct population segments that are decreasing, the service recommendation will put all of the bears, including healthy, huntable populations, under the same restrictions.



The USSA is preparing comments to submit to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opposing the proposal. A final decision on the listing will be made in Dec. 2007 after a 12-month public comment period and scientific review.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance considers the Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the polar bear as a federally threatened species, including healthy Canadian populations, as another example of the federal government’s anti-hunting bias.



“The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance formed the International Hunters’ Rights Campaign in 2006 because of our concern that the federal government continues to disregard sportsmen’s interests,” said Pidgeon. “The campaign is also working to prevent the service from slashing tax deductions and imposing burdensome import regulations on international big game hunters as the Fish and Wildlife Service works on regulation reform for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.”



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects and advances America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping. It does so in the courts, state 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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

The following letter is in regard to the Japanese dolphin massacres. The video link is very disturbing to watch...


Dear Friends and lovers of the ocean. Sometimes the ocean needs our help, and this is one of them

To view the video is very disturbing, to not act in stopping such behaviour would be a travesty ...

At the very least please sign this online petition. Lovers of the ocean and it's inhabitants - this is a clear call to action. To do nothing is to approve of it.

Please take the time to look at the video and sign the online petition. >From little things, big things grow........

And then send it on to as many like minded people that you know. If we build the numbers, we will be heard eventually and things will change, one way or the other

Please help! We must change the way people think about their oceans and inhabitants for the good of us all.

Click on links below

The video - http://www.glumbert.com/media/dolphin

The petition - http://www.petitiononline.com/golfinho/


Captain Tim Dean

Calypso Fishing Adventures

www.marlinfishingaustralia.com (http://www.marlinfishingaustralia.com)

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Remington CEO to Chair Outdoor Business Council-
(03/26) National


A man who has carried on a tradition of vigilance against the anti-hunting movement will be the next leader of the USSA’s Outdoor Business Council (OBC). The program encourages sporting goods businesses to invest in the protection of hunting, fishing and trapping.



Thomas Millner, CEO of Remington Arms Co., Inc., has been named as the volunteer chairman of the OBC. As such, he will promote the program to other businesses within the sporting industry. He will also recruit National Advisory Council members to advise the USSA Board of Director on policies and help attract resources for special projects and annual support.



“The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is proud to work with Mr. Millner on this proposition,” said Doug Jeanneret, USSA vice president of marketing. “Who better to assume responsibility for an outdoor business program than a man who has managed one of the most successful businesses in the hunting and firearms community?”



Millner said he is honored to accept the challenge of building a strong coalition of sporting businesses.



“The USSA fights for all sportsmen in state legislatures, in Congress at the ballot and in the courts,” notes Millner. “I am excited to help with the organization’s mission to protect hunting rights for all sportsmen.”



The OBC was the brainchild of Richard Cabela, current USSA board chairman and founder of Cabela’s, Inc. It was established to forge a powerful alliance between the outdoor business community and the sportsmen’s community, and create a meaningful way for outdoor business leaders to aid in preserving the outdoor sports upon which their businesses depend.



Millner joined Remington Arms Co., as president and director in 1994. He was named CEO in 1998. Millner is an avid shooter and hunter with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and sportsmen’s rights. His company was honored by the USSA in January with the inaugural Cabela Lifetime Business Achievement Award.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Register Online for a Chance to Win a Gun-A-Week-(04/14)
National
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Your chance to register for a weekly drawing that could land you a new firearm or bow is a click
http://ns1.bowsite.org/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=90&CATID=3 away.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation 52-Gun Raffle affords sportsmen the opportunity to win multiple guns and bows with the purchase of a single $50 ticket. The raffle, sponsored by Vance’s Shooters Supplies in Columbus, Ohio, and Buckeye Outdoors in Hebron, Ohio, will raise thousands of dollars to protect America’s hunting rights. It kicks off June 4.



Only 1,000 tickets, numbered from 000-999, will be sold nationwide. Winning numbers will be determined by the Ohio Lottery’s Pick 3 drawing on Monday nights. Prizes include shotguns, rifles, pistols, bows and muzzleloaders, and one prize will be awarded each week for 52 weeks. Participants can win more than once.



Featured prizes include a Browning Gold Hunter shotgun, Browning Citori Hunter .12 ga. 3 1/2 in., Browning BPS with cantilever scope mount, Remington 870 SPS Thumbhole Deer, Beretta 391 .20 ga., Titan TL-7 crossbow package, Remington 870 Wingmaster, Mossberg 935 Turkey Thumbhole Camo, and Remington 11/87 Upland .12 Ga. Click here to see some of the awesome firearms: http://www.wlfa.org/interactive/features/Read.cfm?ID=1941



Tickets will be available until they are sold out or until the drawing ends.



To get tickets or to see a complete prize list, click here: http://ns1.bowsite.org/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Product_ID=90&CATID=3 . Ohio residents may contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation headquarters at (614) 888-4868 to purchase tickets. Participants outside of Ohio may purchase tickets via the USSA website only.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Make No Mistake - HSUS Has Targeted Hunting for Extinction
Recent online message from HSUS Leader Points to More Issues
May 13, 2007 (National)



Ban dove hunting in Michigan – check. Outlaw trapping in California – check. Prohibit black bear hunting in Colorado – check. Sue to stop hunting on federal lands – check. Merge with other anti-hunting groups to form multi-million dollar mega animal rights group – check.


This is how the Humane Society of the United States plans to pick off your hunting and trapping heritage – and it is only getting started. A recent online message from HSUS President Wayne Pacelle spells out what aspects of the traditional lifestyle are next on the hit list.


Family Hunting Opportunities in the Crosshairs

Right off the bat, the HSUS has its sights on the Families Afield campaign.


Families Afield is promoted by the USSA, National Wild Turkey Federation and National Shooting Sports Foundation to breakdown hunting barriers and increase hunter recruitment. Through the program, the partnership works to eliminate hunting age requirements and ease hunter education mandates for first-time hunters.


The HSUS falsely claims the program "places children in unnecessary danger." It hopes to feed on the public’s weariness of children with firearms, but sportsmen must accurately convey the message that youth hunting is safe.


"Research documents that the most important factor affecting youth hunting safety is the presence of a responsible, attentive adult hunter," said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. "Available data from states that have implemented Families Afield initiatives reveals that apprentice hunting license programs brought nearly 34,000 new hunters to the field in 2006, without a single hunting-related shooting incident."


Any Given Sunday

For the sportsmen who work during the week, Sunday may be the only chance they have to sit in a tree stand or try out a new game call, but the anti’s shake their fingers at that as well.


"The Humane Society misrepresents the truth when it claims that ‘hunters have six days a week to themselves in the woods,’ and it calls on the public to oppose Sunday hunting opportunities," said Pidgeon. "The group’s statement gives the impression that Sundays are the only days that non-hunters may enter the woods during hunting season, which is obviously completely false."


The truth is 39 states permit Sunday hunting to make it more convenient for families to find time in the field together. Eleven states prohibit or heavily restrict Sunday hunting. Ohio reports Sunday as the day with the fewest hunting complaints.


There’s a Coalition for That

The USSA’s Sporting Dog Defense Coalition and the Bear Hunter Rights Coalition were formed as the anti’s threats to the particular hunting activities grew more frequent and more severe. Many bear hunters, houndsmen and sporting dog enthusiasts recognized the plight and have already joined the coalitions, but for those who have not, let this be your wake-up call - HSUS considers your hunting method "unsporting" and it is about to kick efforts to ban the activities into high gear.


The elimination of bear baiting is one of HSUS’s top priorities. The USSA has worked to defeat the organization’s efforts to abolish the activity, including ballot initiatives in Maine and Alaska, for example. The Bear Hunter Rights Coalition went head to head with HSUS to defend legislative threats to bear hunting at the state and federal levels.


Now, HSUS is revving its engine and spreading emotional rhetoric to gain traction with the public and leave black bear hunting in the dust.


Let’s not forget the houndsmen and sporting dog enthusiasts - HSUS sure hasn’t. Consider yourselves warned. The recent flood of efforts to interfere with and ban sporting dog activities was just the beginning. HSUS has officially called you out. You can bet that the worst is yet to come.


"The Sporting Dog Defense Coalition has battled a recent influx of anti-sporting dog regulations and legislation from Rhode Island to California," said Pidgeon. "The anti’s are subtly attacking sportsmen who hunt with dogs by advocating blurred animal cruelty laws, oppressive dog care regulations, and other vague bills that will do away with sporting dog activities and training programs, including field trialing."


The Future is in Your Hands

Sportsmen cannot be idle while HSUS and the anti-hunting movement bulldoze the outdoor heritage. Join the USSA to protect America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping. Unite with us to protect against legal and legislative attacks by the anti’s. Join the effort to ensure the outdoor heritage by involving families in the outdoor experience and share the good news about the sportsman’s stewardship role in wildlife conservation.


Visit www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org) to learn more about the USSA and discover the importance of becoming a USSA member.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Beth Ruth (614) 888-4868 ext. 214

May 16, 2007

Bill Introduced in Congress to Ban Polar Bear Hunting


(Columbus) – A bill to outlaw polar bear hunting yesterday was introduced before Congress. Sportsmen are campaigning against the measure that will wipe out the programs that provide the principal revenue for polar bear conservation.



On May 15, Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Washington, and Frank LoBiondo, R-New Jersey, introduced HR 2327 to repeal an exemption within the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which allows sportsmen to hunt polar bears in Canada and return trophies to the United States. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the nation’s premier sportsmen’s advocacy group, helped establish the exemption in 1994. Polar bear numbers are at an all-time high, and the overall population is considered healthy by wildlife professionals.



“From a conservation standpoint, there is no reason to stop polar bear hunting – it’s all politics," said Rick Story, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance senior vice president. "All we are seeing is an early salvo in the war to outlaw the taking of all wildlife. If the federal government can amend the law to stop polar bear hunting for no good reason, then it and state governments can do the same thing with deer, turkeys, elk, you name it. All it takes is enough pressure, and we say it’s time to fight back.”



The bill will bring Canada’s successful polar bear conservation programs to a screeching halt, as essential funding from hunting programs will immediately fall off.



American sportsmen account for approximately 80 hunts per year, which means more than $2.4 million annually into polar bear research, conservation and native communities in Canada. Canadian polar bear populations are stable and increasing, but if U.S. citizens are shut out of these hunts, a primary funding source for polar bear management will be eliminated and the now-healthy bear populations will be at risk.



Anti-hunters support HR 2327 despite the fact that it will eliminate crucial conservation funding.


“The anti-hunters are willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater,” adds Story. “They are not interested in what is best for wildlife, which would be the continuation of the hunting programs. Their goal is a hands-off approach to wildlife management, and they want hunting banned no matter what the cost.”



In December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed to list polar bears, including Canada’s stable and increasing populations, as federally threatened. The service offered the proposal to appease environmental groups over potential global climate change and shrinking Arctic sea ice, but ignored the science that shows polar bear populations are at historic highs and that there are no imminent threats to the healthy, huntable populations. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance opposes the listing.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance urges hunters and supporters of sound conservation practices to oppose HR 2327. Contact U.S. representatives today and ask them to protect sound scientific wildlife conservation and polar bear management, oppose HR 2327. Call (202) 224-3121 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org).



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization 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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

Microsoft Funds the Anti-Hunting Movement

(Columbus) – Microsoft has rejected a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance request to abandon its partnership with the nation’s leading anti-hunting organization.



Microsoft, the software giant, will make a $100,000 donation to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and is partnering with the group on a pilot program called the i’m Initiative. Through the new program, whenever a Windows Live Messenger user has a conversation using i’m, Microsoft will give a portion of the program’s advertising revenue to one of ten organizations selected by the user. The HSUS is one of the choices, and there is no limit to the amount of money that can be donated.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the nation’s leading sportsmen’s advocacy organization, has urged Microsoft to end its support of HSUS, but the company refused. According to Microsoft representative Tara Kriese, Microsoft believes the i’m Initiative is “a great way to enable people to help causes that are important to them.”



“Microsoft is going to pour hundreds of thousands of dollars, probably more, into an organization that recently issued a manifesto that targets hunting for extinction,” said USSA President Bud Pidgeon. “If there was ever a time for sportsmen to take grassroots action, this is it.”



Sportsmen should contact Microsoft and demand that its financial support of HSUS be terminated. Contact Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052. Phone: (425) 882-8080. Fax: (425) 936-7329.



The Humane Society of the United States opposes all animal use, including trapping, hunting and fishing. It was a key player in the campaigns to outlaw dove hunting in Michigan, trapping in California, and black bear hunting in Colorado. The organization has created a hit list of hunting traditions that it hopes to dismantle, including bear hunting and hunting with hounds.



“The HSUS already has a multi-million dollar budget that it invests in legislative and ballot campaigns to ban trapping and hunting,” said Pidgeon. “The partnership that it has formed with Microsoft, the maker of the Xbox, will allow the organization to make money hand over fist, and continue to fund efforts to ban outdoor sports.”



Sportsmen can make a difference in an issue like this. Companies such as Iams, General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears, and Ace Hardware ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.



In 2002, Jeep raised the ire of sportsmen when it aired a blatantly, anti-hunting commercial called the “Deer Hunter.” After a flood of sportsmen’s contacts, Jeep pulled the commercial in three days.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization 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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org).

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

USSAF Gets Nod to Enter Wolf Delisting Lawsuit
USSAF will represent hunters in suit brought by anti's to manipulate ESA
June 4, 2007 (National)



A federal judge will allow the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to represent hunters in a lawsuit brought by anti’s that will prevent the removal of recovered wildlife populations from the federal endangered list.

On May 30, Judge Paul L. Friedman for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia accepted a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation motion to join the suit. Anti-hunters sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in April, claiming it violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when it removed from the federal endangered list the distinct populations of abundant gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes region. Sportsmen are concerned that the obstruction of delistings will prevent states from resuming rightful control of healthy wildlife populations.

“Anti-hunters want to exploit some imprecise language that exists in the Endangered Species Act and use the law as a tool to eliminate hunting,” said Rick Story, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation senior vice president. “Anti-hunters don’t care whether the ESA allowed the once-troubled wolf populations to recover; they strictly want to use the ESA to ban hunting.”

Sportsmen, including those whose hunting dogs have been killed by wolves in the field, support the delisting of specific wolf populations. They want states to resume management control of the animals and establish regulations that will allow them to protect their property, including hunting dogs, from wolf attacks.

The FWS removed the Western Great Lakes wolves from the endangered list on Feb. 8 after determining that federal recovery efforts have been successful and the animals are no longer threatened.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation will collaborate with the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, and Wisconsin sportsmen Scott Meyer and Robert Stafsholt in the lawsuit.

Plaintiffs in the case against the FWS include the Humane Society of the United States and the Animal Protection Institute, groups that oppose all hunting.

This is the latest lawsuit brought by the anti’s to manipulate the ESA to eliminate hunting. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation is representing sportsmen’s interests in potentially precedent-setting lawsuits in Minnesota and Maine that would ban trapping to prevent incidental catch of lynx. A suit brought in Florida would make black bears in the state off-limits to sportsmen by classifying them as a sub-species and listing them as endangered.

The USSA is also challenging a FWS proposal to list polar bears as threatened and halt hunting programs, which came in response to a lawsuit filed by environmental groups.

[Jerry LaBella (Admin)]

PETA Proposes Excise Tax on Meat

PETA wants you to pay ten cent tax on meat

June 4, 2007 (National)

Are you a meat and potatoes kind of guy? If you like a good burger and fries, or fried chicken and biscuits, animal activists think you ought to pay more for your meal.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has kicked off a new “Tax Meat” Campaign, proposing a $.10 per pound excise tax to be paid on meat, the same way that gasoline, tobacco, and alcohol taxes are paid so that tax is calculated into the retail price.


PETA suggests that money raised by its “Tax Meat” scheme could be “put into health education and preventative medicine.” Translation – the money could be used to advocate vegetarian and vegan diets and promote the animal rights movement.

Animal activists have also asked federal lawmakers to give tax breaks to those who have sworn off the consumption of animals.

On May 30, PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk sent letters to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nanci Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging them to extend vegetarians the tax breaks that hybrid car owners receive for purchasing vehicles with low carbon emissions. She claims vegetarians are responsible for fewer greenhouse-gas emissions and environmental degradations than meat-eaters.

[administrator]

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance to Stand Up for Hunting on Fox News Program

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the nation’s leading sportsmen’s rights advocacy organization, will tonight address comments made by a Washington Post columnist and an NBA star that compare dog fighting to hunting.

Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Vice President for Government Affairs, will be a guest on Fox News Channel’s O’Reilly Factor to respond to the ridiculous comparison.

Tune in to Fox News tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 8:00 p.m. (replay at 11:00 p.m.) for the interview.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization 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.

[administrator]

USSA Working to Strip Anti-Hunting Language from Public Policy
Lowey puts anti-hunting rhetoric in federal report
September 7, 2007 (National)



Language has been added to a U.S. House Committee report that will wipe out funding for international conservation programs that facilitate hunting.

Congresswoman Nita Lowey, chair of the House Foreign Appropriations Subcommittee, has climbed onto her anti-hunting soapbox to make a statement in U.S. public policy that hunting is not favored by Congress. In the committee report for the House-passed State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, Lowey’s staff added the following statement at the behest of the Humane Society of the United States:

“The Committee is concerned about reports that USAID directly and indirectly supports recreational, sport and trophy hunting in its assistance programs in Africa. The Committee directs USAID to provide no funds to programs that support or promote recreational, sport, or trophy hunting as a conservation tool.”

The USSA and other sportsmen organizations are working with key federal lawmakers to remove the anti-conservation language. Although it is not in the bill to become law, it is a specific recommendation by a committee that holds the purse strings for agencies that implement government programs.

“Lawmakers use committee reports to issue edicts to federal agencies recommending preferred courses of action relative to specific issues,” said Bill Horn, USSA director of federal affairs. “Agencies don’t often buck the committee suggestions.”

Successful international conservation programs use hunting as a management tool. They emulate the United States, which has effectively used hunting as a conservation tool for over a century. These programs, especially in Africa, engage local communities and are very effective: poaching is reduced, wildlife populations prosper, and natural resources like water are conserved.

“The misguided House report language stymies effective programs and will hurt conservation efforts,” adds Horn.

The USSA and other organizations have stopped several recent federal anti-hunting efforts. It beat back an overt bill rider to ban bear hunting on federal land, and recently defeated an amendment that would have prohibited Americans from hunting polar bears in Canada.

[administrator]

Executive Order Takes Wind Out of Antis' Effort to Ban Hunting
Anti's Want Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Eliminated on Refuge
September 7, 2007 (National)



Anti-hunters are pressuring federal officials to ban hunting, fishing and trapping on a New England wildlife refuge; however, President Bush’s recent Executive Order trumps the demands of the anti’s.

