News Archives

June 25, 2009

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Sportsmen Beware: HSUS Looking to Educate Future Anti’s

Nation’s Leading Anti Group Establishes a “Humane Society University”
The world of Higher Education may never be the same. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) now has plans to educate the next generation of anti-hunting, animal rights activists.

On June 18, the HSUS announced that it had received “a license as a higher education degree-granting institution by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission.” The Humane Society University is not a typical university with a single central classroom. Instead, it offers both on-site and Internet based courses including those devoted to advocacy. The HSUS has even partnered with the Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement to provide a curriculum leading to both a Bachelor’s degree in “Humane Leadership” and a Master’s in “Community Leadership.”

Most concerning is the advocacy courses being offered. A potential activist can become a “Certified Advocacy Management Specialist” by completing five courses that focus on research and planning, influencing corporate behavior, message development, becoming a citizen lobbyist, and building a grassroots movement.

PETA: The Revolution Lives… “Che” Style

Group Also Criticizes President Over a Fly
PETA wants to “Start a Vegetarian Revolution” and who better to kick start this revolution than the granddaughter of the world’s most famous communist revolutionary- Che Guevara?

The answer is: there’s no one better, because that’s exactly who PETA approached.

The 24 year old Lydia Guevara just finished being the latest “celebrity” to do a nearly nude photo shoot for PETA as part of its never ending, and never tasteful, campaign to impose its radical vegetarian agenda on America. In this case, the aspiring “revolutionary” wore a strategically placed ammo belt filled with carrots rather than bullets.

According to a quote in the media Lydia said, “The name of my grandfather means I can fight for worthwhile causes which I believe in.

Meanwhile, PETA found time to criticize President Obama for swatting a fly during a televised interview. In a blog posting, PETA stated, “In a nutshell, our position is this: He isn't the Buddha, he's a human being, and human beings have a long way to go before they think before they act.”

According to news reports PETA even sent the President a special device that traps flies so they can be released outdoors.

June 18, 2009

Wisconsin Assembly Passes Bill to Recruit New Hunters

Sportsmen Applaud Measure, Urge Governor’s Signature

(Columbus) – Legislation making it easier for sportsmen to pass their hunting heritage to the next generation cleared another hurdle today as the Wisconsin State Assembly passed it by a voice vote. Voice votes are generally used on measures deemed uncontroversial.

Senate Bill 167, sponsored by Sen. Jim Holperin (D-Conover), will allow people 10-year of age and older to hunt with an experienced mentor. The bill passed the Senate on June 9 by a 27-6 vote. The measure now awaits the signature of Governor Jim Doyle to become law.

“This is a tremendous step forward for sportsmen in Wisconsin,” stated U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO, Bud Pidgeon. “Wisconsin sportsmen should applaud the efforts of Representative Ann Hraychuck who authored an identical bill in the Assembly and shepherded this one through her chamber. We also owe thanks to Representative Scott Gunderson, a champion of this legislation for several years, and, of course, Sen. Holperin and Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker who made this issue a priority.”

Similar laws have been enacted in 28 states since 2005 as part of a program called Families Afield, which was launched by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the U. S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA).

“Since the beginning of Families Afield, over 283,000 new hunters have been introduced to the field with a safety rate that even exceeds that of regular hunters,” said George Thornton, CEO of the NWTF. “Wisconsin has been a priority for our volunteers and we could not be more pleased at the outcome today in the Assembly.”

Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO added, “The job is not finished. It is essential that sportsmen and women contact Gov. Doyle to make sure that he recognizes the importance of SB 167 for preserving the outdoor heritage in Wisconsin and signs the bill when it lands on his desk.”

The effort to pass an apprentice hunting bill is supported by the Hunters Rights Coalition Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin chapters of Safari Club International, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

June 17, 2009

On Target: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

California “Dog Wars” Heat Up

California is once again a hotbed of activity in the ongoing fight to protect the rights of sporting dog owners.

The USSA is working closely with the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance and others to neutralize several bills sponsored by animal rights groups that are currently being debated including a mandatory spay/neuter measure and a “puppy mill” bill.

On June 2, Senate Bill 250, the mandatory spay/neuter legislation authored by state senator Dean Florez (D- Hanford/Bakersfield), passed the California Senate. The bill would mandate the sterilization of all dogs with limited exceptions for those with an unaltered dog license from a city or county. While the bill does currently include a weak exemption for hunting dogs, it simply does not provide the necessary protection for sportsmen, sporting dog kennels or field trialers. While the bill's sponsor has committed to including a stronger exemption as the bill moves to the Assembly, California sporting dog owners must still contact their state representatives today to tell them to oppose this bill without a full exemption for sporting dogs.

