H.R. 2834 passed the Committee with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 29-14. This vital piece of legislation would require fishing, hunting and recreational shooting to be included in all federal land planning documents and would fix numerous inconsistencies in federal law that are being exploited by litigious environmental groups to reduce hunting opportunities on federal land. This bill is strongly supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association, and millions of sportsmen across the country.

“This legislation is vital given the Administration’s recent actions toward hunters and recreational sport shooters,” said Melissa Simpson, Director of Government Affairs for Safari Club International. “Sportsmen have repeatedly sought to collaborate with the federal agencies and have been greeted with proposed closures in areas such as the Sonoran Desert National Monument, where the BLM intends to close the entire one-half million acre national monument to shooters.  There are some 63 shooting sites within the monument, closure of which will end access for sportsmen.   Passage of H.R. 2834 is necessary to protect against these anti-hunting policies.”

“Sportsmen are increasingly facing attacks aimed at stopping them from using public land,” said Bud Pidgeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.  “This bill closes the loopholes that anti-hunters have used time and time again to try to deny access for hunting, fishing and shooting.  Now is the time to put a stop to it.  We are extremely pleased and appreciative that the House Natural Resources Committee recognized the importance of this bill.”

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH  43229
Ph.             614/888-4868       • Fax 614/888-0326
Website: www.ussportsmen.org • E-mail: info@ussportsmen.org ]]> http://www.skinnymoose.com/annevinnola/2011/11/17/house-natural-resources-committee-passes-legislation-protecting-sportsmen%e2%80%99s-access/feed/ 0 http://www.skinnymoose.com/annevinnola/2011/10/20/call-to-action-nssf-and-other-2nd-amendment-folks-want-you-to-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=call-to-action-nssf-and-other-2nd-amendment-folks-want-you-to-know http://www.skinnymoose.com/annevinnola/2011/10/20/call-to-action-nssf-and-other-2nd-amendment-folks-want-you-to-know/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:47:19 +0000 Anne Vinnola http://www.skinnymoose.com/annevinnola/?p=905 Block Unauthorized Record-Keeping on Gun Owners:
Urge “Yes” Vote on Heller Amendment No. 843

During Senate consideration of the FY 2012 Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations bill, Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) plans to offer an amendment that would prohibit use of funds for a new and unauthorized multiple sales reporting plan proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The Heller amendment would prevent ATF from circumventing the will of Congress by centralizing records of thousands of Americans’ firearm purchases, without any legal authority. Identical language passed the U.S. House of Representatives with an overwhelming bipartisan majority on Feb. 18 by a vote of 277 to 149.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is encouraging all sportsmen, gun owners and firearms enthusiasts to contact both of their U.S. senators and urge them to support the Heller amendment.

BACKGROUND

ATF is requiring the 8,500 federally licensed firearms retailers in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas to report multiple sales of modern sporting rifles. Specifically, the ATF requirement calls for firearm retailers to report multiple sales, or other dispositions, of two or more semi-automatic rifles that are larger than .22 caliber, capable of accepting a detachable magazine and are purchased by the same individual within five consecutive business days.

ATF has no legal authority to demand these reports. Furthermore, these reporting requirements actually make it more difficult for licensed retailers to help law enforcement as traffickers modify their illegal schemes to circumvent the reporting requirement. Traffickers simply go further underground, hiring more people to buy their firearms. This makes it much harder for retailers to identify and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement.

ACTION

Please take a few minutes to contact your U.S. Senators today 202-224-3121 and urge them to support the Heller amendment.

Anne Vinnola, Herman Cain and Joe Wurzelbacher at the SHOT Show 2011

As Herman Cain’s presidential campaign heats up the GOP polls I thought I would run my interview with him again.

One of the highlights for my 2011 SHOT Show  was my interview with presidential hopeful Herman Cain. I was not even sure before January who Herman Cain really was for sure. He was some conservative talk show host from Atlanta. I did some quick research before the show and I found some really interesting things about  Herman Cain. What a fascinating man!

