Landmark congressional legislation has been introduced to protect hunting on federal lands.

Senate Bill 1522, the Hunting Heritage Protection Act, sponsored by Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-GA; Sen. Ted Stevens, R-AK; Sen. Richard Burr, R-NC; and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-AK will establish federal recognition of the intrinsic value of hunting as recreation and as a wildlife management tool.

The bill is similar to one developed and promoted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) in 2000.  That legislation was supported by a coalition of nearly 70 state and national conservation organizations.

“Specifically, the Act establishes in law Congress’ recognition of the significant role that hunters play in conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president.  “This law will direct federal agencies to support, promote and enhance recreational hunting opportunities.”

Pidgeon said that a key element of the Hunting Heritage Protection Act is a stipulation for “no net loss of hunting” opportunities.  Under this provision, the government is directed to maintain, at the minimum, current levels of federal hunting lands to be open for sportsmen’s use.  If federal lands were to be closed to hunting, the no net loss directive requires the opening of compensatory huntable lands.

At the state level, Illinois, Georgia and Maryland have passed Hunting Heritage Protection Acts based on the USSA model.  Pennsylvania and Oregon have seen the introduction of bills that also prevent the net loss of available state hunting lands.

A hearing on SB 1522 is expected in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources when Congress returns from summer recess in September.

Take Action!  Sportsmen should contact the members of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and ask them to support SB 1522.  Let them know the bill will help protect recreational hunting lands and ensure that no net loss of huntable public land occurs.