In Defense of Animals, the Animal Protection Institute and other national anti-hunting groups are insisting that officials abandon plans to institute trapping and enhance hunting at the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. The antis’ actions are in response to recommendations put forth this summer by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in its Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the refuge, which is in New Hampshire and Maine.

“The President of the United States – through a recently issued Executive Order - has directed federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President Bud Pidgeon. “The order, coupled with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act that the USSA helped pass in 1997, mandates the enhancement of hunting opportunities on refuges and don’t leave the anti’s with much of a leg to stand on.”

Animal rights groups have initiated similar campaigns in recent years, demanding that refuge officials change long-term use plans for refuges throughout the Midwest. They have also tried to ban outdoor traditions on refuges via the courts.

[administrator]

NWTF Underscores Commitment to Hunters’ Rights
NWTF recognized as one of the USSA's top supporters of all time

October 5, 2007 (National)

(Columbus) - The National Wild Turkey Federation has reached a milestone, having donated more than $1 million to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the fight to protect hunting in America.



On Oct. 5 at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Senior Vice President of Communications Tammy Sapp presented a $100,000 check to Rick Story, USSA senior vice president. The contribution makes NWTF one of the top donors of all time to the nation’s leading sportsmen’s rights advocacy organization.



“This benchmark speaks volumes about the NWTF and its deep and steadfast commitment to the defense of outdoor sports,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president & CEO. “Its investment in the battle to protect sportsmen’s rights has paid dividends for hunters from Maine to California.”



The NWTF and USSA have partnered on many projects to promote and protect hunting. The team, along with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, established the Families Afield program to eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions and ease hunter education mandates for first time hunters.



"Removing youth hunting barriers is one way to help ensure the future of our hunting heritage for generations to come," said Rob Keck, CEO of the NWTF. "By fighting for sportsmen's rights, the USSA is making a significant difference and we're proud to support them."



The NWTF has also fought alongside the USSA to ensure the defeat of ballot issues to ban bear hunting in Alaska and Maine, defeat legislation to ban dove hunting in California, and vanquish a bill that would have kicked sportsmen off of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council and replaced them with environmental and animal rights activists. In Ohio, the two organizations worked to protect dove hunting at the ballot box.



“The NWTF understands that the anti-hunting threats to dove hunting or bear hunting are the tip of the iceberg, and if one of those pastimes falls, the turkey hunters will be one of the next in line,” said Pidgeon. “Its support of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance demonstrates its commitment to the future of all hunting and wildlife conservation nationwide.”



The USSA is planning to use the funds on its programs, which defend hunters from antis’ attacks and expose their agendas, show sportsmen that their rights are at risk, and inspire the next generation in the outdoor heritage.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protect 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.

161

[administrator]

Illinois Police Propose to Restrict Youth Hunting
Proposed regulation will keep youngsters out of the field

October 5, 2007 (National)



Law enforcement officials in Illinois have proposed regulations that will prohibit young people from partaking in hunting and other firearm-related activities.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has submitted a proposal to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) that will prohibit anyone under 10 years of age from obtaining an Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID). All Illinois residents who buy or possess firearms are required to have a valid FOID card. The proposal appears to be the department’s knee-jerk reaction to anti-hunting/anti-gun activists who responded with hysterics after reading a satirical article that made light of how easily a newborn could obtain a FOID.

The ISP’s proposal has drawn the ire of sportsmen. It denies parents of the right to decide when and how children get involved in hunting and shooting sports. If the age restriction is put in place, it will delay the entry of successive generations into the hunting heritage and lead to a decline in the sportsmen’s community.

“Research shows that in states with hunting age restrictions, the recruitment and retention ratio of new hunters is lower than in states that do not have such restrictions,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. “At present, Illinois does not have a minimum hunting age, and we would like to see it stay that way.”

The JCAR is an administrative body responsible for reviewing and considering proposed regulations. Prior to considering proposed regulations, JCAR must observe a 45-day public comment period during which citizens may submit written comments.

[administrator]

Puppy Mill Proposals are No Walk in the Park for Sportsmen
Sportsmen's vigilance key to protect your sports
October 12, 2007 (National)



Proposals aimed at so-called puppy mills are being offered in several states putting hunting with dogs in jeopardy.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance reports that the proposals, which have been introduced in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin, are intended to target abusive, commercial dog breeders, but will also catch up law abiding sportsmen who breed and hunt with dogs. Such proposals have the support of animal rights groups that systematically attempt to whittle away at hunters’ rights with subtle attacks on specific hunting interests, including hunting with dogs.

“Sportsmen do not object to regulations that will bring abusive breeders to justice, but we are concerned that these proposals will drive law-abiding sporting kennels out of business in the process,” said Rick Story, USSA senior vice president. “In many cases, the proposals dictate requirements for thousands of sportsmen that are utterly unrealistic, will cost thousands of dollars and, unless followed to the letter, will turn them into criminals.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has proposed regulations that will make it nearly impossible to breed and raise packs of hounds and hunting dogs. Throughout 2007, sportsmen have been battling the excessive regulations, which mandate immediate repairs to rusty fences and cracked concrete; extensive daily record keeping; and daily exercise requirements that do not include hunting or field trialing. In October, senior officials from Gov. Ed Rendell’s office committed that the regulations intended for commercial breeders will not be the same as those for sporting dog kennels. Unfortunately, the government still believes that some additional regulations are needed. The USSA and Pennsylvania sportsmen are not convinced.

“They’re going to have to prove why sportsmen should be burdened with higher costs and more complicated regulations before we will agree,” said Story. “Breeders of hunting dogs do not deserve to be treated as habitual violators of the law.”

In Ohio, companion puppy mill bills are making their way through the General Assembly. The bills will establish the classification of a “regulated dog breeding kennel” based upon an arbitrary number of dogs, which the USSA believes to be extremely low. The measures include exemptions for hunting and show dogs, but fail to protect field trials. They will also force sportsmen to prove which dogs are bred to turn a profit as opposed to those bred for one’s own hunting or companionship.

Additionally, a Wisconsin state senator is preparing to introduce a bill to regulate commercial dog breeders. As has been seen in other states, the stated intent is to get after abusive commercial breeding operations, but law-abiding sporting dog kennels could find themselves subject to regulations designed for commercial operations.

In all cases sportsmen must be engaged to ensure that distinctions are made between hunting dog breeders, whose goals are to create high-quality hunting dogs while maintaining breed standards, and abusive commercial operations that look to turn out as many puppies as possible.

Sportsmen nationwide should contact state legislators and ask them to keep legitimate sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders in mind when trying to rein in abusive commercial dog breeders. Ask them to make sure that law-abiding sportsmen are not regulated out of existence by one-size-fits-all policies on dog breeders. Use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org to contact your lawmaker today.

[administrator]

Trailblazer Introduces Outdoor Lifestyle to Half-Million Kids & Families
Program continues to bring in turnstile numbers of youth

October 12, 2007 (National)



The Trailblazer Adventure Program has opened the door to the out-of-doors for more than 500,000 young people and their families, nationwide. The largest outdoor youth program of its kind, Trailblazer is giving the shooting sports and America’s hunting heritage a shot in the arm at a time when hunting participation is on the downswing.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) developed the Trailblazer Adventure Program to raise awareness and participation in outdoor sports. The program allows seasoned sportsmen, wildlife professionals and industry experts to provide families hands-on firearm and archery lessons, fishing instruction, trapping demonstrations and more. Through its Trailmaster mentoring aspect, families learn even more about the outdoor sports from seasoned sportsmen and sportswomen.

“We are celebrating a milestone this October,” said Mary Cabela, Trailblazer Adventure Program chairwoman and co-founder of Cabela’s, Inc., the world’s foremost outfitter. “Trailblazer has crossed a threshold as more than a half-million children and families have experienced the program and learned how to safely use firearms, fishing rods, and other outdoor equipment since its inception in 2001. I am very proud of this accomplishment and congratulate the USSA staff and volunteers for their outstanding contribution to the outdoor lifestyle.”

Providing families and youngsters with opportunities to learn about and get involved in outdoor activities is critical to the future of shooting sports and fishing. Research by the National Sporting Goods Association shows a 19 percent decline in the number of 12 to 17-year-olds who have fished since 1997. Similar declines have been found in other outdoor activities, including hunting, and even basketball and biking. There is a dramatic shift towards indoor recreation as kids opt to play video games and watch television.

“The USSAF recognizes that shrinking youth participation in outdoor activities is translating into a shrinking sportsman population,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSAF president. “Trailblazer’s participation milestone shows that the program is on track to help salvage outdoor sports.”

The USSAF targets entire families with its program. Moms and dads are encouraged to participate along with their children.

“Trailblazer encourages family involvement in the outdoors,” said Pidgeon. “Youth are often the first to be sold when they shoulder a BB gun, but when parents discover that outdoor sports are family-oriented, fun and conservation-based, they too become strong advocates.”

Others within the outdoor industry also applaud Trailblazer’s success.

“The shooting sports industry continues to support the Trailblazer Adventure Program because it is showing measurable results," said Chris Dolnack, senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). "Trailblazer is really making a difference in the promotion of America's shooting and hunting traditions."

The NSSF is a major supporter and it endorses Trailblazer through its STEP OUTSIDE Program.

The USSAF attributes Trailblazer’s nationwide success to partnerships with youth-serving organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Campfire USA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, and Girls Incorporated. It also works in partnership with the Big Game Hunters Foundation; Foundation for North American Wild Sheep; Fur Takers of America; Kentucky Fur Takers Association; Masters of Foxhounds Association of America; National Rifle Association Foundation; National Shooting Sports Foundation; National Wild Turkey Federation chapters; Ohio Division of Wildlife; Safari Club International Foundation; Safari Club International, NY Tri-State Chapter; Shikar Safari Club International Foundation; U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit; West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; state wildlife agencies and local sportsmen’s clubs.

The USSAF Trailblazer Adventure Program has been honored with the Take Pride in America® award by the Dept. of Interior for its leadership in recruiting youth and families to the experiences of hunting and fishing and for teaching them about outdoor activities and conservation. The USSAF is one of the Take Pride in America Charter Partners, who work to improve public lands, historic sites and other recreation areas.

Trailblazer sponsors include the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Bushnell Performance Optics, Cabela’s, Charles Daly, Crosman, North Fork Bancorporation and The Outdoor Channel. Additional support comes from the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation; Bicknell Fund; William H. Flowers Jr. Foundation; Hampe Family Foundation; The Hearst Foundations, Inc.; JCK Foundation; and McBean Family Foundation.

For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure program, e-mail trailblazer@ussportsmen.org or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org.

The USSAF protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. It is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.

The NSSF is the professional trade association for the firearms industry. Formed in 1961, it manages a variety of public outreach programs with a special emphasis on promoting gun safety and participation in shooting sports.

Cabela’s is the World's Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. The leader in the outdoor equipment business, it has grown and prospered from simple beginnings to become the largest mail-order, retail and Internet outdoor outfitter in the world.

Shikar Safari Club International Foundation is an exclusive organization that supports conservation and education through a worldwide foundation. It works to enhance and preserve wildlife, and has placed particular emphasis on endangered and threatened species through the promotion of enforcement of conservation laws and regulations.

Founded by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen, The Outdoor Channel, a key contributor to Trailblazer, features quality programming designed to educate and entertain sportsmen of all skill levels. The channel promotes the traditional outdoor activities that are a vital part of our national heritage including fishing, hunting and shooting. To subscribe to the Outdoor Channel, contact your local cable provider, or satellite providers - Dish network, or Direct TV.

[administrator]

USSA Underscores Opposition to Polar Bear Hunting Ban
Sportsmen continue fight to protect polar bear hunt

October 30, 2007 (National)



The USSA continues its objections to a proposal to use the Endangered Species Act to prohibit the hunting of healthy polar bear populations.

On Oct. 22, the USSA filed comments with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service clarifying that U.S. Geological Survey reports released in Sept. do not demonstrate how a proposal to add polar bears to the Endangered Species List will improve factors that the agency has identified as long-term threats to the species. An ESA listing will ban the import of trophies from regulated hunting programs, slashing a major funding source for polar bear research and conservation. It will not resolve the environmental problems the report identifies as key factors in a predicted decline in polar bears.

“Listing the bears as endangered will not empower the Fish and Wildlife Service to control any global factors that may contribute to climate change and the alleged loss of Artic Sea ice,” said William Horn, USSA director of federal affairs. “But it will wipe out a significant amount of conservation funding that the hunts generate.”

Polar bear hunting programs in Canada mean more than $2.4 million annually for polar bear conservation and local economies. American sportsmen, who cannot hunt the animals in the United States due to federal restrictions, constitute 90 percent of Canada’s polar bear hunting clientele. They are integral to polar bear conservation, which will suffer if the proposed listing is approved.

The USSA also called into question the accuracy of the USGS reports. For instance, uncertainties in climate change and polar bear behavior models point to the need for additional research, which will not be funded if the hunts are prohibited.

The USSA believes that, while global climate change might threaten Arctic sea ice, the polar bear listing proposal is a political gesture based on inadequate scientific evidence that will do nothing to address the causes of climate change. The USSA wants the federal government’s proposal, which is aimed at inhibiting hunting rather than addressing climate change, to be withdrawn.

“An ESA listing simply will not provide the Fish and Wildlife Service with the type of power or expertise necessary to address the problem of global climate change, and the proposed listing is nothing more than a meaningless gesture,” added Horn.

A final decision on the listing will be made in Jan. 2008, after a public comment period and scientific review.

[administrator]

Bowhunts Gaining Traction as Deer Control
Emerging trend of deer population management includes bowhunters

October 29, 2007 (National)
Several Midwestern towns are implementing bowhunting as a safe and effective way to control skyrocketing deer herds.
On Oct. 3, the Granville, Ohio Village Council unanimously approved an ordinance to allow bowhunting in the community. As of Nov. 2, hunting will be permitted on private property with written permission. The chief of police, with approval of the village manager and following a review of the village council, will establish rules and regulations for the hunt.

Anti’s resisted the new ordinance, instead suggesting deer birth control, which has been proven to be ineffective.

In the Des Moines, Iowa suburb of Urbandale, bowhunting will now be permitted in four city parks to safely control deer numbers. The Polk County Deer Task Force recommends there be 30 deer per square mile, and surveys show the new hunting areas have several times that many animals. Private property has also been included in the hunting area this year.

Sportsmen may take antlerless deer from a tree stand. Hunting and is not permitted within 100 feet of a road, trail or right of way, or within 200 feet of a home or building. The bowhunt will run through Jan. 27.

In Portage, Indiana, the John Merle Coulter Nature Preserve has opened its woods to bowhunting. On Oct. 2, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust received Portage City Council permission to allow bowhunting on the property to control a booming deer herd that is causing extensive property damage and threatening endangered plants.

Hunters must have a valid hunting license and are to have completed a hunter education course. The hunt will coincide with the state’s bowhunting season, from now until Dec. 2 and from Dec. 8 through Jan. 6.

The Bowhunter Rights Coalition will continue to monitor the progress of these new deer control measures and with the help of sportsmen, will draw attention of their success to other communities that could integrate bowhunting into deer population control.

[administrator]

Court Deems Sportsmen’s Input Vital to Grizzly Delisting Lawsuit
Sportsmen gain a foothold in anti-hunting litigation

November 2, 2007 (National)



A federal judge will allow the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to defend sportsmen’s interests in a lawsuit brought by anti’s seeking to prevent the removal of recovered wildlife populations from the federal endangered list.

On Oct. 31, Judge Edward Lodge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho granted a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) motion to file a brief with the Court addressing the substantive legal issues in the case from the sportsmen’s perspective. Anti-hunters sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in June, claiming it violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when it removed from the federal endangered list the distinct populations of abundant grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Sportsmen support the delisting and are concerned that efforts to obstruct it will prevent states from resuming rightful control of healthy wildlife populations.

Anti-hunters filed suit to exploit imprecise language that exists in the Endangered Species Act and use the law as a tool to eliminate hunting. They seem to ignore the fact that the ESA has allowed once-troubled grizzly populations to recover; they strictly want to use the ESA to ban hunting.

The FWS removed Yellowstone grizzly bears from the endangered list on April 30 after determining that federal recovery efforts have been successful and the animals are no longer threatened.

Judge Lodge also granted motions by the Wyoming and Idaho wildlife agencies to join the case as defendants. He agreed that the states have sufficient stake in the litigation. At the same time, he denied motions to intervene by Safari Club International, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation and Wyoming Wildlife Federation, determining their interests would be adequately represented by the state and federal agencies.

Plaintiffs in the case against the FWS include the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council and Center for Biological Diversity.

This is the latest lawsuit brought by the anti’s to manipulate the ESA to eliminate hunting. The USSAF is representing sportsmen’s interests in a similar case to allow states to resume management control of abundant gray wolf populations in the upper Midwest that were once endangered. It is also involved in a potentially precedent-setting lawsuit in Minnesota that would ban trapping to prevent incidental catch of lynx. A suit brought in Florida would make black bears in the state off-limits to sportsmen by classifying them as a sub-species and listing them as endangered.

[administrator]

Proposal Will Snatch Guns from Young Adults and Youth in Ohio
Pending legislation understates the safety of youth hunting

November 2, 2007 (National)



Legislation has been introduced in Ohio that will stop anyone under the age of 21 from hunting or shooting without supervision.

House Bill 354, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Cleveland Heights, and Sandra Williams, D-Cleveland, prohibits anyone under 21-years-old from possessing a firearm. Under the bill, if an adult or youth who does not meet the age requirement plans to handle a firearm, he or she must do so in the presence of someone 21 or over. Licensed hunters who now take to the woods solo will have to bring a supervisor if the bill passes.

“If passed, this bill would have a devastating effect on efforts to attract new hunters and recreational shooters,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “It is inconceivable that the government would send people between the ages of 18 and 21 to war, but prohibit them from hunting or target shooting.”

Bill sponsors claim that the legislation is aimed at preventing gun violence and accidents; however, hunters and recreational shooters promote safe handling of firearms. Accident rates among hunters and shooters are at historic lows.

For those under eighteen, parents are best equipped to make this decision, not the government,” said Sexton. “The proposal will not stop criminals from using firearms, but it will stop hunters from passing on our traditions to the next generation.”

House Bill 354 has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Take Action! Ohio sportsmen should ask state representatives to reject HB 354. Let them know that you oppose unnecessary restrictions on youth hunting. To find your representative, call (800) 282-0253 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

[administrator]

The Anti-Hunting Messages in School: A is for Activist

Antis subject impressionable youth to their propaganda

November 2, 2007 (National)



One expects to find homework and text books in a child’s book bag or backpack. But shoved in with the essay questions and times tables tests, parents must keep an eye out for anti-hunting propaganda.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest anti-hunting group, distributes KIND News to at least 35,000 classrooms each month. The November edition encourages readers, which total more than a million children in grades K-6, to become activists and promote federal legislation that will ban polar bear hunting.