As an outdoor writer it is not everyday that I am given the opportunity to interview political powerhouses or presidential contenders, but Douglas Warren of Alaska’s Healing Hearts is a friend of Mr. Cain and  noticed on my Facebook page how I seem to be a political junky and well…he is correct. I feel it  is so important for each American to get involved in the process and I love the whole political game. My best friend hates politics and I in turn am not a fan of football like she is, so I call elections my Super Bowl and that way we tolerate each others habits. Doug had invited Mr. Cain and his friend Joe Wurzelbacher (Joe the Plumber) to visit the show with him and I was excited to be granted an interview.

I met Mr. Cain and Mr. Wurzelbacher  in the Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) booth and sat down for a very enjoyable visit. Mr Cain is  lighthearted, warm and friendly with a great sense of humor, but once you get him speaking his heart in matters of this great land, he gets very serious and  determined . Chit-Chat is replaced with well thought out plans and ideas to put the United States back on track from where many feel is certain disaster.

I asked Mr. Cain to tell me a little about himself and what makes him think he will be the best candidate to be our next president. I was soon absorbed in a pleasant but intense discussion with a passionate American describing specific ideas to fix the mess we are in.  Mr. Cain has a life story straight out of the “American Dream textbook.”  Growing up “poor but happy” is the way he describes his childhood.

When Mr. Cain spoke, one of the most refreshing things I found about him was the way he did not mince words. If something seems like a stupid  idea for the U.S. well, he says it is stupid! I love the way he thinks problems through in a thoughtful and methodical way, giving clear thought to both the pros and cons with his eye on the big picture. He speaks an “Everyday American” language not “Pie in the Sky Politician” and is not in the least bit afraid to challenge those people making the choices for us these days. He is extremely intelligent though without sounding condescending.

The strength he possesses is that he can identify issues this country faces and systematically and effectively with confidence fix them. He knows who to put into place to do the job and then he gets out of the way and doesn’t micro-manage them. He has confidence in the people he puts in place.

Herman Cain has been at the helm of some of the most successful companies in the United States and completely understands how to turn around a failing company to turn a huge profit as he did with Godfather’s Pizza. Teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, Herman Cain took the reins and within 14 very short months turned the company around to profitability and solvency, thus garnering the notice of the  Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association who later elected him as Chairman.

Herman Cain understands how to handle employees,insurance, unemployent, manage payrolls, challenge poor thinking executives  ahem…and really does know how it feels to work at the lowest level jobs in order to work your way up the ladder; he did it several times.

Mr Cain, once challenged President Clinton’s health care ideas in a nationally televised town hall meeting as being bad for small business and gee, looky there; in hindsight several years and squillions of dollars later he was right!  No wonder Herman Cain and Joe Wurzelbaugher hit if off! They are not in the least bit afraid to speak up, ask the hard questions  and tell the truth!

I asked him how he feels about gun control and he said,”I f a bill comes across my desk  as president, that hinders American’s right to bear arms, I would veto it in a second.” Hmmm I liked that! He didn’t even look nervously around and start to sweat. He was straight forward and  looked me unwaveringly t in the eye when he said it.

Herman Cain defines several key points that he would address as the President in his booklet Common Sense Solutions.

The first point is  strengthening our national security. He sees as the primary duty of the President of the United States as protecting it’s citizens. He is also dedicated to the support of our brave military through the best training, technology and equipment necessary while also providing the veterans and their families with the benefits they deserve for their sacrifice.

Next he wants to unleash economic growth with across-the-board tax cuts to provide long- term  relief including reducing the capital gains ta, permanently eliminating the death tax and he wants to cut government spending by modernizing and and eliminating some of our entitlement programs.

Mr. Cain had many more solid ideas and as I have continued to follow his campaign, I have liked even more of what he has had to say.

