On Monday, March 24, the Nebraska legislature passed a bill that removes the authority of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to manage the state’s growing mountain lion population.
The measure, LB 671 sponsored by Senator Ernie Chambers, removes the authority of the state’s wildlife management professionals in favor of anti-hunting politics.
The bill is now pending on the desk of Governor Dave Heineman, where he has until Monday, March 31, to sign or veto the bill. If the Governor does neither, the bill will become law without his signature.
“Our system of wildlife management is designed to remove this type of political influence and allow wildlife management professionals to do their jobs,” said Tony Celebrezze, USSA’s director of state services. “Nebraska sportsmen must call on Governor Heineman to step in and veto LB 671 and allow the professionals at the Game and Parks Commission to manage the state’s wildlife.”
Nebraska added Mountain lions to the state’s game list in 2012 when Governor Heineman signed LB 928 into law. In 2013, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission took a measured approach designed to maintain—or slightly reduce—the population of mountain lions in the state.
Take Action! Nebraska sportsmen must call Governor Heineman today at (402)-471-2244 and ask him to stand up for sportsmen and scientific wildlife management by VETOING LB 671. Tell him to allow the professionals at the Game and Parks Commission to manage the state’s wildlife.
