Official Membership Newsletter of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation April 2013 HSUS Sues to Overturn Wolf Delisting On February 12th, the Humane parts of bordering states, Society of the United States were removed from ESA (HSUS) and other animal rights protection in January of 2012 organizations filed a lawsuit after exceeding population against the U.S. Fish and recovery goals. This allowed Wildlife Service to overturn the state wildlife professionals removal of the Western Great to manage exploding wolf Lakes region wolves from populations that have listing under the Endangered become a danger to livestock, Species Act (ESA). The lawsuit pets,and wildlife populations. was filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. If successful, the lawsuit would unnecessarily return Wolves in the Western wolves in the region to federal Great Lakes region, which protection, a move that would consists of Wisconsin, again prohibit state wildlife Minnesota, Michigan, and agencies from managing them. (HSUS Sues continued on pg 3) Wisconsin Judge Allows Dogs in Wolf Hunt What’s Inside: On January 16th, Dane County force the DNR to enact any additional ► President’s Message...... Pg 2 Circuit Court Judge Peter C. restrictions. ► N e w M e x i c o A n t i - H u n t i n g Anderson issued a favorable ruling Bill Defeated...... Pg 3 for sportsmen in a lawsuit on the While the hunting portion of the ruling ► Texas Dog Bill...... Pg 4 use of dogs in the was welcomed by ► Nevada Bear Hunting state’s wolf hunt. sportsmen, the Ban...... Pg 4 This ruling paves judge also found ► MA Bill Allows Activists to Sue the way for wolf the DNR’s rules Sportsmen...... Pg 5 hunting with for training dogs to dogs to take place hunt wolves were ► U S S A O p p o s e d A f r i c a n L i o n next season. invalid. Judge “ E n d a n g e r e d ” L i s t i n g ...... P g 5 Anderson declared ► A n t i - T r a p p i n g B i l l s In his ruling, that the DNR didn’t Introduced...... Pg 6 Judge Anderson properly consider ► A n i m a l R i g h t s i n S c h o o l s B i l l found that while whether additional Introduced...... Pg 7 the Wisconsin restrictions were Department of Natural Resources needed when authorizing the dog ► A n t i - D o v e H u n t i n g (DNR) did have the authority to enact training season. Judge Anderson Bill...... Pg 7 additional restrictions on hunting stated that the DNR needed to ► Trailblazer...... Pg 8-9 wolves with the aid of dogs, the more thoroughly consider placing ►Eye on the Anti’s...... Pg 10 Court did not have the authority to additional restrictions on training. ► H u n t e r ’ s E c o n i m i c Force...... Pg 11 (Dogs in Wolf Hunt continued on pg 3) President’s Message Spring is upon us and many of us have our sights set on bagging a gobbler or two. But while you’re out chasing turkeys, state legislatures across the country are in full swing debating hundreds of bills that threaten the future of hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting. For instance:

•Dozens of “puppy mill” and other dog related bills continue to dominate the landscape from coast to coast. These misguided bills severely restrict the ability to raise and keep sporting dogs;

•Anti-trapping bills are popping up in the continuation of a decades long battle to destroy our oldest outdoor tradition;

•And, as all sportsmen are aware, our second amendment rights are being attacked like never before.

There are certainly some positive issues too with the Families Afield program continuing to knock down barriers for new hunters, while the Trailblazer Adventure Program is introducing more youth and their families to our outdoor sports then any time in its history.

But the key to success with all of these issues is YOU – America’s strong and ever growing legion of sportsmen and women. With your help and support, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance will successfully continue to be the Nation’s Watchdog for our outdoor heritage.

You can do three things to make a difference today in protecting our heritage for tomorrow:

1 – Stay informed of the issues surrounding us. The best way to do this is to sign up to receive our email alerts at www.ussportsmen.org.

2 – Ask a friend to join the USSA. It’s a small price to pay to protect your hunting, fishing, and trapping rights.

3 – Get involved. A few minutes of your time calling your elected officials about a bill makes all the difference in protecting our heritage for today and tomorrow.

Thanks again for your support and I wish you much success in your hunting and fishing excursions this spring and beyond.

