Each one of these articles are very important and I urge you to go to the US Sportsmen's Alliance to read the complete articles... just don't forget to come back to WomenHunters. If you are not a member of their Email Network then I also urge you join it. God Bless, Sue
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.
Journalists’ Congressional Comment Deadline Dec. 19, 2007 (Click for more)
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.
Sweepstakes Winner to be Drawn Soon! (Click for more)
Turn in tickets to ensure your entry is in the hopper!
The 2007 Trailblazer Sweepstakes is coming to a close. Be sure your tickets are turned in to the USSA before Dec. 28.
Get a Job Doing What You Love: Go to Work for the USSA (Click for more)
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!
Outdoor Life Names USSA Chairman among Top Outdoor Leaders (Click for more)
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.
Survey Will Help Guide Hunter Access Program (Click for more)
Submit Your Comments Today!
The National Wild Turkey Federation is surveying sportsmen nationwide to find out how it can help protect access to hunting lands.