Find more info on him at www.HermanCain.com

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Urge Your Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 822,
The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act Of 2011

Earlier this year, Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.

There is now only one state (Illinois) that has no clear legal way for individuals to carry concealed firearms for self-defense.  Forty states have permit systems that make it possible for any law-abiding person to obtain a permit, while most of the others have discretionary permit systems. (Vermont has never required a permit.)

H.R. 822 would make a major step forward for gun owners’ rights by significantly expanding where those permits are recognized.

The Reapportionment issue is a HUGE deal to Colorado Conservatives and your voice is needed NOW is really a time to fight for your state!!

This is from Colorado State Senator Kevin Grantham District 2

Greetings all:

As you may well already know, the Reapportionment committee is traveling the state taking public input on their proposed maps for redrawing the State House and Senate district lines.

If you have not seen the maps they can be found at the following links:

House Maps: http://1.usa.gov/oTGLwE

Senate Maps: http://1.usa.gov/pOeQ73

I encourage you to review each of the maps and how it affects your county and the area as a whole. If you are not aware of the changes in Senate District 2 they are significant. They have created a monstrously sized district (currently renumbered to #31) that stretches from Mineral County (west of Alamosa) all the way to the Kansas line (including Kiowa, Prowers, and Baca counties). This district would be 26,887 square miles in size. For a little perspective, that is over a quarter of the land area of the entire state (104,100 sq. mi.) and is larger than 10 US States.

It also removes Fremont County (where I live) and adds in the six counties of the San Luis Valley as well as Prowers and Kiowa on the eastern end. The removal of Fremont and the addition of the San Luis Valley creates a dramatic shift in voter registration numbers. As it sits now it is a registration advantage for Republicans at 40.11% to 35.44%. This shifts it to a 5 point advantage to the Democrats (41.09% D to 36.72% R). A 10 point swing!

The other main issue is the violence that it does to our communities of interest. Fremont County has a common bond with the Lower Ark area because of its ties with the Ag community, farming, ranching, water, etc., as well as other economic drivers such as Corrections. The replacing of Fremont with the San Luis Valley does not improve the communities of interest aspect of the maps but does significant violence to it. Can they actually keep a straight face and say that Mineral and Rio Grande counties have a stronger community of interest with the Lower Ark than Fremont? Or is this simply a ploy to turn over a current Republican seat to a Democrat?

If you have the same or similar concerns with these maps please find the time to come testify at one of the following meetings. Share this information with other concerned citizens in your county so that they can make their voice heard.

Also, here is an OpEd from the Pueblo Chieftain this morning (8/17) regarding this issue:

http://www.chieftain.com/opinion/editorials/don-t-fix-it/article_a9d3bf6e-c872-11e0-97c7-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area

MORE….

My note from earlier today dealt primarily with the Senate District changes for SE Colorado. This note will address the House districts. Again the links to the maps are as follows:

House Maps: http://1.usa.gov/oTGLwE

Senate Maps: http://1.usa.gov/pOeQ73

The changes to the House districts in our area cover several issues and I’ll address them accordingly.

For Fremont County, the split in the county goes from three districts down to two: we actually lose the portion of HD47 (Swerdfeger) that is in SE Fremont and the Lincoln Park area of Canon City. Those precincts are essentially split between 60 and 21. This remaining split is unnecessary. All of Fremont could easily be put in 60 and kept whole. Rep. Gardner (21) could easily retract into El Paso County with minor line adjustments to the other districts in El Paso to adjust for population. I would encourage all of our Fremont residents to attend the meeting and testify for keeping Fremont whole. At the very least a split could happen that actually makes sense this time around such as following the line between RE1 and RE2 school districts instead of the current or proposed hack jobs.

Las Animas County: You’re county has been severed from the rest of SE Colorado and included with HD 47 in Pueblo County. I don’t believe that this is even remotely in the best interest of LA County. Given the issues and nature of the county including ranching, Pinon Canyon, oil & gas, etc., it is far better served remaining with the SE area counties such as Otero, Bent, Baca, and Prowers.