Walter P. Pidgeon, Jr., Ph.D., CAE, CFRE Identification Statement Are You Leaving a Legacy?

Do you care about the future of hunting, fishing and trapping?

Sportsmen’s Monthly is published by Consider joining the USSA Foundation The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Legacy Society by including the USSA & Foundation in a bequest in your will to The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation 801 Kingsmill Parkway help protect our outdoor heritage for Columbus, OH 43229 generations to come.

Ph: (614) 888-4868 Fax: (614) 888-0326 If this sounds like a legacy you want to E-mail: [email protected] leave, call 614-888-4868 to learn more.

Information may be reprinted with credit to the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

2 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 New Mexico Anti-Hunting Bill Defeated objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment.

This bill would have banned many common hunting activities like coyote field trials and contests that encouraged sportsmen to hunt overpopulated coyotes.

“We are very happy that the New Mexico House of Representatives voted down this dangerous anti- hunting bill,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel. “Calls from sportsmen were the difference in defeating this measure. Sportsmen should thank the Representatives that voted “no.”

The bill’s original language would have banned all In late February, the New Mexico House of “animal killing contests” and was broadly defined to Representatives shot down House Bill 316, a measure include any organized or sponsored hunting contest banning “coyote killing contests,” by a 38 to 30 vote. in which more than one animal could be killed or where a hunting license is not required. This language Sponsored by Representative Nathan Cote (D-Las would have included all field trials where animals are Cruces), it would have prohibited holding or hunted and any contests where animals were killed. participating in organized competitions with the

HSUS Sues (Cont. from pg 1) Dogs in Wolf Hunt (Cont. from pg 1) “This lawsuit undermines both the ESA and the North “We’re very happy Judge Anderson upheld the ability American Model of Wildlife Conservation,” said Jeremy to use dogs during the wolf hunt,” said Jeremy Rine, Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation in-house in-house counsel. “Wolves in this region have far counsel. “However, we are disappointed with the exceeded the population recovery training rule decision. We’ll be further goals established and should evaluating the ruling to determine our be managed by the individual next steps.” state wildlife agencies to ensure sustainable populations and public The case started in April 2012 when safety. This is just another example a coalition of Wisconsin humane of the animal rights lobby trying to societies and several individuals filed abuse the ESA which was never a lawsuit seeking to prohibit the use intended to permanently protect of dogs in the wolf hunt. The coalition species that have recovered.” claimed that the use of dogs to hunt wolves violates Wisconsin’s animal Joining HSUS in filing the lawsuit cruelty law despite the fact that the are Born Free USA, Help Our Wolves state’s animal cruelty law clearly states Live, and Friends of Animals and it does not apply to hunting. Their Environment. The lawsuit also sought to force the USSAF and Wolves: Wisconsin DNR to enact strict rules USSAF and its partners have on the use of dogs – rules that would been on the front lines working to make it nearly impossible to hunt ensure that wolves in the Western wolves with dogs. Great Lakes region were removed from the ESA and returned to state management. In 2010, USSAF USSAF along with Safari Club International, the helped initiate the delisting by threatening to sue the Wisconsin Bear Hunters, and the United Sportsmen Service if it did not start the delisting process. USSAF of Wisconsin intervened in the case on behalf of also represented sportsmen in lawsuits by HSUS to sportsmen. overturn previous delisting attempts. Those cases were decided on legal technicalities that were not based on whether or not wolves were recovered. Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 3 New Texas Dog Bill Takes Aim at Sporting Dog Owner’s Just 20 months ago, the Texas legislature passed •Be prohibited from selling a dog less than 8 weeks sweeping new laws regulating dog breeders in the state. of age. Many sporting dog breeders sell dogs before Now, sporting dog owners are again in the crosshairs. they reach 8 weeks old (and in some cases before they are even born). Typically, these dogs are not Texas House Bill 1449, sponsored by Representative delivered to the new owner until the dog is old John Kuempel (R-Seguin), enough to be on its own. would classify many sporting dog and hobby breeders as In 2011, despite an outpouring dog “dealers.” Despite an of opposition from sporting and exemption in the 2011 law, other dog owner organizations, sporting dog owners who the Texas legislature passed produce and sell as little as House Bill 1451. The bill two litters of dogs (21) in a placed many unnecessary year once again could find regulations on dog owners themselves regulated. who breed dogs. Fortunately, sporting dog owners were Under the bill, dog dealers exempted from the bill. would be required to: Despite that exemption, •Allow warrantless and newly introduced House Bill unannounced government 1449 seeks to regulate those inspections of areas where same individuals who were dogs are kept, including the owner’s home if dogs are exempted from the 2011 bill. kept indoors; “This bill is a back door attempt to regulate dog •Obtain a state license in order to breed and owners, like those owning sporting dogs, who weren’t sell their sporting dogs; regulated in the 2011 bill by calling them ‘dealers,’” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house •Follow new state mandated standards of care counsel. “Animal rights groups in Texas will not be for dogs, including new housing and enclosure happy until dog breeders are run out of existence. requirements; Sportsmen and sporting dog owners need to contact their state representatives today to make sure this bill •Have a veterinarian examine each dog before it can isn’t passed.” be sold; Nevada Bear Hunting Ban Introduced

