Legislation defeated by sportsmen’s groups in 2019 that would have banned possession of African hunting trophies has been reintroduced in Connecticut. House Bill 5104 would ban the importation, sale and possession of African elephants, black and white rhinoceros, lions, leopards and giraffes. Violators would receive the same penalties as someone convicted of manslaughter, which is subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to two years in jail. HB 5104 awaits a hearing in the Joint Committee on Environment, Friday, Feb. 21, at 11:30 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building, Room 2B.
Take Action Today! Connecticut sportsmen should call their state legislators and ask them to OPPOSE House Bill 5104. Connecticut members can contact their legislators by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Directory.
Based on the legislation, even if you adhere to all federal laws by obtaining the necessary legal permits to hunt or import one of these trophy animals, you would still be charged with a felony that carries penalties equal to that of killing a human. In order to hunt African big game, you are required to obtain the proper hunting permits from the country you are hunting, as well as the proper approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to import the meat or taxidermy into the United States.
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.
“This bill will ultimately lead to law-abiding Connecticut Sportsmen and women being adjudicated as if they are violent felons simply for participating in hunting,” said Jacob Hupp associate director of state services at the 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.