Others: The above are just a couple of issues that have an end result of negatively affecting you as well through diluted representation. There are other options for how these lines can be drawn that would keep communities of interest together. If LA County stays with the SE area then 47 must find its population elsewhere from adjoining counties, possibly Custer, Crowley, and a more sensible split of Fremont. The loss of Crowley and gain of Las Animas in HD 64 would result in an oversized district and the need to drop some population – possibly from Elbert County. There are several ripple effects like these that would need to be addressed if the necessary changes are made to the proposed maps.

If you are from one of these other counties and are so inclined I would encourage you to come and testify on these issues and for the integrity of SE Colorado – especially in regard to the treatment of Las Animas and Fremont counties.

If you have the same or similar concerns with these maps please find the time to come testify at one of the following meetings. Share this information with other concerned citizens in your county so that they can make their voice heard.

Thank you all and I look forward to seeing you at the meetings.

Kevin Grantham

Senator, Colorado District 2

kevin.grantham.senate@state.co.us

For nearly 20 years, the NRA has worked tirelessly to oppose any United Nations effort to undermine the constitutional rights of law-abiding American gun owners.  The latest attempt by the U.N. and global gun banners to eliminate our Second Amendment freedoms is to include civilian arms in the current Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which will be finalized next year.

In order for any treaty to take effect, however, it must be ratified by two-thirds of the U.S. Senate.   To ensure that any ATT that includes civilian arms is dead on arrival in the Senate, the NRA has been working to get as many U.S. Senators as possible to publicly oppose any ATT that includes restrictions on civilian arms.

As of this morning, 50 members of the U.S. Senate have signed letters to President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton saying they will oppose any ATT that includes civilian firearms ownership.  These strongly worded letters caution the President and Secretary of State to uphold the Constitution of the United States.  As Senator Jerry Moran’s letter warns, “(A)s the treaty process continues, we strongly encourage your administration to uphold our constitutional protections of civilian firearms ownership.  These freedoms are non-negotiable, and we will oppose ratification of an Arms Trade Treaty presented to the Senate that in any way restricts the rights of law-abiding U.S. citizens to manufacture, assemble, possess, transfer or purchase firearms, ammunition and related items.”

Thanking the NRA for our long-standing work on this issue, Senator Moran remarked, “I appreciate the NRA’s partnership on this important effort to defend the rights of American gun owners. I want to thank them for their active support in sending a strong message to the Obama Administration that our firearm freedoms are not negotiable.”

As we have for nearly two decades, the NRA will continue to fight against any U.N. treaty that undermines the constitutional rights of American gun owners.  These letters send a clear message to the international bureaucrats who want to eliminate our fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms.   Clearly, a U.N. ATT that includes civilian arms within its scope is not supported by the American people or their elected U.S. Senators.  We are grateful to Senator Moran, Senator Jon Tester, and all members of the Senate who have chosen to stand on the side of America’s 80 million gun owners in opposition to those who want to eliminate our freedoms.  And thank you as well to those NRA members who contacted their Senators and encouraged them to support this critical effort.

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=7004

While at the 2011 SHOT Show I was introduced to Bill Blodgett by a good friend of mine Lynn Pankey from Realtree. During her introduction she told me about his outdoor show called Majesty Outdoors.

I have met a few hunting show people in this business, so this is not unusual for me, but  upon meeting Bill, I recognized what a polite gentleman he is and within a very short time the passion for his show comes through.  The most striking part to me is that his outdoor show is not totally about hunting or fishing, it is about making a difference in the life of a “fatherless” teenager.

Majesty Outdoors is not just a hunting show it is a ministry that gets into gear and makes a huge impact in the lives of  kids.

The Mission Statement from Majesty Outdoors explains it all.