Anti-hunting organizations in complete ban on all bear hunting. Nevada are continuing their efforts to stop bear hunting in the “These groups continue to state. Recently introduced Senate show their true anti-hunting Bill 82, sponsored by the Senate agenda,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Natural Resources Committee, Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house would classify black bears as a counsel. “Following their defeat in protected mammal in the state front of the wildlife commission, and would ban all bear hunting. they have now turned to the legislature to try and push their The bill was introduced after true agenda. Nevada sportsmen the Nevada Board of Wildlife need to take action today to Commissioners denied a petition protect hunting in the state.” filed by anti-hunting organizations to ban bear hunting with (Nevada Bear Ban continued on pg 6) dogs. Now, they are pushing a

4 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 Massachusetts Bill Allows Anti’s to Sue Sportsmen Massachusetts State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New USSA’s director of government affairs. “This could Bedford) recently introduced a bill that would allow force sportsmen and women who have done nothing private individuals to file a lawsuit for the “protection wrong to spend thousands of dollars defending against and humane treatment of animals.” This is of great animal rights zealots looking to take them to court.” concern for all sportsmen, farmers and dog owners. For example, if an animal Animal cruelty is already a rights activist thinks crime in Massachusetts just common dog training as it is across the country. practices—such as using a Animal cruelty laws are shock collar or tethering— enforced by experienced are inhumane, they would law enforcement officers, now be able to sue the including local police forces sporting dog owner or trainer and animal control officers, claiming animal cruelty. who are trained on what is and is not animal cruelty under Likewise, an activist that the law and how to spot it. disapproves of certain farming practices could Senate Bill 767 would end this proven sue farmers for the practices they consider cruel. system and instead give private citizens the Even if a judge ultimately throws out the case, the ability to sue animal owners over what they animal’s owner will likely have had to spend a good perceive to be “animal cruelty” under the law. deal of money and time fighting the bogus lawsuit.

“Under this bill, animal rights activists would be able “Enforcement of animal cruelty laws should be left in to sue anyone – including sportsmen, farmers, and dog the hands of trained law enforcement officers and not owners – whenever and wherever they think animal be given to animal rights activists to harass law-abiding cruelty is being committed,” said Evan Heusinkveld, animal owners and private citizens,” said Heusinkveld. USSAF Opposes Listing African Lion “Endangered” Last fall, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is considering a petition to list the African lion as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) after a petition was filed by animal rights and anti-hunting organizations. On Monday, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) filed comments opposing listing the lion under the ESA.

If listed under the ESA, African lions would be significantly and negatively impacted by the loss of revenue generated by Americans, severely cutting conservation efforts.

“American hunters play the key role in the conservation of African lions, said Evan Heusinkveld, USSAF director of government affairs. “A sustainable use strategy is a model that has worked well for many species across Africa and continues to work well today.”

Many African countries and local communities do not have the financial resources for lion conservation efforts. American hunters, through sustainable use hunting programs, provide much needed conservation dollars for lion populations. These dollars are vital in preserving lion habits from agricultural expansion and other development and are also vital in preventing illegal (African Lion continued on pg 7) poaching - both major threats to African lion populations.

Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 5 Anti-Trapping Bills Introduced Across the Country Anti-trapping bills have been introduced in raw fur of any furbearer taken by trapping even if they Connecticut, New Mexico, and Oregon. Sportsmen were legally trapped out of state. If passed, trapping in these states need to contact their legislators and would only be allowed in New Mexico by government ask them to oppose the officials under very bills. limited exceptions where trapping is the “only Connecticut House Bill feasible method” to 5566: Would ban all protect human health foothold traps within and safety. 100 feet of any school or day care property, Oregon Senate Bill 494: state park, municipal Would ban all body- park or playground, gripping traps in the public road, etc. The state, including foothold anti-trapping bill is traps, conibear traps, being cloaked as a snares, and any other “child safety” bill. trap that grips an animal. Similar legislation was introduced in the state Additionally, the bill last year despite the fact would: Require trappers that the Connecticut to post a sign warning Department of Energy and Environmental Protection the public of the location of and “the danger posed stated that there have been no reports of children ever by the trap to animals and humans” within 5 feet of being caught in foothold traps. each trap; Ban trapping within 100 feet of any trail, campground, picnic area, or any other area frequented New Mexico House Bill 579: Would ban most forms by the public; Decrease the required trap check time of trapping in the state. Not only would the bill from 48 hours to 24 hours; and Require all traps be make trapping a crime, it would also make it a crime tagged with a metal identification tag that includes for a landowner to allow trapping on their lands. the name and telephone number of the trapper. Additionally, the bill prohibits buying or selling the

Nevada Bear Ban (Cont. from pg 4)

Nevada established its first bear hunting season in 2011 after studies showed the state’s bear population was sustainable and growing. The Nevada Department of Wildlife took a modest and measured approach to bear hunting and set very conservative hunt quotas for the bear seasons to balance bear management and ensure sustainable populations.

Senate Bill 82 would politicize wildlife management and would take hunting, a valuable tool for bear management, out of the Department’s hands. Bear hunting helps manage populations to reduce human-bear conflicts and to ensure bear populations remain healthy.

6 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 Anti-Trapping Bills Introduced Across the Country School Animal Rights Bill Introduced in Connecticut In addition to the deluge of gun control legislation being animals, and of course, hunting, trapping and fishing. deliberated in the Connecticut General Assembly, an equally insidious proposal has The bill is all the more quietly been introduced into the dangerous given how the public state’s House of Representatives. confuses HSUS with the good work accomplished by many House Bill 5024 “permits local local humane societies. HSUS’ or regional boards of education main focus is to eliminate the to offer humane education use of animals in society. The courses and use curriculums ASPCA, which is involved in developed by the Humane animal shelters, advocates for Society, ASPCA or other over-reaching bills that would animal welfare organizations.” eliminate law abiding dog breeders, opposes trapping, Allowing animal rights groups and many forms of hunting. such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or While not the first time such a bill the ASPCA to have direct access to children during has been introduced it should serve as a wakeup call for their formative years may ensure a future adult sportsmen who, while understandably are concerned population that will be pre-disposed to oppose about gun control legislation, also need to keep a watchful legitimate uses of animals including livestock eye on bills that could change the outdoor heritage farming, veterinary practices, lifesaving research on culture of the United States for future generations.

Anti-Dove Hunting Bill Introduced African Lion (Cont. from pg 5) created season, are pushing Iowa House File 291, sponsored by “This is nothing more than the Representative Mary Mascher animal rights lobby pushing to (D-Iowa City). The measure would have the African lion granted ban mourning dove hunting in the unwarranted protections,” state by removing them as a game said Heusinkveld. “Hunting bird from state law. provides the economic incentive for local communities “Anti-hunting organizations have to protect lion habitats, to not given up their fight to ban dove refrain from retaliatory killings hunting,” said Evan Heusinkveld, to protect livestock, and to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director enforce laws against illegal of government affairs. “Iowa poaching. This petition is sportsmen must contact their state simply a blanket approach representatives in opposition to that would only serve to hurt this hunting ban.” thriving lion populations.”