“Through this classroom publication and other resources, animal rightists are trying to convince our children to take up the sword for the anti-hunting movement,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. “It’s entry-level activism. The HSUS directs children to talk about animal rights issues being voted on locally and nationally, contact lawmakers to affect change, and ‘live peacefully’ with and not ‘disturb’ wildlife.”

The HSUS has cleverly disguised its anti-hunting agenda and slipped it into classrooms. The little newspapers appear benign, but the content is far from it.

“Teachers, parents and adults must keep track of the animal rights propaganda that is making its way into our schools as ‘humane education,’” said Pidgeon. “If your child brings home a newsletter or worksheet provided by an anti-hunting group, contact your child’s teacher and principal.”

Parents and guardians must let school administrators know that the materials promote organizations that aim to destroy wildlife conservation and the hunting traditions. If you are unsure whether the information is related to an anti-hunting organization, please contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at (614) 888-4868 or e-mail info@ussportsmen.org.

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Sportsmen’s Conservation Funding at Risk
Senate considers Farm Bill
November 9, 2007 (National)



Sportsmen’s grassroots action is needed to ensure that recently-proposed federal conservation funding will not be diverted from habitat-improvement programs.



The 2007 Farm Bill, provisions of which will provide funding for important wildlife programs that benefit sportsmen and wildlife, faces an uphill battle in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The U.S House of Representatives approved a version of the bill that will provide $4.5 billion in new conservation monies, but Senate Agriculture Committee members want to divert the funding away from conservation to other priorities.



Sportsmen view the House proposal as a strong starting point, and are advocating that the Senate equal the House level on the conservation programs. Sportsmen should contact their U.S. senators and ask that they fully fund and support Farm Bill conservation programs. Encourage them to leave all funding associated with conservation within the Conservation Title so that programs such as Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program remain viable.



The Conservation Reserve Program helps farmers and ranchers protect valuable wildlife habitat and enhance forest and wetland resources. It promotes the conservation of vegetative cover, wildlife plantings, and riparian buffers. Similarly, the Wetlands Reserve Program helps landowners with wetland restoration efforts. It offers opportunities to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is supporting the efforts of conservation organizations to ensure support for key elements of the Farm Bill that are critical to improving wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities.



Take action! Your help is needed to secure vital conservation funding from the federal government. Contact your senators and ask them to fully fund and support Farm Bill conservation programs. Call (202) 224-3121 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

[administrator]

Court Deems Sportsmen’s Input Vital to Grizzly Delisting Lawsuit
Sportsmen gain a foothold in anti-hunting litigation
November 2, 2007 (National)



A federal judge will allow the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to defend sportsmen’s interests in a lawsuit brought by anti’s seeking to prevent the removal of recovered wildlife populations from the federal endangered list.

On Oct. 31, Judge Edward Lodge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho granted a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) motion to file a brief with the Court addressing the substantive legal issues in the case from the sportsmen’s perspective. Anti-hunters sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in June, claiming it violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when it removed from the federal endangered list the distinct populations of abundant grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Sportsmen support the delisting and are concerned that efforts to obstruct it will prevent states from resuming rightful control of healthy wildlife populations.

Anti-hunters filed suit to exploit imprecise language that exists in the Endangered Species Act and use the law as a tool to eliminate hunting. They seem to ignore the fact that the ESA has allowed once-troubled grizzly populations to recover; they strictly want to use the ESA to ban hunting.

The FWS removed Yellowstone grizzly bears from the endangered list on April 30 after determining that federal recovery efforts have been successful and the animals are no longer threatened.

Judge Lodge also granted motions by the Wyoming and Idaho wildlife agencies to join the case as defendants. He agreed that the states have sufficient stake in the litigation. At the same time, he denied motions to intervene by Safari Club International, Idaho Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation and Wyoming Wildlife Federation, determining their interests would be adequately represented by the state and federal agencies.

Plaintiffs in the case against the FWS include the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council and Center for Biological Diversity.

This is the latest lawsuit brought by the anti’s to manipulate the ESA to eliminate hunting. The USSAF is representing sportsmen’s interests in a similar case to allow states to resume management control of abundant gray wolf populations in the upper Midwest that were once endangered. It is also involved in a potentially precedent-setting lawsuit in Minnesota that would ban trapping to prevent incidental catch of lynx. A suit brought in Florida would make black bears in the state off-limits to sportsmen by classifying them as a sub-species and listing them as endangered.

[administrator]

USA Today Polls America:

What does the Second Amendment Mean?
December 5, 2007 (National)



For decades, Americans have debated whether the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution affords individuals the right to keep guns. Today is your chance to be heard on the issue.

USA Today’s Quick Question asks: Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?

Click here to let the nation know what you think. Take the single-question survey now, and find out how many people agree with your interpretation of the Second Amendment. (Results appear after you complete the survey.)

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization 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.

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Outdoor Life Names USSA Chairman Among Top Outdoor Leaders
Richard and Jim Cabela Receive Recognition

December 7, 2007 (National)



U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance proudly announces that Chairman Richard Cabela was recently honored by Outdoor Life magazine as one of the most influential people in the conservation movement.

Richard Cabela and his brother Jim are identified by Outdoor Life as “retail brothers with your rights in mind.” The pair, along with Richard’s wife Mary, founded Cabela’s, Inc., which has grown to be one of the most successful sporting goods stores in the world. The Cabelas are widely recognized in direct marketing and other business circles, but their commitment to conservation goes much deeper.

The Cabelas are dedicated champions of the sportsmen’s rights movement. For the past six years, Richard has chaired the USSA and USSAF Boards of Directors and Trustees. He is also the founder and original chairman of the USSA’s Outdoor Business Council, which provides direct avenues for business leaders to play a significant role in the protection of the outdoor legacy.

It’s not just the men in the family who uphold the hunting traditions. Mary Cabela has chaired the USSA Trailblazer Commission since 2003. With her support, the Trailblazer Adventure Program, which was designed to raise awareness and participation in outdoor sports, has opened the door to the out-of-doors for more than 500,000 young people and families, nationwide.

Richard and Mary Cabela live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle. One of their most significant commitments to conservation came this year when the couple announced a plan to set up a $1 million bequest for the USSA. The pledge will allow the USSA to continue the fight to protect hunting.

“Sportsmen owe the Cabelas a debt of gratitude for all they have done to promote and protect America’s outdoor traditions,” said USSA President Bud Pidgeon. “Their leadership and support has been priceless in the battle to preserve the outdoor traditions.”

Also named as one of the top conservationists was National Wild Turkey Federation Senior Vice President Dr. James Earl Kennamer. He has played a key role in forging partnerships between hunters and wildlife agencies, corporations and conservation groups that have helped restore wild turkey populations.

[administrator]

Survey Will Help Guide Hunter Access Program
Take NWTF survey today
December 7, 2007 (National)



The National Wild Turkey Federation is surveying sportsmen nationwide to find out how it can help protect access to hunting lands.

Take the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) More Places to Hunt survey today. Your participation will allow NWTF to understand what issues and concerns exist when it comes to finding a favorite hunting spot. This information will help as it develops projects for its new More Places to Hunt program.

Studies by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) show that many hunters give up the sport because they cannot find quality hunting grounds. The NWTF instituted the More Places to Hunt program to curtail the trend, which has a ripple effect throughout the conservation community.

“The USSA shares a concern that hampered hunter access will result in the continued slide of hunter numbers,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “We have partnered with NWTF and NSSF on the Families Afield program to enhance the recruitment of young hunters and will also support the effort to better manage hunter access."

[administrator]

Journalists’ Congressional Comment Deadline Dec. 19, 2007
Outdoor media representatives should take action

December 14, 2007 (National)



The Professional Outdoor Media Association is calling on journalists to speak directly to Congress regarding land-use fees charged to the media for filming on public lands. Journalists and other interested parties who want to share their views with the Congressional Committee on Natural Resources may during a 10-day comment period.



The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is accepting comments from all interested parties and will compile and present all comments to the Committee on Natural Resources before the Dec. 21 deadline. Journalists and others who are interested in commenting may utilize an online comment form or send comments to POMA via e-mail. The deadline to provide comments is Dec. 19, 2007.



Online comment form: http://www.professionaloutdoormedia.org/congress

E-mail comments to: mailto:mlldovey@professionaloutdoormedia.org



The comment period follows a Dec. 12, full hearing of the committee. Several representatives of the journalistic community, including POMA’s Chairman Steve Scott, represented the media as they testified at the hearing. The full testimony of each hearing participant is available online at the Congressional Committee on Natural Resources’ Web site.



As a result of the hearing, ongoing discussions regarding fees appear to be centered on two possible alterations to pending legislation that currently requires fees be paid by any commercial entity, including individual freelance photographer/videographers, utilizing public lands.



The two options being considered are:



Forgoing a national fees/regulation structure and leaving the decision of determining and assessing fees in the hands of the local authorities — in some cases to local rangers



Charging an annual license fee to journalists for unlimited access to all public lands



Journalists are encouraged to comment immediately on the fees issue in general and/or the two options being considered.

[administrator]

Sweepstakes Winner to be Drawn Soon Turn in your Trailblazer Sweepstakes tickets before Dec. 28

December 14, 2007 (National)



The 2007 Trailblazer Sweepstakes is coming to a close. Be sure your tickets are turned in to the USSA before Dec. 28.



Mail any remaining Trailblazer Sweepstakes tickets to the USSA today. Your donation benefits the nation’s leading sportsmen’s rights advocacy group and could make you a Grand Prize winner. The top prize is our choice of a Chevy Silverado 4x4 lease or $10,000 cash. First prize is $5,000 cash, and that’s not all…



…Other prizes in the sweepstakes include hunting trips, firearms, fishing equipment and much more for hunting enthusiasts. Who wouldn’t want a once in a lifetime Alaska blacktail hunting trip?


Take this final opportunity to contribute to the Trailblazer Sweepstakes.

Return tickets to USSA, 801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229.

E-mail kwaters@ussportsmen.org to get your tickets today.

[administrator]

Get a Job Doing What You Love
Sportsmen urged to volunteer as Local Field Directors

December 14, 2007 (National)



Do you want to share the outdoor lifestyle with thousands of families and be instrumental in the fight to protect hunting, fishing and trapping? The USSA needs you!

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is seeking Local Field Directors who will help us to promote area programs, projects and campaigns to protect and advance the hunting heritage.

The individual(s) will help to organize volunteers for the Trailblazer Adventure Program, the largest-scale youth outdoor program of its kind - it has brought the thrill of outdoor sports to more than 500,000 young people and families since 2001. Those who join the corps will also visit local sportsmen's clubs to promote the USSA and its mission, help with local fund raising efforts, and organize sportsmen for campaigns to protect hunting, fishing and trapping from the anti-hunters' attacks.

This is a volunteer position. The USSA will cover work-related expenses and provide some compensation for time invested.

If you want to ensure that the outdoor traditions live on, we need your help.

Please contact Frank Price, USSAF Education Director at fprice@ussportsmen.org or call (614) 888-4868 x 202 for information about the position.

Want to join the USSA? Click here and fill out our online membership application.

[administrator]

Dec. 21, 2007

Interior Appropriations Bill Omits Hunting Ban
Polar Bear Conservation is Safe…for now

Federal lawmakers have protected polar bear hunting, but a looming decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could eliminate the hunt and cripple conservation efforts.

Language that would have prohibited American big game hunters from importing Canadian polar bear trophies was excluded from the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which passed Dec. 19. The anti-hunting language had been included in the Senate version of the bill, but sportsmen’s grassroots action in June kept it out of the House adaptation.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance worked with the National Rifle Association to convince lawmakers to omit the anti-hunting language from the omnibus bill. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-CO; Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-CA; and Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK played vital roles in protecting the hunt. The USSA also credits Rep. Ron Kind, D-WI; Rep. Don Young, R-AK; Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-KS; and Rep. Dan Boren, D-OK for their aid in defeating the anti-hunting amendment that appeared in the House version of the bill this summer.



“Congressional leadership got the message that polar bear conservation will collapse if baseless hunting bans are established,” said Rick Story, USSA senior vice president. “Now we must hope that the Fish and Wildlife Service is on the same page and does not hogtie polar bear conservation by listing the animals as threatened.”



The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will make a final determination in January 2008 whether to list the polar bear as a federally-threatened species. The proposal to list the animals is a political gesture that was put forth after environmental groups threatened to sue the government.



Science shows that polar bear populations are at historic highs and that there are no imminent threats to the healthy, huntable populations. The listing will put effective polar bear conservation in jeopardy, but the loss of Arctic sea ice, which the service identifies as the formidable threat to the bear populations, will not be addressed.



American sportsmen comprise approximately 90 percent of the foreign hunting clientele in Canada, annually pouring millions of dollars into polar bear conservation and management, not to mention the financial benefits to the local communities. American hunters are the primary source of essential funding for conservation and research that allows for continued success of the populations.



The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization 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.

[administrator]

Nations Largest Anti Group Set to Join Forces in Partnership
Nations Largest Anti Group Set to Join Forces in Partnership

January 18, 2008



On January 14, the HSUS announced their corporate partnership with the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR). The two will collaborate in establishing the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA).



This provides the HSUS an even wider platform on which to promote animal rights. Of the 80,000 veterinarians in the U.S., only 11,000 are supporters of the HSUS.



The HSUS is no stranger to conducting their own veterinary practices. They started the Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) in 2002, which operates only in areas where they feel regular veterinarians are under serving.



AVAR which was founded in 1981 represents more than 3,500 veterinarians.



This merger will grant the HSUS more funds, publicity, and supporters, helping them continue to wage war against sportsmen. The partnership will be official on February 1, 2008.

[administrator]

Proposed Ordinances Could Prove Dangerous to Sporting Dog Owners
Volusia County, Florida Residents Should Act Now!
February 13, 2008 (National)

Sportsmen in Volusia County, Florida face two proposed ordinances now before their county council which will erode their rights.

The proposed ordinances would make it impossible to keep and train hunting dogs within the county. Similar codes have made their way through city councils across the United States. They hurt legitimate hunting dog owners and breeders.

One of the proposed ordinances would require a sporting dog or other dog owner who is a “hobby breeder” to be licensed the same as a commercial “animal care facility”. An “animal care facility” is defined as “premises where six or more domesticated pets, including feral dogs and cats, over six months of age, are sheltered, maintained, trained, boarded, or bred, whether for profit or for personal use for any length of time”

The proposed ordinance also includes changes to the amount of land needed to house over four animals six months or older, mandates at least 50 feet of yard space, and would mandate that outdoor areas be double fenced to prevent escape. A public hearing for the ordinance was held on February 7, and a final reading and vote is scheduled to take place on February 21.

A mandatory spay/neuter ordinance is also being considered. It would make it nearly impossible to breed and raise hunting dogs. A draft of the proposed mandatory spay/neuter ordinance was presented at a meeting on February 7.

Take Action! Volusia County, Florida residents should contact Volusia County Council Members and urge them to oppose these ordinances. Tell them that such laws make it impossible for many to keep hunting dogs, and are hard to enforce. To contact your council member, call the citizen hotline at 866-345-0345.

[administrator]

Sportsmen Should Investigate Candidates' Stance on Sporting Issues
February 13, 2008

Sportsmen are a powerful political force, but their power lies in their willingness to take action and make their voices heard. This year, American voters will select a chief executive. The electorate will decide upon legislative leadership at the local, state and federal levels.

For information about the presidential candidates, you can check their websites, or phone their campaign offices and ask about the issues that affect your rights as sportsmen. Also it is important to look at voting records, and what candidates have said in the past. Below are websites and phone numbers for each presidential candidate.



Hillary Clinton www.hillaryclinton.com (703) 469-2008

Mike Huckabee www.mikehuckabee.com (501) 324-2008

John McCain www.exploremccain.com (703) 418-2008

Barack Obama www.barackobama.com (866) 675-2008

Ron Paul www.ronpaul2008.com (703) 248-9115

For more information on where candidates stand on key issues, their background, and articles about them, visit projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/.

Even more important than the presidential candidates are the local and state candidates who want to represent you. State and Local representatives are the people who put into motion most of the laws and ordinances which could affect your rights as a sportsman or sportswoman. To find out more information about who your representatives are, and how to get in touch with them visit the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance legislative action center at www.ussportsmen.org.

In the past, sportsmen have stepped up and defeated the anti’s in campaigns to protect mourning dove hunting, bear hunting and trapping in several states. But without the sportsmen’s votes, the anti’s tactics will be successful and outdoor sports will suffer.

Take Action! Encourage your family, friends, and fellow sportsmen to investigate where candidates stand on the issues that affect you. A voter has power. Fulfill your obligation as an American citizen to help decide the future of our nation.

[administrator]

WaveSpin Reel wins Field & Stream Magazine’s
prestigious 2008 “BEST of the BEST” Award Third honor for company that’s less than one- year old

PORT RICHEY, Fla. – In horse racing the Triple Crown is the pinnacle of achievements for three-year-olds.
For a company less than a year old, WaveSpin Reels’ winning its third and latest accolade feels like winning that ultimate title – especially against big-name companies in the fishing tackle industry.
The latest was Field & Stream Magazine’s prestigious 2008 “BEST of the BEST” Award in the March issue in which the editors of the 112-year old publication said "Doug Hannon’s WaveSpin Reels are a radical design at a time when innovation in spinning is hard to find."
Only two months before the modestly priced reels (the DH 3000 is $79.95), also got an honor from Outdoor Life Magazine when fishing editor Jerry Gibbs wrote that the reel represents “the first significant improvement in salt- and freshwater spinning-reel design in more than 50 years. What sets the WaveSpin apart from its competitors is that it's virtually impossible for the line to birdnest during a cast.”
And in January, TackleTour.com presented the reel with its Innovation Award.
“When it comes to the recognition and accolades this reel has received, the word ‘gratification’ would be a serious understatement,” Hannon said. “Beyond those, we have experienced volumes of comments, web postings, and phone calls all attesting to the fishing public's new love affair with this WaveSpin technology. Most rewarding is when someone says I have made it possible for them to enjoy fishing with their child or spouse, due to the trouble free functionality of this reel. We are bringing new people into fishing. I have come to realize in the end that WaveSpin represents an improvement that will never be improved upon, because it completely solves the problem.”
Hannon, who one scribe has called the “Thomas Edison of fishing,” holds 16 patents most in the outdoor arena including his weedless propeller, an advancement that effectively revolutionized the trolling motor industry. His innovations was one reason Outdoor Life honored Hannon as one of 25 people having the greatest positive influence on hunting and fishing.
His latest invention, the WaveSpin spinning reel is receiving high praise with its patented spool that makes loops irrelevant with either monofilament or braided lines.
Unlike the smooth lip on all other spinning reels, the WaveSpin reel features 16 smoothly rounded teeth – or waves -- on the spool lip which completely eliminate the eruption of a birdnest due a loop or loops that may have been retrieved onto the spool. During casting looped line lies harmlessly between the waves on the spool and simply unwinds on the next cast unnoticed and without creating tangles of any kind. Even if a loop lies on the spool instead of between the waves, the patented design still allows the line to cast freely.
Put to the test by Gibbs and some "pretty vile casters," he said Hannon's latest creation lived up to its claims.
Hannon’s WaveSpin is marketed by XXX-Stream Tackle through a growing number of major sporting and fishing goods stores (Cabela’s and Gander Mountain) along with direct sales on its website www.wavespinreel.com. For information on WaveSpin please contact Russ Riley, VP of Operations, at: 989-967-8426 or via e-mail at investrepo@hotmail.com .
###
(Caption: WaveSpin with its spool of 16 rounded teeth that eliminate tangles and birdnests.)
(Caption: Trouble free the WaveSpin is great for pros or youngsters.)

