Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act Passes in U.S. House

by
posted on February 6, 2014
sci_ah2015_fs.jpg (4)

Great news for sportsmen and women! My husband, Phil, and I walked into an SCI luncheon just in time to hear Melissa Simpson, Director of SCI's Government Affairs and Science-Based Conservation Division, announce that H.R. 3590—the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act—just passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 268-154 and is en route to the Senate.

This legislation, commonly referred to as the "Sportsmen's Package," contains eight initially separate bills that were all packaged into one bill and introduced on Dec. 21, 2013 by the leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC), working alongside the NRA, SCI, the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, among others. The bill protects our outdoor traditions for generations to come while addressing many current concerns of hunters, target shooters and anglers—including the permanent guarantee of hunting on nearly 500 million acres of public lands. This is a very big deal.

NRA's Susan Recce, Director of NRA-ILA's Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources Division, told me that the priorities in the SHARE Act include: protecting the traditional use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle by American hunters and anglers, the potential increase of Pittman-Robertson funds for shooting ranges, the permanent authorization of the electronic duck stamp, importation of legally hunted polar bears, and helping facilitate the use of and access to Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands and waters for hunting, recreational fishing and shooting. It also prohibits the enforcement of individual firearm regulations at water resources development projects administered by the Corps of Engineers, and prohibits additional fees for commercial filming on federal lands and waterways.  In addition, this legislation will also permanently establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee to advise the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting and recreational shooting.

This legislation affects all of us. Just two years ago, Phil and I tried to get a filming and photo permit to cover a horseback hunt for elk in a wilderness area in Wyoming. After two weeks of the run-around, the U.S. Forest Service denied the permit, costing the outfitter a great opportunity for promotion and we missed a great opportunity for the "Phil Phillips Unleashed" TV show and an article in American Hunter for no apparent reason. This legislation has been a long time coming! 

Latest

001 4BBT Holster 01
001 4BBT Holster 01

4 Reasons Big-Bore Revolvers Are Still Ideal Trail Guns

Although semi-automatic pistols have a place in the trail gun line up, revolvers still have their advantages.

First Look: Rise Reliant Bolt-Action Trigger

Rise Triggers has entered the bolt-action market with its first-ever trigger for the Remington 700 platform: the Reliant Hunter and Reliant Pro triggers.

NRA Announces New Club Leadership & Development Online Course

The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the release of its newly revised edition of the NRA Club Leadership & Development Online Course.

USDA Order is a Win for Wildlife

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memorandum to conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity in the United States, directing agencies within the USDA to consider habitat connectivity in planning and programs in a manner that recognizes State and Tribal authorities and respects private property rights.

Review: Beretta BRX1

Beretta calls the BRX1 the fastest manually operated repeating platform on the market. Quick barrel, bolt and magazine swaps and adjustable ergonomics make it a distinct alternative to the classic turn-bolt for just about anyone, and ambidextrous controls make the rifle an attractive choice for lefties.

Are Premium Steel Waterfowl Shells Worth the Price?

With prices approaching those of bismuth—a superior shot-making material—are top-tier steel loads worth the cost? Here is what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.