For the second year in a row, the Sportsmen’s Alliance, in coordination with other sportsmen’s groups across the country, has defeated legislation that would have banned the possession of African taxidermy in Connecticut. This legislation would have banned the importation, sale and possession of parts from African elephants, black and white rhinoceros, lions, leopards and giraffes. Violators of House Bill 5104 would have been charged with a felony, and subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to two years in jail – the same sentence as vehicular manslaughter.
As a result of our efforts to engage legislators, hunting advocacy groups were able to slow this bills throughout the legislative progress. With the outbreak of the coronavirus, Connecticut ran out of time to legislate and, as a result, adjourned prior to this bill having a floor vote in the House.
Big-game hunting is a valuable business in Africa that creates jobs for locals, injects millions of dollars into the African economy and funds conservation and anti-poaching efforts. A Northwest University of South Africa study found that the country receives $156 million in hunting-associated revenues, and also found that the average hunter will spend close to $6,000 on lodging, food, clothing and equipment during their visit.
“While we are pleased to see legislation that attacks African big-game hunting fail, we understand that these attacks on our hunting heritage will continue and even expand in the years ahead,” said Jacob Hupp associate director of state services at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “It is imperative that the sporting community stand together in opposition to any and all attacks on hunting to ensure the future of the sport.”
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. 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. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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