The mission of Majesty Outdoors is to expose “fatherless” teenagers to the majesty of God’s great outdoors, giving them a message of hope, trust, and the beauty of nature outside their normal environment.

Majesty Outdoors focuses on “fatherless” teens from across the country. These teens, both girls and boys, may be experiencing the absence of a father due to divorce, death, incarceration, etc. There are other teens that are technically “fatherless”, as their dads are serving our country abroad or their fathers have served and returned wounded physically, unable to take part with their sons or daughters in the outdoors. That’s why Majesty Outdoors is also partnering with the Military Warrior Support Foundation based in San Antonio, Texas.

Majesty Outdoors is not based on “catch or kill”…but centers on a message of hope, trust and transformation. God’s brilliance through His splendid creation creates a relaxing and healing atmosphere for hurting teens. Majesty Outdoors purposes to capture this dynamic on tape. Fishing episodes shoot on the Gulf Coast, while hunting episodes are primarily in the South Texas/Hill Country regions.

 

Bill Blodgett of Majesty Outdoor

Bill Blodgett

With over 10 years experience in youth ministry, Bill’s passion for helping teenagers has extended into television. Bill, himself fatherless since he was two years old had two “Dads” that were fathers of friends who took him fishing and hunting as a teen. With that vision given to him by his mentors, “Majesty Outdoors” was born. Bill gives back that investment as he continues to love and minister to the “fatherless” teenagers he finds.

The great outdoors serves as a wonderful stage to relationally build confidence and trust to kids who have a low self esteem and self worth. Our hope is these young people come away with an experience they’ll never forget. Also their experience is a launching platform for the “Next Generation” Outdoorsmen!

I was intrigued by the story of this ministry and asked Bill some questions about Majesty Outdoors:

Q.What was the reason you were moved to do Majesty Outdoors, what started this ministry? 

I had a serious knee injury that required a full knee replacement….and midway through the rehab period my knee locked up, requiring another surgery.  My rehab/recovery from this was almost a full year!  With lots of downtime, I seriously went to praying about what the Lord wanted to do with me.  My passion for teens (10 years in youth ministry) and the love of the outdoors never decreased….so it was natural that I do something that combined the two.  I was tired of the same old shows on outdoor television.  You can only kill a deer, or catch a fish ….so many ways…..and take it to television.  It seemed like it was all the same, just different characters or hosts.

As I was praying, the Malachi verse kept resonating in my spirit….”Turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the fathers hearts to the children”.

Being raised without a dad since two, and seeing so many hurting teens during my ministry days…it was easy for me to see the “root” of so many issues with teenagers in these times.  NO appreciation for the outdoors….so many “things” that pre-occupy their lives…with God and the great outdoors not being in the equation.

So…Majesty Outdoors was born out of a vision and a passion given to me while rehabbing my knee over the course of one year.

Q. What was the reaction from your family and friends?

I have had great support from family/friends.  They all knew my passion for the outdoors and teens…. But taking this vision to secular television was a great task, which I knew nothing about.

Q. How do you find the kids for the show?

These teens come to us in many ways.  Most are by referrals from friends or pastors across the nation who refer candidates to us.

Q. Why not take more along on each trip? Is there a reason for only 1 or 2 at a time? 

Well, what we cannot (or won’t show) on television is the direct involvement I have in these teens lives.  I go to their school functions, eat at their dinner table, assist the mothers in various capacities (honey-do’s, house repairs, teen counseling) etc.  Television is a VERY SMALL part of what Majesty Outdoors is all about.  As there is only one of me, I feel much more comfortable with one or two on each trip….thus making them feel more special and our crew can devote 100% of their time to them on each adventure.  These teens are lavished and loved like they’ve never experienced.