Meanwhile, two additional bills which pose significant troubles for California sporting dog owners are starting to make noise as well.

Assembly Bill 241, authored by Assemblyman Pedro Nava, is California’s version of the “puppy mill” bill craze that is sweeping the nation. The measure arbitrarily limits the number of animals any person may own or possess at one time and is less than clear in its aim. If passed, the bill could severely damage or put out of existence many law abiding sporting dog kennels who are not primarily engaged in commercial dog breeding. AB 241 passed the state’s assembly on May 21st and is currently pending before the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Assembly Bill 1122, authored by Assemblyman Ted W. Lieu, prohibits the sale of dogs in many common public places including parking lots, public right-of-ways, or "outdoor special sales." The bill could threaten sportsmen's ability to purchase a high quality sporting dog at a field trial, performance event or sportsmen’s show/fundraiser. AB 1122 passed the Assembly on May 28 and is currently awaiting referral to a Senate committee.

Ohio Statehouse Going to the Hogs?

PETA Wants to Set Up a Hog Farm on Capitol Grounds
PETA wants to add an experience those going to the capitol of the Buckeye state will never forget: the smell of hog urine and manure.

That’s right; PETA has said in statement that they are seeking a permit so they can set up a hog farm on the Statehouse grounds in Columbus, Ohio. As part of PETA’s proposed plan, it would use “gallons of urine, tons of manure, and a fan to blow the odors around."

This all part of PETA’s plan to “educate” lawmakers and the public as to the conditions of “factory farming” in Ohio, one of the top hog farming states in the country, and to promote a vegetarian diet.

A spokesperson for the agency that approves permits for events on Statehouse premises has indicated that there is no chance PETA will get its permit approved.

June 10, 2009

On Target: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Wisconsin Families Afield Bill Clears Senate

Apprentice Bill Will Allow 10 Year Olds to Enter Field with Mentor
The Families Afield initiative is picking up steam in 2009. On the heels of a big win in Nevada, Wisconsin is moving forward with an apprentice bill that would allow a 10 year old the ability to get in the field with an experienced mentor.

Senate Bill 167, sponsored by Sen. Jim Holperin (D-Conover), will allow 10-year olds to hunt with a parent or guardian that has a hunting license. It cleared the Senate on June 9 by a 27-6 vote.

The bill now moves over to the Wisconsin Assembly. A companion bill has already made its way through the committee process, but the Assembly is currently debating challenging budget legislation and it is not clear when the Families Afield legislation will be taken up.

The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance (USSA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions.

The legislation has been getting national media coverage from both the Associated Press and Fox News.

Sen. Holperin is quoted by Fox News as saying SB 167 is intended to “expose young people to the sport early in a meaningful way and to get their commitment to hunting, fishing and trapping that will hopefully last a lifetime.”

Other key local groups in the effort include: Hunters Rights Coalition, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Assoc., Wisconsin State Chapter of NWTF, Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

Another “Fishy” Stunt by PETA

PETA wants to start buying lighthouses and convert them into "fish empathy centers."

PETA has let the National Park Service (NPS) know that it like to purchase several lighthouses including ones in Michigan, New Jersey, and Wisconsin so they can used to let people know that fish have emotions, personalities and feel pain.

Unsurprisingly, the NPS hasn’t responded.

USSA Lauds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Nomination

President Obama has announced that he will nominate Sam D. Hamilton to serve as the new Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

“Sam is an excellent choice to be the new Director of FWS,” stated William Horn, director of federal affairs for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “He’s been great to work with over the years and brings much common sense to an agency with huge responsibility over the future of our natural resources.”

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar also showered support on Mr. Hamilton, who has worked in the FWS for 30 years and is currently a senior biologist and manager heading FWS’ Southeast Region.

In the press release announcing Hamilton’s pending nomination, Salazar stated that “Sam has vast experience with every aspect of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s mission, making him an ideal nominee to direct the agency.”

Hamilton, became Southeast Regional Director in 1997 and has had extensive responsibility for a $484 million budget and 1,500-person work-force that operates in 10 states as well as the Caribbean. In that capacity, Hamilton managed 350 federally endangered and threatened species and 128 national wildlife refuges.

June 04, 2009

On Target: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Antis Attempt to Block Rocky Mountain Wolf Delisting

Federal Court Challenge Filed
A coalition of 13 anti-hunting and environmental groups filed a challenge in federal court on June 2 to block the recent delisting of the northern Rocky Mountain wolf populations from the Endangered Species list.

If successful, this would prevent Idaho and Montana from assuming control over the scientific based management of their wolf populations including proposed, regulated hunts.

