Summary: The Nebraska Legislature is considering a fast-tracked sales tax on gamebird hunting operations that threatens the state’s hunting heritage, conservation funding, and local economy.
As Nebraska scrambles to patch a massive budget deficit, state senators have a new target: gamebird hunting. A proposed tax on hunting operations is buried in a revenue bill fast-tracked for Governor Jim Pillen’s desk by Wednesday, March 25.
How the Nebraska Revenue Bill Affects Hunters and Conservation
Senators are in the final days of debate, if this passes, the proposed sales tax will increase the cost of hunting and operating a gamebird farm, at a time when hunting recruitment is vital to the future of both conservation and our hunting heritage. It is crucial that you use the Take Action button below to contact your state Senator immediately and urge him/her to remove the language taxing gamebird operations.
The Economic and Social Impact of Nebraska Gamebird Farming
Nebraska is one of the nation’s top producers of pheasants and partridges that are enjoyed by hunters, with a particular focus on newcomers and novice hunters. Research has shown that gamebird businesses have a billion-dollar impact on the nation’s economy and provide both recreational and exercise benefits, along with the tasty table fare that comes from a day in the field.
Why Taxing Gamebird Operations Harms the State Economy
The Senate has identified this industry as a target for new revenue, but they fail to realize that taxing gamebird operations out of existence will ultimately destroy that very revenue stream it targeted and will harm Nebraska’s economy and heritage for years to come.
Expert Concerns: A Tax on Food, Exercise, and Livestock
The Sportsmen’s Alliance has teamed up with the North American Gamebird Association (NAGA), which represents gamebird businesses in Nebraska and across the US. “There is nothing right about this proposal,” explained Tony Smith, NAGA Board Member and owner of MTM Pheasants located in Pender, Nebraska. It is a tax on livestock, food, and exercise, and it was done without any consultation with hunters or the business owners this tax will impact.
Call to Action: Protect Nebraska’s Hunting Future
Our strength lies in our numbers; if we don’t take action, our voices go unheard, and we cannot afford to let that happen. Please take 30 seconds to forward this email to your family, friends, and hunting buddies and urge them to Take Action today. We are the only ones who will protect gamebird operations, and they need our help right now.
The Sportsmen’s Alliance guarantees hunting, fishing, and trapping for the American sportsman now and forever. We’re there when sportsmen need us most. We are the only organization specifically created to protect the individual hunter, angler, and trapper – no matter the threat. We will never compromise when it comes to defending our way of life in the courts, in the legislatures, in the public square, and at the ballot box. We make this promise to the American sportsman: we will never give up and never give in while proudly securing our future against those seeking to destroy our values, beliefs, and traditions. Stay connected to the Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
