[HUNTING HERITAGE]
Families Afield legislation in Vermont and Louisana
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TAKE ACTION > Louisiana sportsmen should urge their state representatives to support SB 384. Tell them that this bill will protect conservation in the future by getting new sportsmen into the field today. To find your legislators, visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC. |
A new Families Afield law in Vermont will now allow newcomers to try hunting under the close supervision of an experienced mentor prior to the completion of hunter education.
House Bill 243 was sponsored by Rep. Steve Adams (R- Hartland), cleared the Vermont Senate with near unanimous support and was signed into law by Gov. Jim Douglas.
The Families Afield initiative was started in 2004 by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation and NWTF in an effort to reduce barriers to new hunters entering the field. Also supporting the effort in Vermont were the National Rifle Association, Vermont Traditions Coalition and Ducks Unlimited.
To date, 30 states have enacted measures resulting in more than 418,000 new hunters.
Illinois sportsmen and women should call or write their legislators and Gov. Douglas and thank them for their work in preserving the hunting legacy in the state.
A similar bill in Louisiana is moving forward as Senate Bill 384, introduced by Sen. Dan Claitor (R- Baton Rouge), unanimously passed the Senate. It now moves to the House. The bill allows a new hunter to take to the field before completing a firearm or hunter safety course, if that hunter is under the direct supervision of a parent, stepparent, grandparent or step grandparent who has completed a firearm or hunter education course.
[GUN RIGHTS]
Illinois Firearms Ban Threatens Sportsmen
An “assault weapon” ban currently pending in Illinois would prohibit many commonly used hunting firearms and could be up for a vote at any time on the statehouse floor.
The measure, House Bill 5751 introduced by Rep. Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), would prohibit the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase or possession of semi-automatic “assault weapons.” The bill defines assault weapon to include many firearms that are commonly used for hunting such as semi-automatic shotguns that have either a pistol grip or a thumbhole stock.
The bill does allow for the continued possession of banned firearms that are owned before the ban takes effect but would not allow the purchase or transfer of new firearms that are on the list. Additionally, HB 5751 includes an exemption for the possession of a banned firearm if it is used solely for hunting. This exemption, however, does not provide adequate protection for sportsmen who might also use that same firearm for recreational or target shooting.
— pending amendment to the South Carolina Constitution
Two states ponder protecting hunting and fishing
South Carolina and Arizona are moving toward state constitutional changes that would guarantee citizens the right to hunt, fish and trap.
The South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Amendment will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot, and if approved by voters, will add the following amendment to Article I of the South Carolina Constitution:
The traditions of hunting and fishing are valuable parts of the state’s heritage, important for conservation, and a protected means of managing nonthreatened wildlife. The citizens of this State have the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife traditionally pursued, subject to laws and regulations promoting sound wildlife conservation and management as prescribed by the General Assembly. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate any private property rights, existing state laws or regulations, or the state’s sovereignty over its natural resources.
Arizona’s Hunting and Fishing Question will appear on ballots in November as well. If enacted by voters, Article II of the Arizona Constitution will be amended to say:
A. The citizens of this State have a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife lawfully. Wildlife belongs to this State and is held in trust for the benefit of the citizens of this state.
B. Exclusive authority to enact laws to regulate the manner, methods or seasons for hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife is vested in the Legislature, which may delegate rule-making authority to a game and fish commission. No law shall be enacted and no rule shall be adopted that unreasonably restricts hunting, fishing and harvesting wildlife or the use of traditional means and methods. Laws and rules authorized under this section shall have the purpose of wildlife conservation and management and preserving the future of hunting and fishing.
C. Lawful public hunting and fishing shall be a preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife.
D. This section shall not be CONSTRUED to modify any provision of common law or statutes relating to trespass or property rights.
Arizona and South Carolina sportsmen and women are urged to vote on Nov. 2 and support these important amendments to protect the heritage of hunting and fishing in those states.