Contact: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.
Scottsdale, Ariz. 85267
480-951-3654 (ph), 480-951-0040 (fax),
JohnsonCom@aol.com (e-mail)

[administrator]

Families Afield Progress Continues
Recent and Pending Legislation
February 26, 2008

The success of the Families Afield initiative continues. Three states have enacted new laws to remove barriers to new hunters.

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine on Feb. 22 signed House Bill 1175 into law. The bill creates a two year apprentice hunting license to allow newcomers to take to the field with a licensed adult hunter prior to the completion of hunter education.

In Indiana, House Bill 1046 has passed both Chambers of the legislature and awaits the signature of Governor Mitch Daniels. The bill creates an apprentice hunting license allowing resident or nonresident newcomers, who are accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, to hunt for 3 years prior to the completion of a hunter education course.

South Dakota House Bill 1263 passed the Senate on Feb. 26 by a vote of 24 – 11 and will now head to the governor for his approval. The measure allows those aged 10 through 15 to hunt without a license if they are accompanied by a licensed hunting mentor. The mentor must be unarmed and any game taken by the youth counts against the mentor’s tag.

In Maryland, House Bill 655 flew in the face of the national trend of removing barriers to hunting. The measure would have instituted a minimum hunting licensing age of 13. It was scheduled for a hearing this week. Due to pressure from sportsmen, the hearing has been canceled and the sponsor has withdrawn the bill from further consideration, leading USSA to believe that the measure never had much support in the first place.

The efforts in Virginia, Indiana, and South Dakota are part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. Together, with the support of the National Rifle Association and state and local sportsmen’s organization, the partnership has worked to ensure support for these measures. With the addition of Virginia, a total of 22 states have now enacted Families Afield style bills since the program was launched in 2004.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protect 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.

[administrator]

Another great column.
Jim Slinsky
Some Good Legislative News, Maybe


There is no shortage of bad news these days. Whether it is the local, state or federal arena, we are bombarded with bad news on a daily basis. If you are all wrapped-up in the political issues of our day, you also get hit with the press alerts of bad, pending legislation. Most of it is downright depressing.

Occasionally, there is some good news. Actually, I prefer reporting on good news, but it is just too infrequent to keep me smiling. It is fun to plug a legislator or individual who rises to the challenge of speaking out and taking the high road. I can’t tell you for certain if our legislators truly understand that we, the people, look to them to correct the great injustices in our society. It is the benchmark by which we judge the character of our individual legislator and the effectiveness of government.

Senator Robert Robbins has been pretty busy these past few months. He was the prime mover and shaker of Senate Bill 1172, the Emergency Powers Bill. We all remember the debacle that occurred in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Law enforcement went almost door to door disarming law-abiding citizens. That is fact; taking citizens’ firearms and ammunition at a time when they needed them most. This was in direct violation of the US Constitution, I believe. It is still difficult to accept the arrogance of government at that moment in history. Senator Robbins’ bill prevents this from ever happening in PA. It passed the Senate 50 to 0. It has been sent to the House for their approval. This one is a no-brainer and I hope our House members display their integrity, their commitment to our citizens and their understanding of both Constitutions by passing this bill without debate.

Senate Bill 497 is another piece of Senator Robbins’ efforts called the Landowner Protection Bill. This one protects landowners from frivolous lawsuits if they open their land to our citizens for recreation. This encompassed all kinds of recreation, not just hunting. Unfortunately, this bill was amended by Senator Edwin Erickson and lost much of its impact. Senator Erickson doesn’t believe if a landowner is sued frivolously, he should be entitled to recover his legal defense costs. Look for this amendment to be challenged in the House with some serious resulting debate.

Over on the House side, a bill has been written by State Rep Mike Hanna that is long overdue. It doesn’t have a number yet, but SR Hanna is looking for cosponsors. This bill requires the PGC to manage wildlife scientifically with verifiable data, recreationally, socially and economically. What a novel idea. It will actually force our PGC Commissioners to act responsibly and consider all factors in wildlife management instead of being a mouthpiece for the forestry industry. SR Hanna will certainly appreciate your input with your local representative on this one.

Another piece of legislation in the pipeline deals with habitat remediation. This one mandates that after a timber cut the agencies would be required to lime and fertilize the soil and replace the nutrients removed or depleted by acid rain. Once again, this is common sense legislation that is actually another no-brainer. Every farmer in this country realizes that he must replace the nutrients and recover the soil after harvesting a crop. Since our forests have been changed into tree farms this one should not require a great deal of debate.

The SR Hanna legislation and the remediation legislation were conceptually put forth by the Unified Sportsmen of PA acting on the demand of the majority of our sportsmen in this state.

One piece of legislation not doing well is SR Steven Cappelli’s HB 641 commonly referred to as the “Castle Doctrine”. The legislation eliminates the obligation for our citizens to retreat in home invasive situations and prevents frivolous lawsuits if the citizen uses deadly force to protect his person and family. As of January 2007, fifteen states had passed similar legislation.

You may have heard HB 1214 limiting a PGC Commissioner term to four years also passed the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and is headed for a full Senate vote.

With the exception of HB 641 all of the above is good news going in the right direction. No curative legislation has actually passed, yet. While the above is encouraging, the speed in which our critical issues are addressed seems to need a great deal of improvement.

Jim Slinsky is the host and producer of the “Outdoor Talk Network”, a nationally syndicated, outdoor-talk radio program. For a station near you or to contact Jim, visit his website at www.outdoortalknetwork.com

[administrator]

Mourning Dove Hunting Again Under Attack
Sportsmen face continued threats against dove hunts in Minnesota and Rhode Island
March 11, 2008 (National)

Legislation to ban the hunting of mourning doves in Minnesota was recently heard by committees in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate.

In the House, HF 2501 was defeated after being heard in committee, while in the Senate, SF 2329 was heard, but did not receive a vote. Despite these bills failing in committee, many around the capitol believe that the animal rights crowd will push for the dove hunting ban to be inserted as an amendment into the Department of Natural Resources policy bill. The DNR policy bill is aimed at accomplishing many smaller items for the department and will likely be introduced in mid-to-late March.

If the anti-dove language is included, the bill will ban hunting for the nation’s #1 game bird, the mourning dove. More people hunt mourning doves across the U.S. than ducks and geese combined. Anti-hunting groups have wanted to take the Minnesota season away since sportsmen successfully fought to get it established in 2004. Mourning dove hunting is a time honored tradition in 40 states, including Minnesota, and there is simply no justification for ending the hunt.

The USSA worked with Minnesota sportsmen’s groups to pass mourning dove hunting legislation in 2004.

Sportsmen face a similar threat in Rhode Island where Senate Bill 2393, introduced by Senator Rhoda E. Perry (D-Providence) and Senator Joshua Miller (D-Cranston), has been sent to the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee. The bill would make it illegal to take, kill, buy, sell or possess mourning doves. Rhode Island remains the last New England state with a dove hunt despite constant legislative attacks being introduced year after year.

Take Action! Minnesota and Rhode Island sportsmen must contact their legislators today to urge them to oppose banning mourning dove hunting.

To find your Minnesota State Representative call the information desk at (651) 296-2146 and ask them to transfer you to your representative. Ask your representative to oppose House File 2501.

To find your Minnesota State Senator call the information desk at (651) 296-0504 and ask them to transfer you to your senator. Ask your senator to opposed Senate File 2329.

To find and contact your Rhode Island legislator call (401) 222-2466. Ask your representative to oppose Senate Bill 2393.

Legislator contact information can also be found by using the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.




Sportsmen face continued threats against dove hunts in Minnesota and Rhode Island

March 11, 2008 (National)

Legislation to ban the hunting of mourning doves in Minnesota was recently heard by committees in the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate.

In the House, HF 2501 was defeated after being heard in committee, while in the Senate, SF 2329 was heard, but did not receive a vote. Despite these bills failing in committee, many around the capitol believe that the animal rights crowd will push for the dove hunting ban to be inserted as an amendment into the Department of Natural Resources policy bill. The DNR policy bill is aimed at accomplishing many smaller items for the department and will likely be introduced in mid-to-late March.

If the anti-dove language is included, the bill will ban hunting for the nation’s #1 game bird, the mourning dove. More people hunt mourning doves across the U.S. than ducks and geese combined. Anti-hunting groups have wanted to take the Minnesota season away since sportsmen successfully fought to get it established in 2004. Mourning dove hunting is a time honored tradition in 40 states, including Minnesota, and there is simply no justification for ending the hunt.

The USSA worked with Minnesota sportsmen’s groups to pass mourning dove hunting legislation in 2004.

Sportsmen face a similar threat in Rhode Island where Senate Bill 2393, introduced by Senator Rhoda E. Perry (D-Providence) and Senator Joshua Miller (D-Cranston), has been sent to the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee. The bill would make it illegal to take, kill, buy, sell or possess mourning doves. Rhode Island remains the last New England state with a dove hunt despite constant legislative attacks being introduced year after year.

Take Action! Minnesota and Rhode Island sportsmen must contact their legislators today to urge them to oppose banning mourning dove hunting.

To find your Minnesota State Representative call the information desk at (651) 296-2146 and ask them to transfer you to your representative. Ask your representative to oppose House File 2501.

To find your Minnesota State Senator call the information desk at (651) 296-0504 and ask them to transfer you to your senator. Ask your senator to opposed Senate File 2329.

To find and contact your Rhode Island legislator call (401) 222-2466. Ask your representative to oppose Senate Bill 2393.

Legislator contact information can also be found by using the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

[administrator]

Dear Senators and Representatives:
My latest column.
Enjoy.
Jim Slinsky

Column 364

Who’s Your Buddy?

We are all actors upon a stage. That’s all life really is. We are characters acting out our parts. Some of us have bit parts, others have leading roles. No one has handed us a script. We ad lib on a daily basis, but nonetheless the show must and will go on. The curtain is about to be pulled back in Harrisburg. The actors will enter from the wings. We are uncertain if we are about to witness a tragedy, a comedy or a riveting rendition of man against man in the struggle for survival and dominance. I am sitting on the edge of my chair.

Unless you have been in Guatemala for the sailfish bite over the last eight years, you should realize that the patient is scheduled for surgery. After twelve years of State Rep Bruce Smith blocking all forms of curative legislation, the home boys across this state are in severe pain. The sleeping giant is awake and he is not in the best of mood. We are uncertain if the operation will be a success or if our hunting tradition is about to die on the operating table.

The opening act will be House Bill 1214. This one limits the term of a PGC Commissioner to four years with a second four-year term possible only after reconfirmation by the Senate. The benefits of this legislation are obvious with the bad actors getting the hook after four years. Plus, we will attract better actors with the shorter, four-year contract. It passed the House unanimously. It cleared the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee unanimously. It is about to walk on center stage of the full Senate. The curtain will roll back, the lights will go dim and the senators will gather round. We shall see which senator brings to the operating table life support and which senator brings an axe.

The out-of-state independent audit of the PGC’s deer management program is scheduled as the second act. After a number of auditions and screen tests the producers and directors have decided on the script. The House Resolution granting permission for the operation is headed for a vote. Upon approval, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee will write the operating procedure. They will call in doctors from across the country to act out their roles upon the stage. This time the legislators will stand in the wings with us, waiting for the prognosis of the patient. The Game Commission will be sitting on the edge of their chair. When this act is concluded some actors within the PGC may find themselves transferred to another acting company, out-of-state. What started out as a tragedy may have a happy ending. We all smile at a happy ending.

None of this “rock and the hard place” screenplay would be possible if it wasn’t for the Emmy Award winning director Dr. N. Charles Bolgiano, Legislative Liaison for the Unified Sportsmen of PA. This play has been so successful Unified has been selling tickets and memberships across the Commonwealth with the money rolling in to keep the play running. Of course, like any successful director Dr. Bolgiano has surrounded himself with good people. We have all seen supporting actors turn in performances that can make or break the picture. Unified is the only game in town running a show that has received rave reviews.

While this show is going on, new legislation is coming together behind the scenes. New legislators are emerging with interesting plots seeking their moment on the stage. We have no shortage of actors or plots. Surgery must go on and hopefully the patient, our grand hunting tradition, will soon be removed from intensive care to standing on its’ own two feet. It may even find a place on the stage to act out its own destiny.

It was fun to write this column and inject a little levity into our pathetic situation. However, there is nothing humorous about our grand hunting tradition fighting for its life upon a stage for all to criticize. Our future now lies in the hands of our legislators. You need to watch this final act, carefully. The curtain will be pulled back and the actors are about to walk onto center stage.

You are about to find out who’s your buddy and who is not.

Jim Slinsky is the host and producer of the “Outdoor Talk Network”, a nationally syndicated, outdoor-talk radio program. For a station near you or to contact Jim, visit his website at www.outdoortalknetwork.com

[administrator]

Antis' Funding Growing


March 24, 2008 (National)

Anti-hunting organizations continued to see increases in their charitable donations for the year 2006, giving them more money to use in their fight against the outdoor sporting heritage of the nation.

Donations to the animal rights movement in 2006 increased by five percent over the previous year, according to research done by the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

Some of the largest increases were seen by the most recognized of the anti’s. Donations to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) increased by 17 percent, from $25.8 million to $30.2 million. Humane Society of America donations went from $119.9 million to $130.2 million, an increase of nine percent.

“Many of these donations are made by people that think they are just helping to spay and neuter dogs and cats, the family pets,” said Rick Story, senior vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). “Most don’t understand the true agendas of these anti-hunting groups and continue to fund their war against the sportsmen’s way of life.”

Only two organizations researched by the Animal Agriculture Alliance showed a decrease in funds. The Massachusetts SPCA decreased from $49.6 million in 2005 to $46.9 million in 2006. The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s donations decreased $200,000 year over year. Both organizations sustained a five percent decrease.

Financial information used in this report is for the year 2006, and is the most recent available.

[administrator]

Environmentalists Attempting to Misuse ESA With Lawsuit
March 24, 2008 (National)

Last week, environmentalists filed a much anticipated and highly controversial lawsuit challenging the listing of polar bears.

Greenpeace, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council have filed a lawsuit against Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in an attempt to force the listing of the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The suit claims that government violated the ESA by not acting on the listing in a timely manner.

“Just look at the organizations named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit. It is clear that the goal here is to use the ESA to gain an edge in their greenhouse gas emissions agenda,” said Rick Story, senior vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). “Listing abundant polar bears as endangered makes a mockery of the Endangered Species Act and is not the way to accomplish effective change.”

The FWS was scheduled to make a final determination in January 2008 whether to list the polar bear as a federally threatened species, but that determination has to this point been delayed. The proposal to list the animals is a political gesture that was put forth after environmental groups threatened to sue the government.

In 2007, federal lawmakers protected polar bear hunting by eliminating language that would have prohibited American big game hunters from importing Canadian polar bear trophies. The language was excluded from the 2008 Interior Appropriations Bill, which passed Dec. 19.

The anti-hunting language had been included in the Senate version of the bill, but sportsmen’s grassroots action in June kept it out of the House adaptation.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance worked with the National Rifle Association to convince lawmakers to omit the anti-hunting language from the omnibus bill. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-CO; Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-CA; and Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK played vital roles in protecting the hunt. The USSA also credits Rep. Ron Kind, D-WI; Rep. Don Young, R-AK; Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-KS; and Rep. Dan Boren, D-OK for their aid in defeating the anti-hunting amendment that appeared in the House version of the bill last summer.

Polar bear populations are at historic highs and there are no imminent threats to the healthy, huntable populations according to scientific data. The listing will put effective polar bear conservation in jeopardy, but the loss of Arctic sea ice, which the service identifies as the formidable threat to the bear populations, will not be addressed.

“It is clear to us the agenda of the plaintiffs,” said Story. “Once polar bears are listed, they will have the tool necessary to force federal policy to further limit greenhouse gas emissions.”

Sportsmen from the United States comprise approximately 90 percent of the foreign hunters in Canada, contributing millions of dollars annually into polar bear conservation and management, as well as providing financial benefits to local communities. Essential funding for conservation and research that allows for continued success of the populations comes from Americans.

[administrator]

Number of Female Hunters Increasing

April 1, 2008 (National)

According to a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), more women, especially younger women, are participating in hunting.

The 2006 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated Recreation produced by the FWS indicated that while the total number of hunters decreased 11 percent between 1991 and 2006, the number of women taking to the sport is actually increasing.

Women make up about nine percent of the 12.5 million hunters in the U.S., showing a slight increase, according to the survey.

More interestingly, the survey showed that 304,000 girls ages 6 to 15 hunted from 2001 through 2006, which was a 50 percent increase over the period of 1991 through 1996.

The FWS collected data for the National Survey of Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated Recreation through the U.S. Census Bureau. This survey has been produced since 1955, and it is considered one of the most comprehensive and oldest of its kind.

[administrator]

Wolf Removed from Endangered List
Lawsuit Threatened by Environmentalists
April 1, 2008 (National)

The northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf was officially removed from the federal endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on Friday, March 28.

A coalition of 11 environmentalist groups, including the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and Natural Resources Defense Council, have said they will file a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior to keep the wolves on the endangered list.

The group plans to file the suit on April 28, 60 days after the FWS announced their intent to delist. The coalition is taking a wait-and-see approach before filing for an injunction on the killing of wolves in the interim.

Idaho, Montana and Wyoming now take control of continued conservation management for the species. According to the FWS, for the past several years, the recovery goals for the wolf population in this area have been exceeded. Wildlife officials say the population is increasing by 24 percent annually. The three states are currently planning wolf hunts for the fall.

According to the FWS, there are currently more than 1,500 wolves and at least 100 breading pairs in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The three states and the FWS will work together to monitor the wolf population for the next five years as part of the Act declaring the delisting. If annual reports and FWS analysis show recovery levels dropping to threatened or endangered levels, the population could once again be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The FSW designated all of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, the eastern third of Washington and Oregon and a small corner of north-central Utah as the northern Rocky Mountain wolf District Population Segment (DPS) as part of the delisting.

The gray wolves of the Western Great Lakes DPS were delisted in 2007. The population of gray wolves in the southwestern United States remains federally listed as endangered.

