Almost a year after our own Todd Adkins, Vice President of Government Affairs, testified in front of the House Natural Resources subcommittee, H.R. 615, “Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023” passed the U.S. House by a vote of 214 to 201.
This important legislation establishes safeguards to protect hunters’ and anglers’ access to our public lands. These safeguards are becoming increasingly critical as animal extremist groups continue to pressure federal land managers to restrict hunting and angling through whatever means possible. Although there are many attacks, among the issues favored by animal extremist groups in recent times is to press for lead ammunition and fishing tackle bans on public lands. H.R. 615 addresses this issue directly.
The bill protects access by ensuring that the Departments of Agriculture and Interior engage in careful evaluation of the effects of lead exposure for a specific unit of public land (under agency control) before banning the use of lead ammunition or fishing tackle on such property. In addition, the bill requires the Departments to maintain consistency with state law/regulation and coordinate with state agencies as they develop such policies.
H.R. 615 has been sent to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Keep an eye on your inbox as we will continue to monitor this important legislation and alert you when action is needed.
Don’t forget to share this alert with your family and friends. Sportsmen across our great nation need to stay actively involved to help defend and protect our hunting, fishing, and trapping heritage for now and future generations.
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.