In 2011, after more than a decade The anti-hunting groups of work by sportsmen, Iowa pushing the lion listing became the 41st state to permit Just two years after establishing include: the International dove hunting when the state a dove hunting season, Iowa Fund for Animal Welfare, the legislature passed Senate File 464. sportsmen again find themselves Humane Society of the United Doves are one of the most popular facing its threatened closure. States and Humane Society and abundant game animals in the Animal rights and anti-hunting International, the Born Free country. groups, upset over the newly Foundation/Born Free USA, the Defenders of Wildlife, and the Fund for Animals.

Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 7 Trailblazer Program Set for Record Year

With spring just around the corner, the Trailblazer Adventure Program has begun preparations for what is to be the most successful season to date, with more than 150 events expected to take place between now and the fall season.

Beginning in 2001 with a single event held near Atlanta, Georgia, the program has grown to over 700 events held in 48 different states across the country. Last year alone, the Trailblazer Adventure Program reached more than 225,000 youth and their families, making the programs total reach to over 1.5 million participants.

Partnering with different youth serving agencies such as the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, YMCA and most recently the American Heritage Girls, Trailblazer serves as an introductory program for youth and their families to experience our hunting heritage through one day events held coast to coast. Events aim to place a bow, fishing pole, and firearm in the hands of all participants, as well as introduce them to different conservation methods.

In 2013, the Trailblazer program is once again partnering with Cabela’s to host events at store locations across the nation. Trailblazer participants will be given the opportunity to attend a Trailblazer Adventure Day at Cabela’s stores nationwide on June 8th and October 5th.

The Trailblazer Program will also be jumpstarting its recent partnership with the American Heritage Girls, with nine events scheduled for the season thus far.

“The Trailblazer Adventure Program is the perfect way to get your kids outside and to keep our hunting heritage alive,” said Frank Price, Trailblazer Education Director. “This program is the most successful of its kind, and wouldn’t be possible without the help from its generous sponsors and the hard work of our great volunteers and partners.”

The Trailblazer Adventure Program is funded in part from generous donors from across the country, and is titled sponsored by the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.

“These funds allow us to continue to reach hundreds of thousands of youth and families each year and also expand the program into new and different areas,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA President and CEO. “We cannot thank the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund enough for their generosity.”

For more information regarding the program visit email [email protected] or visit www.trailblazeradventure.org.

8 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 Trailblazer Partners with Iconic Veteran’s Organization Trailblazer Program Set for Record Year “We can’t thank the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation enough for this great opportunity not only to provide better communication with participants, but for opening the door to so many veterans throughout the country,” said Bud Pidgeon USSAF president and CEO. “This partnership is providing a large boost for Trailblazer and for the youth and families it serves.”

The Trailblazer Adventure Program, with support from its partners like the American Legion, provides healthy, vibrant outdoor activities in an effort to encourage a lifelong appreciation of the great outdoors.

The partnership will provide the potential The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation involvement of over 10,000 American Legion posts (CWF) has provided a grant and other services to the with local Trailblazer events. Local veterans who U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) and become involved bring a new perspective and provide its Trailblazer Adventure Program to help expand the participants and their families with an education what is already the nation’s largest youth program. regarding patriotism.

The CWF grant will help expand Trailblazer The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation’s informational and educational efforts through the use foremost philanthropic priority is to provide other of surveys and various electronic communications. nonprofit organizations with the means to educate The end result will be a better understanding of the the public about the special needs of children across likes, dislikes, views and opinions of today’s youth this nation. and their families. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime Trailblazer introduces youth and their families to veteran’s service organization, committed to the outdoor lifestyle of shooting, fishing, hunting mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome and other conservation based activities. Since programs in our communities, advocating patriotism its inception in 2001, more than 700 events have and honor, promoting strong national security, and been held in 48 states reaching over 1.5 million continued devotion to our fellow service members participants. and veterans.

Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 9 Eye on the Antis Duck Dynasty Stars Labeled “Animal Serial Killers” A former lead singer of an 80’s English duck-hunting stars, citing “moral” alternative rock band refused national grounds. exposure when he withdrew from performing for “Jimmy Kimmel Live” In a statement published to his fan in February to protest against another magazine, Morrissey said “I can’t take show guest. the risk of being on a show alongside people who, in effect, amount to Morrissey, the former leader of the animal serial killers.” Smiths, cancelled the appearance because guests that night included The family shown on “Duck Dynasty” stars from the reality show “Duck operates Duck Commander, a multi- Dynasty.” An animal rights activist and million dollar business that produces vegan, Morrissey refused to perform duck hunting supplies, including when scheduled to follow the popular duck calls.

Activist Charged with Hiring Hitman HSUS Sets Their Sights on Released Kohl’s Department Stores Meredith Lowell, an animal rights lead the company away from activist from Cleveland Heights, the inhumane treatment of Ohio, was recently charged with animals killed for their fur. soliciting a hit man to murder a random person wearing fur. HSUS has fought many retail clothing stores with According to reports, a federal their “Fur-Free Campaign” district judge determined Lowell that pushes department was too mentally ill to stand trial stores and others to end the and released her back into society. use of fur in their clothing lines, instead pushing the Lowell was charged following an use of synthetic materials. investigation by the FBI over a tip given through Facebook. Lowell The Humane Society of the According to Dr. Jana Kohl, had discreetly written a post saying United States (HSUS) is teaming “it brings me great sadness that that she wanted an assassin to kill up with the granddaughter of my family name is associated a person at random wearing fur the founder of Kohl’s department with the fur business, an industry near a Cleveland Public Library. stores, Dr. Jana Kohl, to push marked by such barbaric cruelty Lowell wanted to watch the murder for a “fur-free environment.” against animals that it’s nothing and then hand out literature about short of legalized torture.” animal cruelty. HSUS submitted a proposal for their upcoming shareholder HSUS, which opposes hunting and At one point, an FBI agent posed as meeting asking Kohl’s to create trapping, animal agriculture, and a hit man and chatted with Lowell a policy clearly stating the most uses of animals, are number online about the plot. Lowell wrote company’s future plans for one on the U.S. Sportsmen’s to the agent, “I am paying you to banning animal fur sales. HSUS Alliance “Dirty Dozen” list. kill one person wearing fur who is claims that such a policy would 12 or older (but hopefully at least 14 years, however 12 years old or older is fine).”

10 Sportsmen’s Monthly April 2013 New Report Shows Hunters as Economic Force

Amidst attacks on hunting by the animal rights “We’ve always known the economic impact of the movement, a new report issued by the National Shooting sportsmen’s community was significant,” said Evan Sports Foundation Heusinkveld, USSA’s (NSSF) reveals the many director of government benefits of hunting to affairs. “This report shows America’s economy. just how staggering of an impact our community The report, called has on the economy Hunting in America: as a whole. American an Economic Force hunters are spending for Conservation, was nearly $40 billion every compiled by Southwick year—supporting nearly Associates. It focuses on 700,000 jobs—and the growth of hunting in generating more than America and the sizeable $11 billion in local, state impact American and federal taxes.” sportsmen have on our economy. The hunting industries contribution does not According to the report, the number of adult hunters in stop there. More than $1.6 billion is pumped into the U.S. has increased over the past five years by nine wildlife conservation each year thanks to hunters, percent to 13.7 million license buyers. In addition, through license sales, excise tax on sporting goods, the report estimates that there are another two million and donations to conservation organizations. youth hunters across the country.

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April 2013

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Become a Sustaining Member of the U.S. Donate to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation __ Benefactor-$1,000 or more __ Benefactor-$1,000 or more __ Patron-$500 or more __ Patron-$500 or more __ Sponsor-$250 or more __ Sponsor-$250 or more __ Sustaining Member-$100 or more __ Sustaining Donor-$100 or more __ Supporting Member-$50 or more __ Supporting Donor-$50 or more __ Member-$25 or more __Donor-$25 or more __ Other __ Other □ My check for $_____ is enclosed for a membership to □ My check for $_____ is enclosed to provide a donation the USSA. Please make checks payable to U.S. Sportsmen’s to the USSAF. Make checks payable to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. Alliance Foundation. Name______Address______□ Please charge my contribution in the amount City ______checked above to my credit card. We accept Visa, Master State ______Zip______Card, American Express and Discover. Ph. (______) ______-______Signature______Fax (______) ______-______Card No. ______-______-______-______E-Mail______V-Code______Expiration Date ______/______Defending