The move was not unexpected as the groups had announced their intention to respond to when the Rocky Mountain wolf population was formally delisted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The anti groups include:

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Defenders of Wildlife, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, Friends of the Clearwater, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Oregon Wild, Cascadia Wildlands, Western Watersheds Project, Wildlands Project, and Hells Canyon Preservation Council.

It is expected that the HSUS and another coalition of anti-hunting groups will also file a challenge to block the May 4 delisting of wolves in the Great Lakes region. This ruling allows for wildlife officials to manage populations based on sound science.

Nevada Legislature Overrides Veto on Families Afield Bill

Nevada has become the 28th state to pass Families Afield legislation which reduces barriers to new hunters who wish to try the sport. But the road to passing the bill was much rockier than expected.

Despite strong bipartisan support from both the House and the Senate, Governor Jim Gibbons vetoed Assembly Bill 246, sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien (D- Washoe County), on May 28 due to concerns over a portion of the bill unrelated to the Families Afield premise.

Fortunately, the apparent setback did not derail the bill from becoming law as the Nevada Legislature voted over the following weekend to override the Governors veto.

“We’re extremely pleased that Assemblyman Bobzien and members of the Nevada legislature understood the importance of bringing a new generation of sportsmen into the field,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President and CEO Bud Pidgeon.

Assembly Bill 246 expands opportunities for newcomers to hunt by creating an apprentice hunting license for those 12 and older. The bill allows an apprentice hunter the opportunity to try hunting, while accompanied by an experienced mentor, before completing a hunter education course.

Other key groups involved in the successful campaign included the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Nevada Chapters of Safari Club International (SCI) and numerous other local and statewide organizations.

“The apprentice hunter program is an ideal opportunity, not only to reach out to young hunters but female hunters and hunters of all ages as well, said Ken Mayer, Director of Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Our hope is that this bill will encourage more hunters to become mentors and reconnect with our hunting heritage.”

HSUS President Reveals Agenda

Pacelle Blog Admits Effort to Mainstream and Criticizes “Stubborn Adherence to Custom”
Do sportsmen feel that they are stubbornly adhering to custom? It appears that HSUS president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, believes those that criticize the animal rights’ group are doing just that.

In his latest blog posting, Pacelle admits that the HSUS is the most influential animal rights group in the nation and fires a salvo at those that disagree with the group’s agenda, practically accusing them of not being in step with American culture.

Pacelle, states, “While the HSUS may not have always been viewed over the decades as the most influential group in our field, there’s little doubt about our preeminent status now.”

He went on to suggest that HSUS opponents should, “start adjusting to the evolving ethos in American culture. You’ll get ahead through innovation and adaption, not stubborn adherence to custom or current business operations.”

Finally, Pacelle stated that other animal rights’ groups “miss the bigger picture, and our interest in reaching mainstream Americans.”

“Mr. Pacelle’s own words pull the curtain back and unveil the real intent of the HSUS, “stated USSA President and CEO Bud Pidgeon. “He admits to attempting to ‘mainstream’ the group at the same time he criticisms ‘custom’. There’s only one reason to do this and that is to fundamentally change America to correspond to the HSUS agenda.”

The blog posting also spends time firing back against recent questions that had been raised about the HSUS’ fundraising tactics.

Fishing in Washington National Park Threatened

Congress Working on Legislation to Authorize Continuation of Restocking
Anglers used to excellent fishing in lakes of the North Cascades National Park may see smaller creels unless quick action is taken in Congress.

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a July 1 deadline for Congress to pass legislation authorizing it to allow further restocking programs for several lakes in the Washington based park.

Legislation is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives that would accomplish this. HR 2430, introduced by Representative Doc Hastings (R- WA), is supported by most of Washington’s other representatives and two senators, Patty Murray (D) and Maria Cantwell (D). While it is expected the bill will clear the House, its future in the Senate is uncertain due to timing issues.

Stocking of the lakes with fish was allowed for years after the park’s creation in 1968. Over time, questions over the impact that restocking programs had on native aquatic species led to a decision by the NPS, over the objections of numerous groups including the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), to ban them. The USSA argued that when done appropriately, restocking programs did not cause any ecological damage.

Stocking was allowed to continue in the North Cascades while the NPS performed an environmental review. Currently, over 1,000 people fish the restocked lakes.

The NPS eventually determined that the stocking of non-native and non-reproducing fish could be allowed in 42 of the 91 lakes that had been stocked in the North Cascades. However, the NPS ruling had a caveat - this would only be allowed if Congress specifically authorized it to do so by July 1, 2009, the traditional time when stocking programs begin due to the melting of ice on the northern lakes.

NPS officials claim that since other parks do not allow these restocking programs, the agency would need specific authorization from Congress to do something different, otherwise it risks litigation.

