It’s well known that American sportsmen fund the vast majority of wildlife conservation efforts across the country through their purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and from taxes paid on the purchases of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and fishing gear. Recognizing the connection between successful wildlife conservation and hunting, fishing and trapping, most state fish and wildlife agencies have sportsmen heavily involved in fish and wildlife decisions. But a legislator in New Hampshire would prefer to dilute the influence of sportsmen and open the door for those that oppose hunting.
Take Action Today! New Hampshire sportsmen should call their state representative and ask them to vote NO on HB 1571. Sportsmen can contact their representative by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center Directory.
House Bill 1571 would allow “non-consumptive recreational clubs” and “Conservation Organizations” to participate in the nominating process for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission. Current law specifies that nominating boards must be made up of sportsmen. In addition, current law states that those involved in the nominating process accept scientific wildlife management. House Bill 1571 deletes this requirement and simply states that participants must accept scientific methods.
It’s clear that these two changes are intended to diminish the role of New Hampshire sportsmen in selecting members of the Fish and Game Commission. However, alarmingly, the changes open the door for those opposed to hunting, fishing and trapping to influence who serves on the commission.
“Allowing people to serve in the nominating process for the Fish and Game Commission who oppose the method by which wildlife conservation is funded is a tremendous mistake and an insult to the contributions sportsmen and women have made to successful wildlife conservation in New Hampshire,” said Bruce Tague vice president government affairs of Sportsmen’s Alliance.
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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