Q. What is the daily procedure when you have a kid with you?

After several meetings, social events and time spent with each teen and their mothers…..the “Great Adventure” starts!  Each teen has NO CLUE what their time outdoors will be.  We try to cater to something they have always wanted to do, or their interest.  That may include fishing, hunting, boat riding, hiking, outdoor lore, cooking or just conversation.  Many of these teens just like to sit in the woods, or on a boat dock…and just talk.

We listen, we laugh with them, we cry with them and we love on them.  At the end of the trip, they know that there are people who truly care about their welfare and future.  Like I said, the outdoors is our platform….and our faith is our compass.  They come away knowing the “love of the Father”.

Q. What is your favorite part of Majesty Outdoors?

Seeing the results of the time invested in each teenager.  There have been amazing turnarounds based on their experience with us.  From failing grades to honor role, suicidal tendencies to having a fresh outlook on life, from being self-centered to showing compassion and empathy for others…….all of these bring significance to the ministry of Majesty Outdoors…..and significance to each teen we are involved with.  These teens now know their purpose in life…..and are given the tools to break generational curses such as divorce, substance abuse and suicide.

 

Smiles like this are what Majesty Outdoors is ALL about!

Q. How do sponsors find you?

Our great website has been an incredible tool….but most of the sponsors have been hand-picked by myself.  Sponsors with integrity and a great love of the next generation outdoorsmen.

If you are interested in knowing more about this fantastic outdoor ministry please contact :

Bill Blodgett

Executive Producer/Host

512/924-2093

www.majestyoutdoors.org

Majesty Outdoors is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity registered with the Internal Revenue Service

P.S. While I was writing this article I received an email from Mr. Blodgett announcing this FABULOUS news! I am enclosing the Press Release! Kudos to Majesty Outdoors!!!

The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Since 1978, our mission has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity. The 32nd Annual Telly Awards received over 11,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

Telly Award #1: 2011 Film/Video Winner

Telly Award #2: 2011 People’s Telly

Fourth Man Productions
Majesty Outdoors

The 2011 Outdoors 360 Programming Excellence Awards
Airing on Versus, now part of the NBC Sports Group
And Selected by Campbell Cameras

The team at Campbell Camera have worked diligently reviewing all of the Outdoor 360 programming submissions in a effort to reward those programs with the highest production and entertainment values in outdoor television. We’d like to thank John Campbell, Jeremy Leu, Mike Slover and the entire staff at Campbell Cameras for their assistance and dedication to this event. We could not have launched the awards program without them.

Careco Multimedia and Campbell Cameras recognize  networks are continuously changing the landscape and raising the bar in regards to entertainment and production values.  These awards are meant to recognize and reward the producers that meet the challenges of the networks and viewer expectations.

The television programming submitted came from the best field and stream production companies in the nation and we want to thank and applaud each of these producers for their outstanding submissions.

Competition was fierce and the decision process was grueling.  However, these difficult choices had to be made.   We sincerely want to thank each producer for their enthusiasm and their participation.  All of you rallied in support of this program and are to be commended for your continuing efforts to produce cutting edge television programs.

Majesty Outdoors nominated for “Best Conservation Show” in an outdoor series & “Best Music” in an outdoor series!

We don’t do this ministry for awards, but it is nice to be recognized by peers and producers in the industry.  Heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and sponsors who support Majesty Outdoors and our mission to the “fatherless” generation of teens.

Blessings,

~Bill

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Alaska’s Healing Hearts will be taking 14 United States wounded veterans on their annual black bear huntin May 2011. Eight women and six men will get the opportunity to hunt alongside a number of celebrityteam members. Team members include S.E. Cupp (Fox News), Aaron Tippin (County Music Star), Rick Monroe (Country Music artist), Kristy Lee Cook (County Music artist and host of Goin Country on Versus),Gary Zimmerman (NFL), Chub Eastman (Sports Afield magazine), Joe the Plumber (Obama Election), KenOnion (Ken Onion custom knives), Doug Painter (NSSF), and Colorado Buck (TV Show host).

