legislature news By Tim Atwood, Bowhunting and Conservation Chairman
Bowhunter Rights Coalition U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Senior Vice President Rick Story addressed representatives from major state bowhunting groups during the 2005 Pope & Young Convention in Springfield, Missouri. He explained that anti-hunters had announced intentions to target bowhunting for extinction and that the Alliance’s “Bowhunter Rights Coalition (BRC) had been formed to counter looming attacks. Many organizations responded by signing on with the BRC to protect America’s bowhunting heritage. National Members Bowhunter Magazine, Inc. Bowhunting World Magazine Bowsite.com International Bowhunting Organization National Bowhunter Education Foundation National Field Archery Association Pope & Young Club Trail of the Sportsman U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Statewide Members Indiana Bowhunters Association Lone Star Bowhunters Association Maryland Bowhunter’s Society United Bowhunters of Kentucky Wisconsin Bowhunters Association Find out more about the BRC at www.bowhuntercoalition.org. To join, call (614) 888-4868 or email brc@ussportsmen.org.
New Jersey Bear Hunt Reinstated (Columbus) – In spite of having cancelled last year’s hunt, the head of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection announced yesterday that the state will likely resume hunting black bears in 2005. The decision comes in the wake of months of sportsmen’s protest over the bear hunting cancellation, the airing of a documentary that showed the dangers of overabundant black bears in the state and a near attack on a three-year-old at his home in northern New Jersey.
New Jersey Sunday Hunting Bill Advances to Senate Floor A New Jersey bill to allow Sunday bowhunting has passed a Senate committee thanks to strong support from sportsmen.
New Hampshire Bill Advances to Let Wildlife Agency Promote Hunting A New Hampshire Senate bill that would allow the Fish and Game Department to promote hunting, fishing and trapping has received approval in a House of Representatives committee.
Oregon Considers Hunting with Hounds to Control Cougars An Oregon bill would allow for the reinstatement of cougar hunting with hounds on a trial basis.
National Bear Hunting Defense Task Force Sportsmen’s Groups Meet to Plan Bear Hunting Defense A coalition of sportsmen’s groups concerned about anti-hunting attacks on bear hunting met in Green Bay, Wisconsin May 1314 to discuss how best to defend their heritage. Over 40 organizations from across the country attended the National Bear Hunting Defense Task Force meeting. The coalition was formed by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) in 2003 to defeat federal legislation that would have banned bear hunting over bait. Founding members include the Michigan Bear Hunter’s Association, the Upper Peninsula Bear Houndsmen and the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association (WBHA). The Task Force’s Initial success in 2003 propelled it to defeat ballot issues and court cases aimed at bear hunting ever since. “It was our coordination with the bear hunting community that made the difference at the ballot and in the courtroom in 2004,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “They made sure we had the resources to win the fights.” The group’s victories convinced the WBHA that it was on the right track coordinating with USSA. “That is why we offered to sponsor the meeting in Green Bay,” said Hubert Malsin, WBHA president. “We need to get all bear hunters in the fold so we can continue to defeat the anti’s.” The meeting agenda included tips on how to strengthen an individual hunting organization, a seminar on how to build a strong presence in state capitols and a message on the threats that loom in the future for bear hunters. For more information about the National Bear Hunting Defense Task Force, call (614) 888-4868.
August/September ‘05 Archery Magazine 31