801 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229-1137 Phone: 614/888-4868 Fax: 614/888-0326 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ussportsmen.org Ohio

Official Newsletter for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Ohio Committee April 2013 Sportsmen from Across Ohio Meet with Legislatures On Tuesday, March 19 more than 150 sportsmen and legislators met at the annual U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Legislative Reception to discuss issues of concern to Ohio conservationists at the Capital Club in Columbus, Ohio.

The reception, hosted by USSA and sponsored by numerous conservation organizations, provided the venue for hunters, anglers and trappers to connect with more than 50 legislators and their staffs.

“These conversations are important to ensuring our elected officials recognize the interests and meeting with sportsmen leaders at the Governor’s issues that concern sportsmen,” said Evan residence later in the year. Heusinkveld, USSA’s director of government affairs. “We certainly appreciate and want to Key note speakers Representative David Hall thank all of the legislators and sportsmen and (R-Millersburg), chairman of the House Agriculture women in attendance.” and Natural Resources Committee, and Senator Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville), Chairman of the Attendees were in for a surprise when Governor Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, John Kasich stopped in to the event to meet and both made strong assurances that Ohioans do greet attendees. During the Governors brief not need to worry about their right to keep and remarks, he recognized the contributions of bear arms in the Ohio General Assembly. Both Ohio sportsmen and women as people making a pledged to derail any bill that infringed upon difference to Ohio. He also proposed a possible Second Amendment rights.

The reception was made possible through the generous donations from numerous sportsmen’s organizations including: Buckeye Firearms Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever – Ohio State Council, Ohio State Trappers Association, Safari Club International – Central Ohio Chapter, Safari Club International – Southwest Ohio Chapter, Whitetails Unlimited, 21 Consulting LLC, Associated Bird Dog Clubs of Ohio, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, Ohio Wildlife Control Operators, Buckeye Brittany Club, Ducks Unlimited and Ohioans for Wildlife Conservation. 2013-2014 52 Gun Schedule

June 2013 3rd: Knight Vision 50 cal. SS Muzzleloader 10th: Remington 887 Black 12ga. 17th: Ruger 10/22 Sts. 24th: AR 15 Windham Get Your 52 Gun Raffle Ticket Today! July 2013 1st: Browning BPS Hunter 12ga. Tickets for the 2013-14 52 Gun Raffle, sponsored by Vance Outdoors Inc., are now available. The contest 8th: Taurus Judge 6 1/2” Stainless gives participants a chance to win a new firearm 15th: Ruger SR Compact 9mm every week for a whole year while helping protect hunters’ rights. 22nd: Ruger 10/22 Tactical Take Down 29th: Ruger MKlll P512 22 LR Get Yours Today! August 2013 There will be 1,000 3-digit tickets (numbered 000- 999) sold for $50 each. Winning numbers will be 5th: Remington 11/87 Wood 12ga. determined by the Ohio Lottery’s Pick 3 drawing on 12th: Henry Golden Boy 22 LR Monday nights. Ticket holders can win more than once. 19th: Remington 870 Express 12ga. Return this entry with your payment in the amount 26th: Remington 597 22 LR of $50 per ticket to:

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance 801 Kingsmill Parkway For a complete list of 2013-2014 Columbus, OH 43229 giveaway guns, visit: www.ussportsmen.org/52gun Name ______Street______City ______State ______Zip ______

Please charge my credit card $______for ______ticket(s). Visa ____ Master Card ____ Discover Card ____ Am. Exp. ____ Card No.______Exp.Date ____ /_____ Signature ______The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance would Please find my check for $______enclosed. like to extend a thank you to all who Please make checks payable to the U.S. Sportsmen’s visited the USSA booth at the Field & Alliance. Stream-Outdoor Life Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo. Without your generous * For complete rules and a list of prizes, contact 614-888- 4868 or visit www.ussportsmen.org/52gun. donations we would not be possible. Our sport. Our heritage. Our fight.