[administrator]

Anti Attempts to Infiltrate America’s Pastime

April 7, 2008

In what could be termed as more of a publicity stunt than a legitimate offer, an animal rights and anti-hunting group has suggested that a professional baseball team give its new stadium a pro-vegetarian name.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) announced that the group sent a letter to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals asking it to temporarily rent the right to name the stadium to PETA, while looking for a permanent sponsor.

PETA wants the name to be “GoVeg.com Field” in reference to the website for the group’s campaign encouraging people to become vegetarians.

PETA, in its letter to the Washington Nationals, said the club should consider the offer because the ballpark already has several vegetarian food options and the Nationals worked to lessen the environmental impact of the stadium during planning and construction phases.

[administrator]

Former Beatle Joins PETA Crusade


April 29, 2008

Sir Paul McCartney, formerly of the legendary band The Beatles, is one of the latest stars of the entertainment world to join forces with anti-hunting group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

McCartney appears in a PETA print advertisement, wearing one of the organization’s pro-vegetarian t-shirts. PETA also featured an interview with McCartney on its website.

The text of the ad relates the moment when McCartney first became a vegetarian. He says that he realized it when he was fishing and the fish on his line was dying and struggling for breath.

[administrator]

President Bush declares June “Great Outdoors” MonthJune 9, 2008



President Bush urges Americans to visit and enjoy the great outdoors during the month of June.

Bush said in a proclamation May 30 that during “Great Outdoors Month our nation should celebrate the grandeur of our open spaces, strengthen our commitment to preserving this heritage, and reaffirm our dedication to protecting air, water, and land.”

Bush also stated that Great Outdoors Month is a chance “to honor those who work to keep our natural places beautiful and celebrate our country’s favorite Outdoor activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Bush first declared June Great Outdoors Month in 2004, and has done so every year since. The presidential proclamation prompted numerous state governors to follow suit.

[administrator]

Report: Vegan Diet Leads to Rickets and Death of Child
6/19/08
Doctors have long debated the nutritional value of a vegan diet for children. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl from Scotland died from what doctors report was an attempt to follow a vegan diet enforced by her parents.

According to Fox News the girl was transported to the hospital where doctors claimed her curved spine was that of an 80-year-old. In addition to having several broken bones and a degenerative bone disease, she exhibited a developed case of rickets.

The child’s parents are looking at possible charges, as some doctors claim that her maladies were brought on by the strict vegan diet she has been on since birth. Vegan diets exclude meat, fish, and dairy, which would have provided the growing child with the nutrition to prevent her conditions.

Unfortunately, the case is not the first of its kind. A couple last year let their infant starve to death on what they claimed to be a vegan diet. They were tried and received a life sentence in prison.

[administrator]

For immediate release

Sport fishing access protected by President
The Billfish Foundation part of conservation coalition which pushed for executive order
WASHINGTON D.C., --- Through the efforts of the Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC) of which The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is a major proponent, President George W. Bush signed an amendment to an earlier executive order giving access of more federal lands and waters to the nation’s recreational anglers and boaters.
While recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008 this past weekend, President Bush said, “My Administration has created, protected, and restored millions of acres of wetlands. Through my Ocean Action Plan, we are protecting fish populations and marine habitat. I was pleased to amend Executive Order 12962 to recognize the value of recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in Federal waters.
TBF President Ellen Peel said the amendment to the Executive Order signed by President Bill Clinton on June 7, 1995, ensures that recreational fishing shall be managed as a sustainable activity in national wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments, national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas, or any other relevant conservation or management areas or activities under any Federal authority, consistent with applicable law.
“It’s all very significant,” said Ms. Peel who also serves on the board of the CCC, “as is the administration’s on-going work on the Ocean Action Plan as it relates to the conservation and nation’s offshore sportsmen. The Plan, which promotes an ethic of responsible use and preservation of our oceans and coastal resources, is working to stop over-fishing in America by 2011, especially by foreign commercial interests, and through the Magnuson Stevens Act which enacted a 200-mile jurisdiction. Now two-thirds of federal waters -- about 2.3 million square nautical miles – are off-limits to harmful bottom-trawling and dredging.”
“Today’s billfishermen are among the most conservation-minded citizens,” said Peel. “Hopefully the recent actions by the government will help to re-nourish an ailing marine economy.”
This past summer TBF among a coalition of five associations, individual conservationists and businesses helped to form the CCC into a non-partisan national organization dedicated to enacting sensible marine conservation laws through education and political action. Along with TBF, the other groups in the CCC include the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), American Sportfishing Assoc. (ASA), the National Marine Manufacturers Assoc. (NMMA) and the Coastal Conservation Assoc. (CCA). Though the groups hold a wide range of interests the new coalition is already focusing on federal policy – as it did in working with the White House on the executive order -- and candidates in the upcoming 2008 elections.
Founded in 1986 by Winthrop P. Rockefeller, TBF is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to conserving billfish and associated species worldwide which helps insure healthy oceans and strong coastal economies. TBF’s signature research project remains its traditional tag and release program that uses the efforts of anglers to provide data and research to scientists and fisheries managers. The organization also funds fisheries science and economic research to improve management of billfish and is tenacious in working with nations to improve enforcement. TBF works to educate adults, including government decision makers, and children of the importance of catch-and-release fishing and responsible use of all ocean resources. The Foundation is the world’s leading advocate providing legislators and governments with the best science possible to make the meaningful conservation decisions for billfish.
For more information or to join TBF please visit our new website, www.billfish.org or call 800-438-8247. Ms. Peel can be reached at ex.108 or via e-mail at ellen_peel@billfish.org .
###
9/29/2008
TBF PR Counsel/contact: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) 480-951-0040 (fax)
JohnsonCom@aol.com (e-mail)

[administrator]

PETA Asks: Got Human Milk?
9/30/08


We all recognize the “Got Milk” ads. They have been everywhere for years. Now PETA has its own special twist, one that really is twisted. They have asked Ben and Jerry’s ice cream to replace the milk in their product with human breast milk.
According to their own blog PETA got the idea while vacationing in Switzerland. Apparently a restaurant over there plans to offer a large menu of items made with 75 percent human milk. So, obviously, if it’s good over there, it must be good for over here too.

[administrator]

USSA Testifies Before U.S. Congress on National Wildlife Refuge
9/30/08


Once again, for the fourth time this year, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) was asked to offer its expertise to Congress and testified before a U.S. House of Representatives committee last week. The focus of the testimony was on issues identified by a recent independent evaluation concerning the National Wildlife Refuge.

The USSA identified four major areas of concern to sportsmen including:

The need for new guidelines that ensure the importance of wildlife management programs within the Refuge System;
The need to guarantee that hunting and fishing are to be the last programs impacted by any budget shortfalls;
The need to make certain that land purchases for the Refuge System match the priorities established by wildlife management professionals;
The need to develop a new way of funding public land management in an era of stretched resources.
The testimony was provided by USSA Director of Federal Affairs William P. Horn.

[administrator]

USSA Leads the Way on Protecting Outdoor Activities in National Parks 10/14/08




After a recent court decision, the antis have been given a possible loophole to exploit and shut down hunting, angling, and trapping in national parks. USSA is working with sportsmen’s groups and other conservationists to close the loophole and stop the antis before they strike.

Referring to official National Park policies, a U.S. District Court barred any visitor activity in a national park that would have an “adverse impact” and was not “necessary and appropriate to fulfill the purposes of the park.” The language is open to enough interpretation that it doesn’t take much imagination to see that the antis could successfully use that to argue hunting, angling, and trapping would have an adverse impact and are not necessary to the functioning of a park.

The Park policy language the court referred to in its decision was taken completely out of context and does not accurately reflect the intent of the National Park Service. USSA is asking that the language in the section referred to by the court be changed so that it can’t be reinterpreted by those who would shut down sportsmen activities.

Numerous sportsmen groups have joined with USSA in working to close this loophole as have many from the recreational community, such as snowmobile drivers and rock climbers.

[administrator]

HSUS- Guilty of Wiretapping and Conspiracy?
10/14/08



On October 6, United Egg Producers (UEP) filed requests with the Attorneys General in California and Maryland as well as with local District Attorneys alleging an employee of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) illegally taped phone conversations and then conspired to share transcripts with a political campaign.

According to a press release from UEP, the HSUS employee made multiple taped phone calls while impersonating an industry ally. According to the UEP filing, the HSUS staffer allegedly offered transcripts of the call to a political campaign in California run by a former HSUS employee that seeks to ban most mechanisms for producing eggs in the state.

It is illegal in California to disclose the contents of a phone call, in Maryland (where the call originated) it is illegal to record phone calls unless everyone on the line is aware.

[administrator]

Sportsmen Wary of Obama Admin Hiring Questionnaire 11/19/08



The incoming Obama Administration appears to be throwing cold water on job applicants that own firearms. In a questionnaire for potential new employees, question 59 should send shivers up the spines of sportsmen.

Specifically, the question asks applicants: “Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage."

The phrasing of this question raises legitimate concerns that individuals, including sportsmen, which want to seek a job with the new Administration, may not be welcome.

“If you want to assure sportsmen that you don’t want to take away their rights, the first thing you do should not be making it look like ‘Big Brother’ is getting ready to watch their every move. Unfortunately, that is exactly what this question implies,” says USSA Executive Vice President Rick Story.

“The new Administration should immediately clarify how answers to this question will factor into its hiring process,” Story said. “No one should be discriminated against because they avail themselves of their Second Amendment rights.”

The USSA and its allies, such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), will be monitoring the new Administration closely to see the direction it takes on numerous sportsmen’s issues.

[administrator]

Oprah Winfrey: PETA Person of the Year12/23/08



On December 22, 2008 PETA named talk show megastar Oprah Winfrey as its “Person of the Year.” According to Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA’s founder and President, Ms. Winfrey has offered her “powerful voice to defend those without one.”

As part of Ms. Winfrey’s winning this dubious distinction from PETA, she will receive a plaque and a letter of appreciation. In April this year, an episode of her show was dedicated to her late, 13- year old cocker spaniel, Sophie.

Thus far, there has been no official comment from Ms. Winfrey on her new award.

[administrator]

Snapper & Grouper fishery is in danger of closure
:mad:
As many of you know, our Snapper & Grouper fishery is in danger of closure by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. In a continued attempt to let the SAFMC know that what they are proposing is unfounded and ill advised, I was asked to forward this link to all of you. Please take a few moments to complete the fields and forward the letter to your congressperson. Although the Snapper / Grouper closure has been tabled for the time being, we need to be vigilant in our efforts to be sure our voices are heard and that the SAFMC understands the magnitude of their decisions. This issue is far from over. If you are interested in becoming more involved in this campaign you may contact Becky Hogan at Mportprincess241@aol.com . Please also forward this link to as many people as possible to let our representatives know how important this matter is to all of us regardless of whether you fish for Snapper / Grouper or not.



http://www.keepoceanfishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=69



Here is some additional information for you from another source on the issue:

Red Snapper Overview

Overview:

The South Atlantic Council (SAFMC) is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal waters of the South Atlantic including Florida’s East coast. In recent public hearings and publications the SAFMC has announced that they believe the snapper/grouper fisheries are over fished, and are experiencing over fishing. In plain angler terms, they are saying there are too many lines in the water and too few grouper/snapper in the water. As a result, the SAFMC is proposing drastic measures including seasonal closures, reduced bag limits, and fencing entire areas of the ocean from bottom fishing. You can tell them what you think of this by going to contacting them at safmc@safmc.net

Too many lines…

The SAFMC uses commercial landings to determine fishing pressure and a combination of phone surveys and ramp/dock intercepts to determine recreational fishing pressure. There is a general consensus that the commercial landings accurately reflect most of the commercial fishing landings. When it comes to recreational data, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding the data that is collected, and the system (MRFSS) that is used to calculate fishing pressure.

MRFSS Math….

SAFMC claims that recreational fishing pressure has increased 18% from 2006 to 2007. To determine this, they have used less than 3,000 actual intercepts of anglers to calculate fishing pressure and angling success for an estimated 8,317,491 trips in Florida. In addition, the telephone surveys used to measure angler activity have been determined to be highly unreliable because they depend on dialing prefixes to map to specific areas, and with the proliferation of cell phones, this method has become futile. The sample rates and reliability of the data collected by these two systems renders this information almost useless, and in the SAFMC staffers own words, the system is being used in a manner it was never designed for. The best description of the MRFSS system comes from a blue ribbon panel of scientist review of the system that stated, "The designs, sampling strategies, and collection methods of recreational fishing surveys do not provide adequate data for management and policy decisions.".

Given the data, the MRFSS system, and how it is used, it is doubtful that the SAFMC has an accurate measure or understanding of recreational fishing pressure. Every piece of anecdotal information from charter captains, fishing clubs, marinas, fuel docks, boat manufactures, and every other angler related business we have contacted has said angling offshore in the grouper/snapper areas has decreased 30-50% in the last 2 years. They do not know how many lines are in the water, or how many fish are being taken from the water by recreational anglers.

Too few fish…

The SAFMC has stated that they believe the Red Snapper fishery has been over fished. Most anglers that have fished the East Coast of Florida will tell you there are more Red Snapper off from our coast than there has been in 40 years. This has been a perplexing question for many anglers, and here is the SAFMC’s explanation.

The 50-year-old snapper problem…

It is estimated that Red Snapper have a maximum life expectancy of 50 years. There is great value in having older fish since they produce more eggs. The SAFMC states that they are seeing very few older fish in their samples, and that this is an indication that the fishery is being over fished. The problem here again is in the details, and how the SAFMC collects fish for data.

Red Snapper stop growing at about 20 years. This means a 20 year old fish will lay about the same number of eggs as a 50 year old fish, so when determining the fishing stock, a 50 year old fish is no more valuable than a 20 year old fish, and all fish over 20 should be treated equal. In addition, there is quite a bit of variation in the age/weight characteristics of Red Snapper. A 50-pound fish was aged to be about 21 years old, and 40 year old fish have been as small as 21 pounds. The SAFMC wants to see these 50 year old fish to consider the stock as healthy. Other sources contend that as long as we have 20+ pound fish and 20 year and older fish, the Red Snapper are not to be considered over fished.

So where are these old fish…

There is one other issue with the 50-year-old fish. SAFMC collects fish ear bones from commercial and recreational anglers to determine the fish’s age. They say the majority of the fish that are aged are 1-7 years old, and there are not many older fish. The reason they are not seeing many older fish is because the data is biased by the fact that both the recreational and commercial fisherman tend to target larger aggregations of fish over artificial and natural reefs. They are easier to find, and easier to catch, and tend to be shallower. Red Snapper that are 1-7 years old tend to live in concentrated aggregations in these areas, and are the target of angler determined selective fishing pressure. Once snapper hit 10 years old, they tend to be more solitary and move off to more isolated and deeper areas. This is why they are not seeing many older larger fish.

So what can the average angler do…

The SAFMC travels to different areas to hold public meetings to hear from you the angler. The problem is these meetings are usually on weekdays, and the average recreational angler cannot attend or contribute. In addition, the SAFMC has VERY little information on recreational fishing. This doesn’t mean you can’t voice your opinion. You can go to safmc@safmc.net and submit your comments electronically, directly to them. You have a chance to tell them what you think, what you have seen, and give your opinion on the Red Snapper closures. Please take 5 minutes and make sure the SAFMC hears from you.



Thanks,

Frank Joura

904.465.4552

[administrator]

Anti’s Use Wildlife as a Pawn in Global Warming Debate
Fears of Global Warming Manipulated to Attack Hunting
1/13/09



A leading anti-hunting organization is pushing a new grassroots effort to “Fight Global Warming and Save Wildlife. In the process, it is showcasing a new weapon in the movement’s assault on sportsmen’s rights: the manipulation of public concerns over global warming into a way to go after the wholly unrelated issue of hunting.

In an online solicitation, Defenders of Wildlife (DoW) is urging its supporters to, “urge President-Elect Obama and the Congress to pass legislation to address global warming and help polar bears, wolverines, bighorn sheep and other animals survive and thrive in a changing climate.”

As followers of the USSA know, global warming is rapidly becoming a weapon in the anti’s arsenal of attacks on hunting, fishing, and trapping. This is especially pronounced given the decision in 2008 to list polar bears as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the loss of arctic sea ice.

The decision was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) after a lawsuit was filed by a coalition of environmental groups that wanted to use the ESA as a way to force action on global warming. That decision, which was opposed by the USSA, did nothing to protect against the loss of the sea ice but has resulted in a loss of millions in conservation dollars due to the prohibition placed on hunting as a result of the designation.

Additionally, as the USSA argued at the time, the enormous costs of overhauling and fundamentally changing the FWS mission will leave little if any money for actual endangered species or other traditional fish and wildlife programs.

Given the rhetoric coming from groups like DoW, it would not be surprising to see similar tactics employed in the future. The USSA continues to remain vigilant on this issue.

[administrator]

Unusual Supreme Court Case Could Create Problems for Anti’s1/13/09

The anti-hunters may not be able to use graphic photos and video to sensationalize cases of alleged animal cruelty if a court ruling stands. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide a case that strikes down the use of graphic animal cruelty photos for commercial gain.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is leading the charge to restore a 1999 law that has since been struck down by a federal court of appeals as unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court is now hearing a further appeal.

The law criminalized the creation, sale, or possession of videos and photographs that depict animal cruelty for commercial gain. The impetus for the legislation was gruesome dog fighting and disturbing animal “crush” videos in which animals were tortured to death in a way meant to titillate certain viewers. While both actions depicted are deplorable and illegal in all fifty states, the legislation raised serious constitutional issues about how the government determines the value of what constitutes free speech.

Ironically, as the Center for Consumer Freedom makes clear, both HSUS and PETA often use videos showcasing animal cruelty as a way of shocking donors into raising more funds. Should the U.S. Supreme Court find that the law is constitutional, numerous questions regarding the anti’s own propaganda videos would immediately be raised.

[administrator]

USSA Combats False Impression Left by Newsweek Hunting Story
Group Leads a Response from Leading Wildlife Professionals
1/13/09



The USSA led the way with a major effort to respond to a negative article on hunting that ran in the January 12, 2009 issue of Newsweek magazine. In order to combat the false impression left by the piece, the USSA reached out to groups and wildlife management professionals nationwide to rebut its flawed premise.

The article, titled “It’s Survival of the Weak and Scrawny” is a full-scale attack on hunting as a conservation tool. In the piece, the author quotes a biologist from Quebec, Canada with the theory that hunting leads to inferior animals being left to breed, thus leading to what is describes as “evolution in reverse.”

Recognizing the flawed premise of the article, the USSA drafted a letter to the editors at Newsweek making clear that the conclusions asserted in the article are not the consensus that has been reached by the wildlife management community. The USSA also pointed out that anti-hunting groups would likely use the article’s conclusions to advance their agenda. Further, the USSA reached out to numerous wildlife management professionals and organizations, encouraging immediate responses to the article.