To kick off the hunt, Sportsman’s Warehouse along with many local area businesses are hosting 2
separate Meet and Greet functions, May 19th and 28th. Both of the Meet N’ Greets run from 12PM –6PM
and include gun raffles and silent auction tables.

Sponsors include- Ken Onion Custom Knives, Baitem 907, CRKT-Columbia River Knife and Tool, Digital Litho, Trijicon, Thermacell, Last Frontier Air Ventures, ATK- Federal Ammunition, Champion, Outers, Weaver, Blackhawk, Shooters Ridge, Alaska Air Boats, Sports Afield Magazine, Mossberg, Leupold, Nosler, Browning, Winchester, Sportsmans Warehouse, Three Bears Alaska, Nabors Drilling, LifeMed Alaska, HAVA-Honored American Veterans Afield

Contact:
Doug Warren
Alaska’s Healing Hearts
dw@alaskashealinghearts.com
903-276-1246

Alaska’s Healing Hearts’ year round nationwide outdoor programs include hunting, fishing, and other
outdoor recreational programs for America’s wounded warriors. These programs are designed to help
these brave men and women re-establish their ties to the outdoors, while providing a relaxing,
therapeutic backdrop and the opportunity to establish new relationships.

Founded in 2010, Alaska’s Healing Hearts is a group of dedicated outdoorspeople and business owners
who decided to make a difference in the reintegration process for our wounded warfighters. The
organizational goal of AHH is to provide positive, therapeutic outdoor experiences, relationship building and a relaxing environment to show America’s appreciation for our men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much.

Contact: Doug Jeanneret (614) 888-4868 x 227
April 13, 2011

Sportsmen Win Major Courtroom Battle Protecting Hunting on Public Lands

(Columbus) – Federal Judge James S. Gwin  has ruled in favor of sportsmen by denying a  lawsuit aimed at closing hunting on dozens of units of the 100 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System.

This long running case began in 2003 when the Fund for Animals, which later merged with the Humane Society of the United States  (HSUS), filed a lawsuit to stop hunting on 39 refuges.  The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with other organizations, intervened on behalf of sportsmen.  Anti hunting groups later expanded the lawsuit to include more 50 refuges.

Judge Gwin’s ruling stops  HSUS’ attempt at using the National Environmental Policy Act to close hunting on these refuges.  In making the decision  the judge  noted that  “Plaintiffs, however, are not entitled to an inviolate sanctuary for their preferred uses – Congress has determined that, to the extent possible, hunters, fishers, observers, photographers, and educators must share the refuges.”

The judge’s ruling relied heavily on language  in the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, championed  by  the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance,  which made hunting, fishing and other wildlife oriented activities priority uses on refuge units. The Act also mandated hunting and fishing activities be “facilitated”.

It is unknown at this time if HSUS will appeal the ruling.

“The majority of refuges were created to be open to hunting but relentless attacks by anti-hunting groups forced Congress to spell it out in law,” said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs.  “Now, the courts have once again ruled that hunting is a priority use of refuge land wherever and whenever compatible with wildlife management.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has worked since the beginning of this case to defend the rights of hunters and has collaborated with other groups including Safari Club International (SCI). Together, the SLDF and SCI are co-counsels and also represent Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Izzak Walton League, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and California Waterfowl Association.

National Wildlife Refuges provide excellent opportunities for sportsmen to pursue waterfowl, big game, furbearers, and much more.  Hunting is a popular public activity on refuge land and a practical means of maintaining optimal wildlife populations.

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 empowered the  Fish and Wildlife Service  to open refuges to hunting when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established.  In 1997, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act went a step further.  It ensures that refuges are managed for wildlife conservation and that hunting and fishing are priority public uses on refuge units.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs, coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible  For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussafoundation.org. ]]> http://www.skinnymoose.com/annevinnola/2011/04/13/sportsmen-win-major-courtroom-battle-protecting-hunting-on-public-lands/feed/ 1