Senate has a chance to help sportsmen

A bill being considered in the U.S. Senate could be a boon to anglers and hunters, but first, the Senate needs to take up the bill and put it forth for a vote. And, given the intensity of the political season, the sooner the better.

The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012, introduced by U.S. Jon Tester of Montana, includes some great provisions that advance the protection of fish and game habitat and ensure continued hunting and fishing opportunity–and these provisions have bipartisan support (no small feat these days).

Many of these provisions include reauthorizing support for some of the most successful and proven conservation programs ever created when it comes to ensuring the future of hunting and fishing in America. They include:

• The North American Wetlands Conservation Act
• The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
• The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Also included in the bill is a new provision, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, which puts in place a national voluntary program to protect and improve fish habitat and fish populations by encouraging local, on-the-ground efforts to restore fish habitat and, in the end, make fishing better. This is important for TU members, many of whom volunteer on projects that this act would help support.

While the bill is enjoying support from throughout the sporting community, it still needs a vote. If you have a spare minute today, please contact your state’s federal delegation and let them know just how important it is for them to support this important legislation, which is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 24.

And here’s some logic you can use to help them understand why the bill needs their support. We’re a growing demographic–for the first time in years, more people are getting outside to hunt and fish. About a third of all Americans hunt, fish or enjoy the outdoors in some fashion or another today.

Sportsmen are America’s original conservationists, and it’s time our elected officials were reminded of that fact. Please take a few minutes and ask your state’s senators to support the Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.