Many groups and professionals rose to the occasion and have been sending a steady stream of letters rebutting the half-baked argument advanced in the article. The Pope and Young Club, the official record-keeping organization of North American mammals taken with bow and arrow said that if the article’s premise were accurate, “we would be seeing fewer and fewer record-class quality entries in our record book with each passing year. In fact, the opposite is true. “

The USSA will continue to respond every time false ideas about hunting are advanced.

[administrator]

Wolves Galore: Group Tries to Take a Bite Out of Palin

Antis Push Obama Administration to Overturn ESA Delisting of Gray Wolves
2/6/09

Battle lines over wolves are being drawn from Alaska to the Great Lakes.

The animal preservation group, Defenders of Wildlife, has mounted an all out assault on Alaska Governor Sarah Palin over the state’s wolf management program. Meanwhile, the Humane Society of the United States is working to get the Obama Administration to rescind the delisting of several gray wolf populations approved by former President George W. Bush.

On February 2, 2009, Defenders of Wildlife (DoW) unleashed a broadside against former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. The group began a website, Eye on Palin, using actress Ashley Judd to criticize Gov. Palin for Alaska’s wolf management plan. Judd said, “I am outraged by Sarah Palin's promotion of this cruel, unscientific and senseless practice which has no place in modern America.”

Gov. Palin did not sit back and take the abuse, however. On February 3, Palin issued a press release saying, “It is reprehensible and hypocritical that the Defenders of Wildlife would use Alaska and my administration as a fundraising tool to deceive Americans into parting with their hard-earned money.” Palin goes on to defend the state’s wildlife management policies as essential to protecting vulnerable populations of caribou and moose from predators.

The President of DoW’s political wing, Rodger Schlickeisen, issued a statement saying, “Sarah Palin isn’t fading into the background, so neither are we.” The campaign has already made national news with a segment on February 5th’s Today Show.

While Gov. Palin confronts criticism, another fight over wolves is taking place under the radar.

In its last days in office, the Bush Administration announced its intent to again remove gray wolves in the western Great Lakes and northern Rockies from endangered status under the Endangered Species Act. If the decision stands, states in those areas will be allowed to implement their own wolf management plans. However, it is not certain what position the new Obama Administration will take on the issue.

The Humane Society of the United States is pushing the Obama Administration to rescind the rules. A spokesperson for the President has indicated the administration, “will review all 11th-hour regulations.”

In the past, new administrations have rescinded late rule changes they have inherited from their predecessors.

[administrator]

More PETA Shocks: “KKK” Protests and “Sexy” Vegetable Videos
2/11/09


What does the Ku Klux Klan have in common with “sexy” vegetable videos? It can be summed up in one word- PETA.

Thus far, 2009 has seen PETA outdo itself even by its own outlandish standards. First, PETA produced an ad for the Super Bowl that ended up banned by NBC. If that wasn’t enough, it then turned out protestors to a dog show in New York City, but with a twist. The protestors were completely dressed in Ku Klux Klan style white robes.

The Super Bowl ad featured women in their lingerie acting suggestively with a number of vegetables. The sexual content was so racy that the ad was rejected by NBC, the television station airing the big game.

Meanwhile, Ku Klux Klan garbed PETA protestors picketed Madison Square Garden in New York during the week of February 9. This was part of its annual effort to protest the world famous Westminster Dog Show.

So what is the screw ball idea behind dressing like the KKK? According to the PETA blog, it’s to make the case that the American Kennel Club is acting like the Ku Klux Klan in its efforts to create a “master race” through eugenic breeding practices. In some press accounts, PETA spokesman Michael McGraw indicated that "it's a very apt comparison.

[administrator]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Billfish Foundation helping seven Central America countries launch plan to grow sport fishing in region
Work begins immediately to standardize criteria for sustainable management

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – After nearly a year, all seven countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other popular game fish vital to growing sport fishing and tourism in the region.
The announcement comes on the heels of similar on-going work this past year by TBF of enhancing recreational sport fishing in the countries of Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. TBF has been working with the governments – some for more than a decade -- for the expansion of conservation measures and laws to protect billfish, mainly from overfishing coastal fisheries by commercial interests, while implementing tag & release programs for sportsmen.
The Billfish Foundation's Dr. Russell Nelson and Herbert Nanne met in Managua, Nicaragua in late February to formally adopt a Central American agreement to develop a sustainable management plan for marlins, sailfish, dorado, swordfish and other highly migratory species important to the regions’ sport fishing tourism sectors. The agreement between TBF and the Organization of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Isthmus of Central America (OSPESCA) was signed by OSPESCA President Steadman Fagoth Muller, of Nicaragua, and Nelson. OSPESCA Executive Director Mario Gonzalez Recino presided over the ceremony and along with Nelson presented the Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture with a computer and programs for use in collecting and analyzing sport fisheries data.
Nanne is TBF’s Central American Conservation Director and Nelson is its scientific director. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama make up the seven countries in the region, all members of OSPESCA.
"This agreement between TBF, OSPESCA and the seven nations of Central America was created and approved by all parties over the past 10 months," said TBF President Ellen Peel. “We now look forward to the hard work of establishing a regional data collection protocol and moving on with improved conservation measures for billfish in the region."
The text of the agreement can be found in Spanish and English at www.billfish.org . “There are so many positives to working with OSPESCA and its seven member nations in developing a management program in the region that can be a win-win for all,” said Nelson. “Billfish have a very high potential in these waters and high economic and social value if the responsible practice of sport fishing ethics and conservation are fostered.”
Established in 1986 by the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. With world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA, TBF’s comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, clubs, sport fishing and tourism businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, the organization works for solutions that are good for billfish, not punitive to recreational anglers and good for the local economy. TBF’s phone number is 800-438-8247.
###

3/10/2009 TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com

[administrator]

Anti’s Prepare to Sue as States Resume Wolf Management
4/8/09

Great Lakes and Most Rocky Mountain Wolves to Be Removed From Endangered Species List

Anti-hunting groups led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are getting ready to challenge the federal government and sportsmen over wolves- again.

On April 2, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published the rule formally removing wolves in the Great Lakes region from the Endangered Species List in the Federal Register. The move is the last step for removing the wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and returning control of managing those populations to the states. Currently, this will become effective on May 4.

“This decision was the right one for the FWS to make. There is no valid scientific reason that states should not have the authority to manage their own wolf populations,” stated Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs.

However, there could be a wrinkle in these plans.

In an April 2 press release, the HSUS announced that it, along with a coalition of other animal rights groups, will likely challenge the FWS decision. According to the release, should the FWS not reconsider the delisting within 60 days; the coalition will ask a federal court to reinstate the ESA protection for wolves in the Great Lakes.

This effort is similar to tactics used by the HSUS and others previously when an anti-hunting coalition blocked the FWS’ effort to delist the wolves last year.

Sexton asserts, “Once again, animal rights groups are threatening to use the ESA as a weapon to shut down hunting.”

The federal government has long felt that the wolf populations in the Great Lakes region had not only recovered, but were thriving. A similar rationale was the impetus for the FWS to also delist most of the Rocky Mountain wolf population.

The USSA will be closely monitoring the progress of any legal actions taken by the anti’s and are examining possible plans of action.

[administrator]

HSUS Love Fest for “Humane Legislators” and Hollywood Stars

Anti-Hunting Group Announces its Top 148 Members of Congress, Best Celebs
4/8/09



The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) had a busy end to March cozying up to policymakers and Hollywood stars that promote its agenda at two gala events.

On March 25, the HSUS announced its recognition of the work done by 148 members of Congress. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D- ILL) and U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers (D- MI) earned the distinctions of being the “Humane” Senator and Representative of the Year respectively. They received their awards at a reception the same night.

Joining HSUS at the reception were three senators other than Durbin including, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), and David Vitter (R-LA). Additionally, 32 representatives also partied with the HSUS and HSLF as they received “Legislative Leader” awards for backing various bills supported by HSUS.

You can click here to learn if one of your federal legislators received an award from HSUS. You can also click here for a slideshow showing congresspersons attending the reception getting their award.

Take Action- If one of your congresspersons did receive an award from HSUS, please contact them. Make certain that they understand the award they received came from the leading anti-hunting organization in the country.

You can obtain your congressperson’s contact by going to the Legislative Action Center.

Meanwhile, on March 30, HSUS followed up its legislative love fest with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood during its 23rd annual “Genesis Awards.” According to the HSUS, the Genesis Awards recognize “artists, writers, and others in entertainment and the media who contributed their time and talents over the past year to raise awareness of the plight and suffering of animals.”

This year the big winners included Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia di Rossi, who were recognized for raising funds to for the infamous Proposition 2 which drastically changed rules for animal agriculture in California. Another big winner was Oprah Winfrey as she got honors for “Outstanding Talk Show” due to her airing of programs on “puppy mills.”

For more on the bash, click here.

[administrator]

PRESS STATEMENT
Press Statement from International and National Conservation, Animal
Protection, Research and Recreational Fisheries Organizations
Demanding Action from Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
(IATTC)
Who will look out for the future of tuna?WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 10, 2009) --

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission (IATTC) is the intergovernmental management authority comprised of
16 member countries with the mandate to regulate fishing fleets to avoid overexploitation
of tuna in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. For the past six meetings
over more than two years the IATTC has not taken a single decision to manage tuna
populations. So tuna populations must be doing great, right? Wrong.
Exactly the opposite is true. As member countries bicker over the details of how to
avoid further depleting stocks, tuna is not recovering. And it is not just conservation
groups that say so, but rather the IATTC’s own scientists. With increasing urgency at
meeting after meeting these highly skilled fisheries experts have used some of the best
fisheries information in existence as the basis for recommending a suite of urgently
required specific, decisive actions to avoid over-fishing of tuna stocks.
Things are not looking good for the fish, especially the region’s bigeye tuna. These
highly prized fish may be on the same downward spiral that have taken bluefin tuna in
the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean to the brink of economic extinction.
And it’s not only the fish that are at risk. Tens of thousands of jobs in poor
communities that dot the coasts of Latin America depend on tuna processing for their
livelihoods. Fisheries operators and government representatives at the IATTC argue
that adopting the recommended management actions would have dire economic
consequences for these people, as well as tuna boat operators and their crews.
Conservation, research and non-governmental fisheries organizations argue that either
hard decisions are taken now or impacts on the fish and people dependent on marine
resources will only get worse.
So who will look after the future of tuna? If recent history is repeated at the IATTC
meetings this week in La Jolla, California, it will not be the IATTC. Fortunately,
market mechanisms may force the IATTC’s hand. A new consortium known as the
International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) is bringing together tuna
processors, scientists and environmental non-governmental organizations to get
behind the IATTC and other fisheries management organizations so they base
management on scientific recommendations aimed to protect tuna stocks and reduce
their impacts on non-target species such as dolphins, turtles, sharks and seabirds.
If the IATTC does not act soon, it will fall to consumers to make their tuna purchases
from responsible processors and brands that offer fish from areas that are acting to
ensure that tuna populations stay healthy for the long term. This would be not only
good business and good news for the fish, but also for the consumers that enjoy tuna
that is responsibly captured. But for now, all eyes are on the IATTC.
Media contacts:
Gavin Gibbons, National Fisheries Institute, 703.752.8891, ggibbons@nfi.org
Steve Ertel, World Wildlife Fund, 202.495.4562, steve.ertel@wwfus.org
Scott Henderson, Conservation International, +593 98718157, s.henderson@conservation.org
Ellen Peel, The Billfish Foundation, ellen_peel@billfish.org
Gladys Martinez, The Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA),
+506.2283.7080, gmartinez@aida-americas.org
Jilly McNaughton, Fauna & Flora International, +44 (0) 1223 579473, jilly.mcnaughton@faunaflora.
org.
Timothy McHugh, Ocean Conservancy, 202.351.0492, tmchugh@oceanconservancy.org
Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community
participation to protect the Earth’s richest regions of plant and animal diversity and
demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. Founded in 1987, CI works
in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find economic alternatives without
harming their natural environments. For more information about CI, visit
www.conservation.org.
WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half
a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to
delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt
the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to
learn more.
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is the leading seafood industry advocate representing all
aspects of the seafood community from water to table for over 60 years. For more information,
please visit: www.aboutseafood.com.
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of
marlin, sailfish, spearfish and swordfish, which comprise the apex predators of the ocean’s
pelagic ecosystems. With anglers and conservationist members in over 40 nations TBF has for
over 20 years used research, education and advocacy to support the development of sustainable
billfish management before national and international fisheries agencies and commissions. For
more information, please visit www.billfish.org.
The American Fishermen’s Research Foundation (AFRF) for over 35 years supporting research
and education concerning albacore tuna and related fish species. A unique organization funded
supported and supported by troll and baitboat fishermen and those who buy their catch in the
U.S. Canada, and New Zealand. www.afrf.org and www.albatuna.com.
The Natural Resources Defense Council’s purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants
and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends. For more information, please visit
www.nrdc.org.
The Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA) is a non-profit environmental
law organization that works in the Americas to strengthen people’s capacity to guarantee their
individual and collective right to a healthy environment through the development,
implementation, and effective enforcement of national and international laws. Among other
issues, AIDA works to advance the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of key
ecosystems and endangered marine species. For more information, please visit: www.aidaamericas.
org.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a non-profit conservation organization that works through
science, law, and creative media to secure a future for all species, great or small, hovering on the
brink of extinction. For more information, please visit www.biologicaldiversity.org.
Fauna & Flora International protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing
solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs.
Operating in more than 40 countries worldwide – mainly in the developing world – FFI saves
species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local
people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest established international conservation body
and a registered charity. For more information, please visit www.fauna-flora.org.
BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organizations that strives to
conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. BirdLife Partners operate in over one
hundred countries and territories worldwide. For more information, please visit:
www.birdlife.org.
Malpelo Foundation promotes the protection and stewardship of marine and coastal areas in
Colombia by supporting the sustainable use of natural resources. To achieve this goal the
Malpelo Foundation promotes and supports the Colombian Government in the creation,
expansion and protection of Marine Protected Areas, strengthening research, monitoring,
education and enforcement of these areas. Malpelo Foundation promotes environmental
awareness with different stakeholders to achieve integral and sustainable conservation. For
more information, please visit: www.fundacionmalpelo.org.
Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that
threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy,
Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the
oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world’s foremost advocate for the
oceans. For more information, please visit: www.oceanconservancy.org.

[administrator]

Anti’s “CITE” Polar Bears
9/3/09




Three anti-hunting groups are urging the United States to “lead the way” and basically end all hunting of polar bears due to fears over global warming. If the effort is successful a precedent will be established that can be used to ban the hunting of many different species around the world.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare, Humane Society International, and Defenders of Wildlife sent a joint press release suggesting that the U.S. submit a proposal banning all trade in polar bear trophies, hides, and rugs at the next meeting of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). That meeting is scheduled for March 13-15 and will take place in Doha, Qatar.

The CITES convention is an international agreement between participating governments and is designed to guarantee that any trade in wild animals does not threaten their survival. The Convention was drafted in the 1960s and became effective worldwide on July 1, 1975.

The proposal advocated by the anti’s would “uplist” the polar bears under CITES from where a limited and regulated international trade is allowed to where it is completely prohibited.

The anti’s argue that the trade should be banned due to projections that global warming will reduce arctic ice in the bears’ habitat. This is the same reason that the U.S. Department of Interior formally listed polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in May of 2008.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) has long opposed the ESA listing of polar bears for two reasons. First, and foremost, this is an abuse of the ESA as many populations of polar bears are actually thriving and increasing. Also the listing is being based on future forecasting of wildlife populations. Currently, there is no agreement on number projections among professional wildlife managers.

“The push by anti’s to “uplist” polar bears under CITES is an overreaction,” stated Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “As with the ‘threatened’ designation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this move is a pre-emptive designation based on hypothetical assessments of the impact of global warming and would establish a precedent that anti’s can exploit with other species world wide.”

[administrator]

Federal Legislation Would Increase Cape Hatteras Angler Access
9/3/09




Legislation has been introduced in Congress that will enhance access for anglers to one of the nation’s leading fishing destinations, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

Senate Bill 1557, introduced by Senators Richard Burr (R- NC) and Kay Hagan (D- NC), and H.R. 718, introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R- NC), would reinstate an interim management plan that had been put into place by the National Park Service (NPS) dealing with off-the road vehicles on Cape Hatteras. The plan had been developed to protect wildlife and still allow beaches to be accessible by vehicles.

The original NPS plan was issued in June 2007, but was scuttled in 2008 after a lawsuit filed by the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society which alleged the interim NPS plan did not do enough to protect shorebirds. In particular, the groups claimed that the vehicle issue was not properly addressed. All agencies with control over federal land are to establish off road vehicle policies. The National Park Service never finalized a plan for Cape Hatteras. While former Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, created a committee in December 2007 to develop a plan, no consensus was reached which ultimately led to the lawsuit.

The NPS compromised to avoid the lawsuit, entering into an agreement that placed much greater restrictions on the use of vehicles than was the case under the interim plan.

Since the agreement went into effect, tourism has declined. Numerous businesses have closed with much speculation that the restrictions led to their demise. Existing local business owners feel that much of the negative impact is due to “weekend anglers” that used to travel to Cape Hatteras, but no longer do so as a result of the difficulties they encounter getting to the fishing locations.

“While a long term plan dealing with off road vehicles at Cape Hatteras is necessary, at least this legislation will alleviate the immediate problem for anglers seeking prime fishing spots and stop the downward spiral of businesses in the area,” said Doug Jeanneret, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president of marketing. “The compromise by the Park Service has basically ended the angling opportunities at what many regard as the best fishing area in the U.S. These bills are at least a start to correcting this ridiculous situation.”

[administrator]

Sportsmen: Beware of Anti’s “Astroturfing”9/3/09


Anti-hunters have begun using a new tactic to advance their agenda: “astroturfing.” This term is used to describe incidents where an internet user claims to be someone or something they are not for the purpose of posting comments onto online forums, news stories, and blogs. The anti’s often will do this on pro-sportsmen forums and news sites, acting as hunters, trying to create divisions within the community.

A recent example appears to have taken place in North Dakota as a commenter to a Bismarck Tribune story was found to be using a computer registered to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the largest anti hunting group in the U.S.

The news story dealt with a petition in North Dakota to ban preserve hunting in the state. In the comments section, a person named “Will” appeared to pose as a hunter and stated, " Any real hunter wouldn't have an issue with this - hunting is supposed to be a sport, what sport or skill is it, to kill an animal that is raised for you to kill? Growing up I remember the thrill of the chase. The chase mind you, that doesn't involve fences. Anyone who thinks this will snowball is an idiot - it's practices like this that give hunters a bad name.”

Another commenter noted that they had seen the exact same post by “Will” over at a pro- sportsman blog where he had been exposed by the blog’s administrator after discovering that the IP address used by “Will” was registered to HSUS.

