Sportsmen’s Heritage Act Needs Your Support

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the most important legislation protecting hunters, anglers, and shooters in the past 15 years.  The fate of the bill, H.R. 4089, now lies in the hands of the U.S. Senate.

Also known as the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012, the bill:

  • Classifies Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service lands as open to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting unless closed or restricted based on scientific evidence;
  • Confirms that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot ban lead in traditional ammunition or in sport fishing gear;
  • Protects recreational shooting on BLM National Monument land; and
  • Allows the import of legally hunted polar bear trophies now tangled in federal red-tape.

Click here to read more about how H.R. 4089 protects sportsmen and to get more information about the House vote including a vote breakdown where you can see how your Representative voted.

“Anti-hunting groups like the Humane Society of the United States are working hard to stop this bill because they know it will slam the door on many of their frivolous lawsuits to take away your hunting rights,” said Rob Sexton USSA senior vice president. “Right now we have an opportunity to pass legislation that will protect our outdoor heritage today and for generations to come.  However, it won’t happen unless sportsmen take a few minutes to ask their Senators to support the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act.”

The bill could face a tough road in the Senate without your support.  Sportsmen can play a major role in helping to pass this critically important bill by contacting their U.S. Senators today.

Additionally, USSA has identified seven key Senators that could be the difference between the bill being passed by the Senate or being defeated.  Facing reelection, these seven Senators are in an influential position to push Senate leadership for a vote on the bill.  They are:

  • Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
  • Senator Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
  • Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
  • Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
  • Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
  • Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)

Take Action!  Visit USSA’s Legislative Action Center to find your Senators’ contact information.