These efforts are becoming more frequent as increasing numbers of people communicate online. Sportsmen should be aware that the anti’s are taking advantage of this to attack certain forms of hunting and divide the community. This is particularly detrimental as some media and others look to forums to gauge a particular group’s thoughts on a subject. This in turn will make it more difficult for sportsmen to stand together as the anti’s move forward with its larger agenda to ban all hunting.

[administrator]

Major Policy Review Appears to Shortchange Sport and Recreational Fishing

Concern That Obama Administration Management Plan Could Limit Angling Access
10/16/09



The Obama Administration recently released a management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes that could have a huge negative impact on fishing in coastal areas.

The plan is called the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The policies outlined in the report will govern federal ocean and Great Lakes waters. The report focuses on shifting to “ecosystem-based management as a foundational principle for the comprehensive management of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes.”

Of particular concern to many organizations is the absence of any reference in the report to the positive impact recreational anglers have on aquatic conservation. Instead, it raises an alarm as to what the framework for zoning in these waters will be when the final report is presented to the president by early December. The consequence of that framework could result in severe restrictions including the elimination of many popular, historically important recreational fishing areas.

Numerous conservation organizations have publicly stated their concerns over this plan. In a recent press release, Gordon Robertson, vice president of the American Sportfishing Association, stated, “the sportfishing community believes that recreational activities such as responsibly-managed and regulated recreational fishing deserve full consideration and incorporation in the administration’s ocean and Great Lakes policy.” He went to conclude, “Providing the angling public with access to public resources is no less important than conserving those resources.”

“We hope the Administration recognizes that sportsmen are the greatest conservationists and will not accept any proposals shutting off large tracts of coastal territory to them,” stated Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs. “If access for fishing becomes overly restricted, there will be a significant decline in resources dedicated to future conservation.”

[administrator]

Bill in Congress Would Prohibit Most Trapping in Wildlife Refuges

10/16/09



A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ban the use of the most common type of trap used to control predator populations within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

HR 3710, introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (D- NY), would make it illegal to use any trap that will “kill or capture wildlife by physically restraining any part of the animal” within the Refuge system. This definition of banned traps include the most common types, such as Conibear-style traps and foothold traps, that are used to control both predator and nuisance populations.

For a first offense, the bill orders a civil fine of up to $500 for each proscribed trap used or possessed. For subsequent offenses, a person in violation faces fines up to $1000 for each trap used or possessed as well as imprisonment for up to 180 days. Additionally, all such traps would be forfeited.

Similar bills have been introduced in the last several years but have never moved forward.

“Trapping is universally regarded by the wildlife management community as an invaluable tool to control predators and furbearers,” stated Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “The USSA will be working to kill this bill should it gain any traction.”

[administrator]

For immediate release:
w/jpeg photos courtesy of the National Geographic Channel

Tagging billfish for science leads to great white shark research adventure and exciting TV series
Chris Fischer leads “Expedition Great White” on Nat Geo Channel Monday night, Nov. 16th
GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico, (Nov. 13, 2009) – Avid billfish angler and TV outdoor fishing adventurer Chris Fischer never thought he’d actually be living a scene much like that from Jaws as he kneeled face-to-face handling a huge, live 4,600 pound great white shark.
As a sportsman Fischer has caught and safely released lots of giant black marlin each weighing about 800 lbs, but this great white and the other giant toothy predators that followed were the biggest he’s ever caught, examined and then released 15 minutes later unharmed.
It began when Fischer, a board member for The Billfish Foundation (TBF) was asked by Dr. Michael Domeier to help him tag big black marlin off Panama to follow their migratory habits by satellite. An avid billfisherman and billfish scientist, Domeier happens to be a great white shark scientist as well.
“When he saw Ocean our 126 ft., mothership he asked if I would be able to catch and safely lift a great white shark on it for scientific research he wanted to do,” said Fischer. “We have a hydraulic lift to pick-up a 75,000 lb game boat. I said ‘sure. We can build a fence around the lift and swing a great white over it.’
“I felt we were the only people in the world who can safely capture these giant beasts of the ocean, pick them out of the water and let them go in good shape because of the lift and my crew of very talented world game anglers and captains,” as Fischer described Jody Whitworth and Brett McBride two legendary captains among his team members.
“I self-funded it, because we don’t really know much about great white sharks or other huge fish. It was a kind of a moral obligation to help Dr. Domeier solve this puzzle because I thought we would be the only people in the world who could do it for him. No one has ever had the ability to deliver mature specimens to scientists in remote locations because they are so big.
“Like in the movie Jaws, the first time we saw a shark come in and eat the bait and then take off and drag the buoys under and across the water it was a life-changing moment as an angler. The angling experience of capturing and releasing giant great white sharks is nothing similar to an angling experience of capturing a large pelagic fish. There’s a sense of history, a sense of awe, humility and humbleness. When a shark comes into the pattern under the back of the boat you look over at your bro and you’re all taking a step back. That thing is going to eat and we don’t want anyone to die today,” Fischer said with a smile describing that moment.
They even named the first great white they caught and released Bruce for the mechanical sharks used in the 1975 movie thriller classic.
Like a tenacious angler trying to get his quarry it took Fischer two years of pitching his project before National Geographic bit after seeing his exciting and extensive footage.
“I promised Dr. Domeier I would help him get these tags out and I went back and funded it a second year to help him finish this TV project and continue his science. Because of the severe down turn in the nation’s economy, if I couldn’t sell it I would have to sell my ship and get rid of everything. I was getting down to my last liquid dollars.”
Emulating the late French marine researcher Jacques Cousteau and his 139 ft. Calypso, Cousteau’s filming platform, Fischer describes his new TV series and his ship Ocean as a modern day vessel worthy of worldwide research of huge sharks and pelagic fish.
“And the episodes have the adventures of writer Zane Grey with many elements of the Deadliest Catch.” Fischer has won multiple Emmys for his recent Offshore Adventure series and other shows over this current decade. Actor Paul Walker another TBF board member and avid billfisherman helped on his crew.
“Monday night’s show is kind of a sneak peak during Expedition Week for the 10 hour series to run next summer,” said the highly passionate Fischer for his project. “The show is called Expedition Great White. We caught what we estimated to be a 4,600 lb great white based on length and girth.
“The first thing I did was call my buddies at the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) the world record keeping body, and Salt Water Sportsman magazine and asked them what was the biggest fish ever caught and released alive. Figures were in the 2,000 lb range on recreational tackle. I sent them this picture and they said nothing has been caught and released alive that big. We caught three of them over 4,000 lbs., the three biggest fish ever in history, caught and released alive. A specially designed system is used to keep each alive. The exam includes a blood draw by Dr. Domeier to check hormone levels, measurements, sperm samples taken, and tagging by attaching a tracking antenna to the dorsal fin before releasing.
“So it’s been great as the data is pouring in. Dr. Domeier is beginning to solve the puzzle of the great white shark; where they breed, where they feed, where they give birth so we can look after them and protect these areas. We’re learning so much new science.”
And work continues on the life cycle and migratory habits of billfish.
“Early next year we’re helping Dr. Domeier put out black marlin tags in the Puerto Vallarta fishery,” said Fischer. “He’s an avid big time black marlin and striped marlin angler and an active advisor to the TBF board. We support him and his science anyway we can.”
For more on the show which will be broadcast at 9 pm ET/PT, go to the Nat Geo website at http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/expedition-week/ .
----------------------
More on The Billfish Foundation: TBF is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. With world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA, TBF was established in 1986 by the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller, and has a comprehensive network of members and supporters including anglers, captains, mates, scientists, tournament directors, clubs, sport fishing and tourism businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, the organization works for solutions that are good for billfish, not punitive to recreational anglers and good for the local economy.
For more see the TBF web site at www.billfish.org or phone them at 800-438-8247.
###

TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com

Editors: please credit the National Geographic Channel for the following photos:

Captions:
1-2 – Chris Fischer holds one of the special hooks used for the safe catch and release of the great white sharks during the filming of Expedition Great White. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel)

2 -2 -- GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico: (Left to right) Crew member, Chad Kiesel and expert angler, Chris Fischer tag a 14 ft female great white shark to track her to breeding grounds. The hydration hose in the shark's mouth keeps it alive while the team measures, tags, and takes blood samples. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel/ Chris Ross)

5 – 4 -- GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico: Crew member, Jody Whitworth lifts the nose of a great white shark while Captain Brett McBride removes the hydration hose that keeps the shark alive on deck. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel/ Chris Ross)

[administrator]

For Immediate Release

TBF joins Sportfishing Industry and Partners
Calling on Administration to Make Major
Marine Fisheries Management ChangesImmediate administrative action needed to avoid significant problems with fisheries management

WASHINGTON D.C. – February 23, 2010 – The Billfish Foundation today joined a coalition of marine recreational fishing, boating, and conservation organizations and businesses to call on the Obama administration to take immediate action to deal with a crisis in federal fisheries management that has been growing for two decades because federal regulators failed to collect accurate and timely fisheries data or conduct sufficient and frequent stock assessments.
Ellen Peel, President of The Billfish Foundation said, “We believe had the National Marine Fisheries Service received more funding for stock assessments and collection of recreational fishing data over the past ten years, the current crisis would not have evolved. This current situation is an example of passing legislation and not funding the essentials to make it meaningful, not punitive.”
In a letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, the American Sportfishing Association, The Billfish Foundation, the Center for Coastal Conservation, the Coastal Conservation Association, the International Game Fish Association, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association laid out an initial framework to immediately address serious and escalating problems resulting from inadequate implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the chronic problems that exist within the federal marine fisheries management system.
The coalition emphasizes that there are available administrative actions that can be taken right away to address the concerns of the sportfishing and boating industries and the nation’s 13 million saltwater anglers who depend on well-managed, healthy marine fisheries.
Read the full letter here -- link to full letter to the TBF website: billfish.org .
Given NOAA’s recent ban on recreational fishing for red snapper from North Carolina through Florida and the potential for additional bans on key recreational saltwater fisheries, much of the frustration that exists in the grassroots recreational fishing community over these management decisions has boiled over into organized protests including, one being held Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

With today’s letter, the coalition called upon the administration to:
• Take decisive, immediate action to improve recreational fisheries data by redirecting existing funds and personnel to focus on real-time management data.
• Collect socio-economic data on recreational fishing in the communities most likely to be impacted by near-term or expected fisheries closures.
• Provide federal level direction to the fishery management councils to use common-sense in their management approaches while the administration collects the requisite data to make sound management decisions.
• Develop a recreational fishing program and staff within NMFS commensurate with the national economic contribution of recreational saltwater fishing.

TBF’s Peel added, “Stock assessments for recreationally important species have been a lower priority of the National Marine Fisheries Service than is justified by the economic contribution of the recreational fishing community. Recreational fishing accounts for only three percent of the marine finfish harvested by weight, yet it produces 56 percent of the jobs from all saltwater fisheries.”

The Billfish Foundation had to provide financial support to get Atlantic billfish stock assessments started two decades ago. TBF also has a long history of funding biological and socio-economic studies in the U.S. and other nations to use in promoting that good billfish conservation pays; the U.S. government has never given this a priority. Billfish management is complicated due to their highly migratory nature that takes the fish across national and international waters.

The coalition’s groups look forward to working closely with the Administration and NOAA to implement solutions to effectively deal with our nation’s marine fisheries resources.

2/23/2010 TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications,
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com

[administrator]

U.S. Coast Guard to burn thickest oil from massive Gulf spill

Racing against a threat to environmentally sensitive marshlands, authorities planned to begin Wednesday burning some of the thickest oil from a rig explosion off the coast of Louisiana.
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman said the burn was expected to begin in the morning.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Prentice Danner says fire-resistant containment booms will be used to corral some of the thickest oil on the water's surface, which will then be ignited. It was unclear how large an area would be set on fire or how far from shore the first fire would be set.
The slick is the result of oil leaking from the site of last week's huge explosion of the rig Deepwater Horizon that left 11 people missing and presumed dead.
Oil continues to spill undersea at an estimated rate of 160, 000 litres a day.
Robot submarines have been unable to cap the well. Operator BP Plc. says work will begin as early as Thursday to drill a relief well to take pressure off the flow from the blowout site. That could take months.
Winds and currents in the Gulf have helped crews in recent days as they try to contain the leak, but it has moved steadily toward the mouth of the Mississippi River, an area home to hundreds of species of wildlife and near some of the Gulf's richest oyster grounds.
Meanwhile, the cost of the disaster continues to rise.
The Deepwater Horizon exploded on April 20. The rig was owned by Transocean Ltd. and operated by BP.
Industry officials say replacing the Deepwater Horizon would cost up to $700-million (U.S.) BP has said its costs associated with containing the spill are running at $6 million a day. The company said it will spend $100 million to drill the relief well, which it does not expect to be operating for up to three months. The coast guard has not yet reported its expenses.

[administrator]

New Report Indicates Access a Problem for Anglers


6/10/10



A new report sheds light on the declining number of recreational anglers by finding that a lack of access, in particular boating access, is identified as a problem for many who fish. The report also outlines the need for better communication between policymakers and anglers in order to improve programs that enhance access to prime fishing areas.

The study, released in early June, was conducted by the well known natural resources and outdoor sports research firm, Responsive Management, in cooperation with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). The work was paid for through a Multi-State Conservation Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, administered by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The goal of the report was to gain an understanding of how access impacts anglers and landowners throughout the country.

Many anglers surveyed said they had a limited amount of time to go fishing due to work and family obligations. However, a significant number also described a lack of access to good fishing areas as a significant factor in their declining participation in recreational fishing.

Key findings included that two-thirds of the anglers surveyed in the study use public land as opposed to private land. It also found that boating access played a major role as half of freshwater and a majority of saltwater anglers surveyed stated that they used private boats to fish. Only nine percent of anglers surveyed said they were aware of programs available to facilitate access.

“The results of this study point to numerous specific research-based strategies that can be implemented to make access to the water easier for our nation's anglers,” said Mark Damian Duda, executive director of Responsive Management. “The report clearly highlights that, as with hunting, access is a major issue impacting the number of anglers outside as well as the quality of their experiences.”

“Policymakers need to consider how to help guarantee points of access for anglers,” said Doug Jeanneret, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president of government affairs. “A failure to tackle this today will mean even fewer anglers tomorrow.”

[administrator]

Bullseye (http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=1490&ncs2905=0)
[/URL] A Blog a Day to Keep the Antis Away? Thursday, June 10, 2010 1:49:33 PM

Editor’s Note: According to a recent online survey conducted by AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com, 64 percent of hunters and anglers report they are not using social networking sites, like blogs, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to obtain outdoor information. While these numbers may be slightly different depending on the polls and surveys taken, there is one clear thing to take away from this, the outdoor sports community should have a more active role in the new media environment in order to share experiences and fight back against the loud voices of the anti-hunting/animal rights community.

This week’s Bullseye Blog is a guest blog, written by blogging expert and executive business coach Barbara C., and will help explain how through blogging, you can get more involved in sharing your passion for the outdoors with friends, family and those that may not know much about our outdoor heritage”.

Did you know there’s an easy and fun way to protect your sportsmen’s rights without ever leaving the comfort of home or taking too much time away from the field?

I’m talking about blogging.

For anyone unfamiliar, the term “blog” is short for the term “weblog”. But blogs aren’t just “kidstuff” anymore and have exploded in a big way with almost everyone using them. Blogs are simply a short story mirroring an editorial about a subject that can be sent out quickly to the masses. There are personal blogs, business blogs, celebrity blogs, and even outdoor blogs.

Blogs are popular for many reasons: they’re fun, easy to create and can be easily personalized. They give anyone with the right background the chance to be an authority on the web.

They can also help you protect your rights and traditions by giving you a chance to make an impact on how the public, the press – and even politicians view sportsmen’s issues.

The secret is that blogs run on a technology called RSS, which stands for Really Simple Syndication. Simply put, whenever you post content on your blog, it can be indexed in Google or other online search engines almost INSTANTLY.

That means that you have the power to instantly publish content directly onto the web, which can be seen by millions of people – including members of the public, the press and politicians.

And on any given day, when those people perform a Google search for “hunting”, fishing” or “antis” – your blog makes your opinion visible – which means your voice can make the difference on any given day.

Can a simple blog translate into political power? YES!

Politicians and pundits check the “blog-o-sphere” daily for the pulse of the people – meaning you.

Blogs are easily the most powerful tool in the fight to protect your rights and those of your fellow sportsmen and women - and it’s as easy as typing.

Which brings us to our next question – are you blogging yet?

As a member of the USSA, you can help simply by blogging! Help us help you! Take our Sportsmen’s Blog Survey & tell us what you think! [URL="http://www.blogbootcamp.net/us-sportsmens-alliance-survey/"]Click here! (http://www.jerrylabella.com/feed.rss?id=21)

And stay tuned to USSA for more helpful and exciting blog ideas and information. Also stay tuned for future stories that will connect you to all the info you need to get started with your own blog.

[administrator]

Western States Gear Up for Possible Wolf Seasons

Seasons Depend on Outcome of Court Case
7/14/10


Wildlife officials in Idaho and Montana are preparing for the upcoming wolf hunting seasons in both states. However, the work being done could become a moot point depending on the outcome of a court case concerning the possible renewal of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population.

During a July 7-8 meeting of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, a staff briefing (http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/about/commission/10agenda/july/11.pdf) indicated that the Commission will be considering several changes to the state’s wolf season during its August meeting. These changes would include the use of trapping and electronic calling in certain areas. The actual quotas for the season will be decided at the August meeting as well.

Meanwhile on July 8, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission issued a unanimous decision that it will increase the number of wolf tags from 75 last year to 186 for the upcoming season.

Despite the decisions being made by wildlife professionals in Idaho and Montana, it remains uncertain if there will be a season at all. As the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance previously reported (http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2471), federal Judge Donald W. Molloy heard arguments on June 15 from both sides of the debate over the removal of gray wolves in the Northern Rocky area from the Endangered Species List.

Idaho and Montana each had wolf seasons in 2009 after the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population was removed from the Endangered Species List in those states.

In September, 2009 Judge Molloy refused to block the then scheduled hunts in Montana and Idaho as requested by a coalition of anti-hunting groups that had filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for delisting the wolves. However, the decision left open the larger issue of relisting the population.

The key issue that will determine whether the wolves are placed back under ESA protection revolves around whether the FWS could “split protection” between states. The antis argued that this is what FWS did by maintaining protections for wolves in Wyoming, which is also within the Northern Rocky Mountain region, while removing them in Idaho and Montana. They argued that if any of the population is threatened, the entire population must be listed. Attorneys representing the FWS argued that both the Bush and the Obama administrations approved of the delisting and that Congress intended to have flexibility in protecting species under the ESA.


Articles This Week:

Western States Gear Up for Possible Wolf Seasons
(http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2485)San Francisco Considers Pet Sale Ban
(http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2486)Check Out Our New Video (http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=2484)

[administrator]

Bullseye (http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=1490&ncs2905=0) Taking Action for Animals or Changing Society? Wednesday, July 14, 2010 1:20:14 PM

1163
By Greg R. Lawson, Director of Communications
In the wake of San Francisco’s serious look at banning the purchasing of pets, I could not resist sharing this video (http://www.humanesociety.org/news/multimedia/index.html?fr_story=12041fa0f0c70b2741a50f1056f73b 8d2e2ac4fd&rf=bm) that I discovered the other day. It’s a promotional video highlighting an annual Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sponsored activist conference. I was struck at how well it highlights what HSUS is all about- ANIMAL RIGHTS and changing society.

Basically, the video is a compilation of highlights from the conference HSUS held last year in the Washington D.C. area (and similar to another one they plan for this year). Notice all of the “Herbivore” and “Go Vegetarian” signs strewn about the various exhibits. Also, check out the sign and DVDs at the 43 second mark. It reads: “NO Hunting: All animals on this property protected” complete with the HSUS logo on it.

Does this sound like a group that is only against the “worst abuses?”

Also, you should check out HSUS president and CEO Wayne Pacelle’s comments at the end where he states point blank, “We’re going to change the way society deals with them.” Kind of sounds like a pretty hard core agenda, doesn’t it?

I’ve written before (http://www.ussportsmen.org/Page.aspx?pid=1490&storyid2905=44&ncs2905=3) about how the powers that be at HSUS see themselves as part of a social movement that is a natural progression, at least in their minds, of the civil and women’s rights movements.

If this is what you believe, ok, I guess HSUS might be your kind of thing. If you think comparing animal rights in the same breath as the struggles women and African-Americans have faced is crazy talk, you should spread the word about what animal rightists really represent.

By the way, according to the New York City blog, the Gothamist (http://gothamist.com/2010/07/10/could_nyc_be_next_to_ban_pets_from.php), Patrick Kwan (http://www.humanesociety.org/about/leadership/state_directors/patrick_kwan.html), HSUS’ New York State Director was quoted as saying, “The Humane Society of the United States does not support the buying and selling of dogs, cats, and wild animals, such as large constrictor snakes and primates, through pet stores.” So is HSUS planning to put a San Francisco push on in the Big Apple?

For those listening, HSUS is telling you what they really stand for. It’s time to get more people to listen.

[administrator]

For Immediate Release w/photo
ICCAT wrapup: U.S. negotiating team holds the line for marlin and swordfish

1329

Photo caption: The annual negotiations during ICCAT’s annual fisheries meetings attracted growing global media coverage especially to the U.S. delegation led by Dr. Jane Lubchenco, (center) Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Dr. Lubchenco delivered the U.S. conservation message as one, supporting science-based management for sustainable stocks and long term fishing opportunities and jobs for both the recreational and commercial fisheries. Among the U.S. delegation to ICCAT wasEllen Peel, (left) President of The Billfish Foundation, who served as the U.S. Recreational Fishing Commissioner and (right) Russell Smith, NOAA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries and lead U.S. Commissioner. (photo courtesy of Justin Kenney/ NOAA)

ICCAT wrapup: U.S. negotiating team holds the line for marlin and swordfish
Emphasis on the value of recreational fishing slowly advancing at the annual meetings

PARIS, France -- A negotiating team from the United States, which included The Billfish Foundation (TBF), successfully defended existing conservation measures for white and blue marlin and swordfish during 12 days of annual negotiations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which concluded in Paris, November 27.
ICCAT is an inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. The 40-year old commission includes nearly 50 member nations.
As the negotiations opened, intense media attention was directed at the U.S. and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Lubchenco’s presence was a clear indication that the U.S. was increasing its visibility at ICCAT. She delivered the U.S. conservation message as one, supporting science-based management for sustainable stocks and long term fishing opportunities and jobs for both the recreational and commercial fisheries.
“This was the first time we have heard a clear statement emphasizing the economic and cultural value of recreational fishing being delivered by the U.S. at ICCAT,” said Ellen Peel, TBF
President, who served as the U.S. Recreational Fishing Commissioner.
Randi Parks Thomas served as the U.S. Commercial Fishing Commissioner and Russell Smith, NOAA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, was the lead U.S. Commissionerand negotiator. Dr. Russell Nelson, TBF’s Chief Scientist, represented the organization as an official observer lobbying for conservation and keeping anglers globally informed via TBF’s blog site thebillfishfoundation.********.com (http://www.jerrylabella.com/Desktop/www.thebillfishfoundation.********.com) .
Some positive results included a continuing of Atlantic marlin conservation measures requiring release of live marlin from longline vessels and quotas on commercial landings.
“These conservation measures have resulted in the first positive increase in white marlin stocks in over three decades,” noted Peel. “Negotiating before ICCAT for the conservation of species important for U.S. recreational fisheries is extremely challenging,” she said “but in recent years Brazil has arisen as a very important partner in billfish conservation.”
“The U.S. successfully managed to extend the North Atlantic swordfish measures for one year, which will likely create more pressure next year to retain quota share,” observed Nelson, “and any reduction in U.S. quota share would trickle down to re-distribution of catch allocations through all user groups in the U.S.”
In other major news ICCAT, which recently began addressing shark conservation, removed oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks from the international market and any take, possession or sale will be prohibited (with some exceptions for small scale artisanal coastal fisheries). On the down side for sharks measures to protect thresher and porbeagle sharks and to require that all sharks be landed with fins intact (to make it harder to fin sharks and discard their bodies) were defeated. Like marlin, sharks are killed as bycatch in pelagic longline gear.
“A significant step was achieved with the adoption of the agreement to prohibit retention of oceanic whitetip sharks,” said Sonja Fordham, a veteran international shark expert, U.S. delegation member and President of the non-profit organization Shark Advocates International.
Much needed conservation measures for bigeye tuna and Mediterranean swordfish did not move forward.

###

November 29, 2010


TBF PR counsel: Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications, Inc.


Scottsdale, Ariz. -- 480-951-3654 -- Johnsoncom@aol.com

[administrator]

Dear RMEF Member,

Delisting of wolves continues to be considered by the U.S. Congress.

Please make TWO quick phone calls—and pass this on to every hunter and sportsmen you know around the country who wants to hunt big game in the West and the Great Lakes area.

Simply call and ask Sen. Tester and Sen. Baucus (both from Montana) to support Sen. Hatch, Sen. Crapo, Sen. Risch, Sen. Enzi, Sen. Barrasso, Sen. McCain and Sen. Kyl, and vote to pass S. 3919 which would delist wolves across the West and the Great Lakes area.

Both Montana senators currently support delisting that is controlled by the federal government, not the states. Tell Montana’s senators to end federal oversight and grant wolf-management authority to the states. If these two Senators will support S. 3919, most of the Senate will support the same.

Tell them this is a critical issue to all sportsmen and ranchers in Western and Great Lakes states.

Call now!

Sen. Baucus 202-224-2651

Sen. Tester 202-224-2644



M. David Allen
President/CEO
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
(406) 523-4584




Title: To remove the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf from the list of threatened species or the list of endangered species published under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf Recovery and Sustainability Act of 2010”.
SEC. 2. STATUS OF THE NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF THE GRAY WOLF AS ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES.
(a) Definitions.—In this section:
(1) Final rule.—The term “final rule” means the final rule entitled “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To Identify the Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a Distinct Population Segment and To Revise the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife” (74 Fed. Reg. 15123 (April 2, 2009)).
(2) Northern rocky mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf.—The term “Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf” means the distinct population segment of the gray wolf described in the final rule.
(3) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Status of Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment of the Gray Wolf.—
(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective on the date of enactment of this Act, the final rule shall have the full force and effect of law.
(2) State management plan for state of wyoming.—
(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), until the date on which the Secretary approves a State plan for the management of gray wolves in the State of Wyoming, gray wolves located in the State of Wyoming shall remain subject to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(B) Authority of secretary.—The Secretary may permit the lethal and nonlethal taking of gray wolves if the Secretary determines that a taking would be appropriate for any reason relating to gray wolves, including—
(i) to defend private property, including livestock and pets; and
(ii) to address unacceptable impacts to wild, ungulate populations.
(3) Entire distinct population segment delisted.—On the date described in paragraph (2)(A), if the Secretary has not carried out any action under subsection (c), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a notice to remove the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf from the list of endangered or threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1)).
(c) Monitoring and Subsequent Status of Species.—
(1) Duty of secretary.—Consistent with section 4(g) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(g)), the Secretary shall cooperate with each State to monitor the status of the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf.
(2) Inclusion of the gray wolf with respect to states of montana and idaho.—
(A) Determination of secretary.—
(i) State of montana.—During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that the population of gray wolves located in the State of Montana does not meet the minimum threshold described in subparagraph (B)(i), the Secretary shall include the population of gray wolves on the list of endangered or threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1)).
(ii) State of idaho.—During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that the population of gray wolves located in the State of Idaho does not meet the minimum threshold described in subparagraph (B)(ii), the Secretary shall include the population of gray wolves on the list of endangered or threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1)).
(B) Minimum thresholds.—
(i) State of montana.—With respect to the State of Montana, the minimum threshold shall be considered to be a population of gray wolves that is within or above the population range established in the Montana 2003 management plan for gray wolves described in the final rule.
(ii) State of idaho.—With respect to the State of Idaho, the minimum threshold shall be considered to be a population of gray wolves that is within or above the population range established in the Idaho March 2008 management plan for gray wolves described in the final rule.
(d) Termination; Effect.—
(1) Termination.—Effective on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) shall apply, without limitation, to any determination of the listing status of any gray wolf located within the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment of the gray wolf.
(2) Effect.—Nothing in this section—
(A) applies to any species, or distinct population segment of any species, other than the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf; or
(B) may be considered to be—
(i) any precedent for the management of any species, or distinct population segment of any species, other than the Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf; or
(ii) the intent of Congress with respect to any interpretation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (c) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015.

[administrator]

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229
Ph. 614/888-4868 • Fax 614/888-0326
Website: www.ussportsmen.org (http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ussportsmen.org %2f&srcid=4915&srctid=1&erid=7812428) • E-mail: info@ussportsmen.org (info@ussportsmen.org)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg R. Lawson (614) 888-4868 x 214
December 31, 2010 Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 x 226
Sportsmen: Take the USA Today Gun Owner Poll



(Columbus, OH) -With a new year getting ready to start, it's important that sportsmen's voices are heard loud and clear. One way to do this is to respond each and every time the mainstream media seeks our opinions on subjects that impact our traditions.
The Second Amendment is one of these subjects. It's vitally importance to millions of America’s sportsmen. This is especially the case today as all firearm owners constantly face legislation in Washington and state capitals seeking to constrain our constitutional rights.
This online poll (http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.usatoday.com%2f news%2fquickquestion%2f2007%2fnovember%2fpopup5895 .htm&srcid=4915&srctid=1&erid=7812428) from USA Today, one of the leading news providers in the country, has surfaced a number of times online. Despite being around for three plus years, the poll asks a tremendously important question, “Does the Second Amendment give individuals the right to bear arms?”
Thus far over 7 million people have responded with the overwhelming majority voting yes. As legislators in Congress and the states come back into session, this is a good time to express your opinion about our right to keep and bear arms.
As such, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance hopes that you will join those that have already voted and make your opinion heard.
In the meantime, let’s all take a deep breathe and get ready for to continue standing up for our outdoor heritage in 2011!
Take Action! Click here (http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.usatoday.com%2f news%2fquickquestion%2f2007%2fnovember%2fpopup5895 .htm&srcid=4915&srctid=1&erid=7812428) to vote and add your voice to the USA Today poll.
For more information, contact the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email info@ussportsmen.org
About the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
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 (http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fwww.ussportsmen.org %2f&srcid=4915&srctid=1&erid=7812428).
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[administrator]

For Immediate Release

Panama is first Central American country
to add longlining restrictions within its waters

PANAMA CITY, Panama and FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., USA – After banning commercial purse seining from its waters in July, the Republic of Panama has taken further steps adding restrictions on longlining for the conservation of its marine life and its socio-economic growth.
In letters to Panamanian officials, Ellen Peel, President of The Billfish Foundation and Chris Fischer founder of OCEARCH, applauded the government for becoming the first of the seven Central America nations to restrict pelagic longline gear within its waters. The practice of commercial longlining in the region uses hundreds of baited hooks attached to short lengths of line spaced at intervals to main lines. The longliners target swordfish and tuna, but also hook bycatch species including sharks, turtles and recreational billfish like marlin and sailfish.
Panama’s Executive Decree 486 signed by President Ricardo Martinelli on Dec. 28, 2010, prohibits longline vessels of over six tons from operating within the nation’s waters.
“This action,” said Ms. Peel, “is the latest in a growing trend that makes Panama one of the most proactive, innovative and committed fishery managers in the world and results from the increasing influence of the collective sportfishing community.
“After prohibiting tuna purse seining in July the signing of these two agreements acts directly on two of the greatest sources of overfishing of marlin and tuna species while creating appropriate sustainable management plans for billfish and other popular game fish vital to growing sportfishing and tourism in the Central America region.”
OCEARCH’s Fischer who is also on the board of TBF said, “Through this decree the Republic of Panama becomes a global leader in the responsible management of ocean resources and a more established force in the international sportfishing tourism marketplace.”
In Panama, Dr. Ruben Berrocal, National Secretary of SENACYT (Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación) added, "The President's decision underscores his commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations; and the economic and scientific benefits these measures produce are well-established. Through sustainable marine management efforts and the careful consideration of important advocacy programs to maintain our game fish--such as those supported by The Billfish Foundation--we are committed to ensure that Panama remains a world-renowned destination where commerce, science and economic productivity can live in harmony.”
TBF, through a 2009 agreement with the Organization of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Isthmus of Central America (OSPESCA), developed a management plan for sportfishing in the seven nation region assisting each nation in developing appropriate national conservation goals to enhance sportfishing tourism. It includes recreational fishing monitoring and data collecting programs using TBF tags and catch reports to gather vital statistics for decision makers to better understand the dynamics of sportfishing as an important economic tool.
TBF has been working with the governments of Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru – some for over a decade – to protect billfish, mainly from overfishing coastal fisheries by commercial interests, while implementing tag and release programs for sportsmen.
Established 25 years ago, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations around the world. TBF's comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, clubs and sportfishing businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, TBF is able to work for solutions that are good for billfish and not punitive to recreational anglers. Visit www.billfish.org (http://www.billfish.org/new/index.asp) or to reach Ms. Peel, ph. 800-438-8247, ex.108.
###

1/13/2011
TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Comm, Scottsdale, Ariz., USA.
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com (JohnsonCom@aol.com)
Commercial longlining ships like this Panamanian vessel photographed off Panama will now be banned in the waters of the Central American nation, from setting hundreds of baited hooks to its lines which attract bycatch species like billfish, turtles and sharks. The recent presidential decree is a huge triumph for conservation, recreational catch-and-release sportfishing efforts and for the socio-economy of the region. (Photo courtesy of Elliott Stark, The Billfish Foundation)

[administrator]

For Immediate Release w/graphic & caption

Ocean’s “dead zones” expanding; billfish more
exposed to capture says The Billfish Foundation

Image courtesy of the Journal of Fisheries Oceanography, 19(6), 448-462. 2010
(Caption): A recent research study by scientists and fishery experts working in the western north Atlantic and eastern tropical Atlantic revealed that billfish and other finfish are becoming more vulnerable to overfishing as “dead zones,” scientifically known as hypoxic zones, expand and shoal closer to the sea surface. This graphic using dissolved oxygen (DO) data from the World Ocean Atlas shows the depleted levels of DO at 100 meters depths off Africa and the Americas. The black and red colors indicate depressed levels of DO at or below 3.5 milliliters per liter (see scale). The study was composed of scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and The Billfish Foundation. Billfish and other marine species become more susceptible to overfishing because they are "compressed" into oxygen rich waters at the ocean’s surface where they are easier to catch, while avoiding waters low in oxygen below the thermocline.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. USA. – With the New Year comes new challenges to fish in our world’s oceans and one of the major concerns is the expansion of hypoxic zones. That’s the scientific name but more recreational anglers are becoming aware of them as “dead zones.”
They are areas in the oceans with low or non-existent oxygen levels which, according to a recently released research study by scientists and fish management experts, are increasing in size while decreasing the habitats of billfish and tuna. In scientific circles this phenomena is called "habitat compression."
Ellen Peel, President of The Billfish Foundation (TBF) said scientists outfitted 79 sailfish and blue marlin in two strategic areas of the Atlantic with pop-off archival satellite tags which monitored their horizontal and vertical movement patterns.
“Billfish favor abundant habitats of oxygen rich waters closer to the surface while avoiding waters low in oxygen,” Peel said. The study, composed of scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and TBF, found a massive expanding low oxygen zone in the Atlantic Ocean is encroaching upon the fish forcing them into shallower waters where they are more likely to be caught. The research waters included areas off south Florida and the Caribbean (western North Atlantic); and off the coast of West Africa (the eastern tropical Atlantic).
Hypoxic zones occur naturally in areas of the world’s tropical and equatorial seas because of ongoing weather patterns, oceanographic and biological processes. In the current cycle of climate change and accelerated global warming, hypoxic areas are expanding and shoaling closer to the sea surface, and may continue to expand as sea temperatures rise.
“The zone off West Africa,”said Dr. Eric D. Prince, NOAA Fisheries Service research biologist, “encompasses virtually all the equatorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean, is roughly the size of the continental United States and is growing. With the current cycle of climate change and accelerated global warming we expect the size of this zone to increase, further reducing the available habitat for these fishes.”
Dr. Phillip Goodyear of TBF explained that fishery managers should start incorporating oxygen depleted zones into assessing population abundance and making management decisions. “As water temperatures increase, the amount of oxygen dissolved in water decreases, squeezing billfish into less available habitat and exposing them to even higher levels of overfishing.”
Peel added, “While most recreational anglers are practicing catch and release, sailfish and marlin will become more vulnerable to commercial netters, purse seiners, and longliners that fish the oxygen rich zones. Reduced habitats can lead to higher catch rates of fish not because there are more fish in an area, which is the usual indication, but because the billfish are more densely concentrated near the surface where fishing gear is more likely to catch them.
“These higher catch rates from compacted habitat can skew estimates of population abundance, producing a false signal of stock size. This important issue is whether the change in habitat will cause a change in CPUE (catch per unit of effort) with no corresponding change in species abundance. This issue will be important for future stock assessments.”
The findings were published in the Nov. edition of Fisheries Oceanography, where a full discussion of this challenging phenomenon in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is reviewed.
Established 25 years ago, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations around the world. TBF's comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, and clubs and sportfishing businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, TBF is able to work for solutions that are good for billfish and not punitive to recreational anglers. For more visit www.biillfish.org (http://www.biillfish.org/) or phone Ms. Peel at 800-438-8247 ex 108.
###
1/18//2011

Pete Johnson (PR counsel for The Billfish Foundation -- billfish.org)
Johnson Communications, Inc.
P.O. Box 12398
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Ph: 480-951-3654
e-mail: JohnsonCom@aol.com