If HR 2430 passes Congress, Washington State wildlife officials will be allowed to continue its stocking program in the 42 lakes detailed by the NPS.

May 27, 2009

On Target: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Minister Warns: Anti’s Using Religion to Advance Cause

Groups Use Faith to Sway Youth
Religion is being used by animal rights groups to advance a radical agenda according to an ordained Baptist Minister.

Dr. Wes Jamison, an ordained Minister as well as a professor of Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University, spoke at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s eighth annual stakeholder summit, held May 12-13 in Virginia. Dr. Jamison boldly stated, "Animal rights activists are using religious messages to recruit a segment of the millennial generation that has little doctrinal anchor in order to advance their vegetarian agenda."

He went on to explain that there are two factors pushing animal rights’ groups in this direction:

Religiously devout individuals often are generous donors; and

Religiously devout individuals maintain high levels of devotion to causes for long periods of time.

Dr. Jamison warned that animal rights’ groups are intentionally selecting certain biblical passages that focus on individuals’ compassion and guilt. He concluded by cautioning “people against buying in to such messages and encourage people to do their own review of Biblical scripture and literature.”

Nevada Families Afield Bill Heads to the Governor’s Desk

Bill Creates an Apprentice License for Newcomers to Try Hunting
Nevada is one step away from becoming the 28th to pass Families Afield legislation making it easier for people to get into the field and try hunting.

Assembly Bill 246, sponsored by Assemblyman David Bobzien (D- Washoe County), creates an apprentice hunting license for those 12 and older. The license allows newcomers the opportunity to try hunting, while accompanied by an experienced adult mentor, before completing a hunter education course. An apprentice will be allowed to hunt upland game birds, waterfowl, and small game.

AB 246 passed the Assembly on May 15 by a 38-2 vote. It then cleared the Senate unanimously a week later on May 22. All that remains is the signature of Governor Jim Gibbon.

“Getting the next generation of hunters into the field today is the key to guaranteeing the future of hunting,” said U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance President and CEO Bud Pidgeon. “We are pleased to see Nevada joining the growing list of states to make this issue a priority.”

The effort is part of the national Families Afield campaign, established by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation to urge states to review and eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions. 27 states have already enacted Families Afield style bills since the program was launched in 2004 resulting in over 208,000 new apprentice hunters.

In Nevada, USSA, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation worked with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Nevada Chapters of Safari Club International (SCI) and others to ensure support for AB 246.

Wolf Numbers Explode in Wisconsin

Discussion over Possible Hunting Season
Wisconsin’s wolf population has exploded over the past year according the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The Wisconsin DNR recently released preliminary numbers, based on winter tracking surveys, for the state’s wolf population. Those numbers indicated a surprisingly high population of 630 to 680. This contrasts dramatically from the same time in 2008, when the population was an estimated 540 wolves.

According to DNR officials, the increase may be the result of a particularly harsh winter that facilitated wolves’ ability to hunt down food, including deer.

As previously reported, the wolf was removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on May 4. This action returned the management of wolf populations back to the states.

In Wisconsin, the wolf is considered “protected” and is subject to a state management plan. The plan does not currently allow for a general hunting season, though it does allow wolves to be shot under limited circumstances such as protecting a pet or property.

Discussion is beginning on whether to open a limited hunting season for wolves. However moves in favor of a hunt have been opposed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The HSUS is also one of several groups expected to file legal challenged to the federal delisting of the wolf from the Endangered Species List. Should that legal challenge be successful, states would once again lose their ability to manage their wolf populations.

The USSA continues to monitor the legal issues concerning the delisting of the wolves as well as individual state management policies.

May 21, 2009

On Target: U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Atlanta TV Report Puts HSUS Donations in the Spotlight

Questions Surround Fundraising Practices
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has recently become the subject of scrutiny after an Atlanta based news station’s investigative report raised questions over millions in donations to the HSUS.

The report, done by WSB-TV channel 2, focused on concerns that the HSUS may engage in fundraising tactics in which donors believe their contributions predominately go to help local animal shelters.

The report highlighted certain controversies surrounding the HSUS such as the public disclosure of only $7 million in expenditures for reuniting pets displaced during Hurricane Katrina with their owners, despite having raised $34 million to accomplish the task. At that time, the Louisiana Attorney General’s office launched an investigation into the matter.

A Channel 2 reporter also attended a local HSUS meeting, where the discussions were reportedly focused on activism, not animal care. It was also stated in the report that the Georgia Director for HSUS admitted that she spends most of her time working on lobbying rather than working to coordinate the care of animals.

“We have long believed that many HSUS donors think they are helping local dog and cat shelters,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the US Sportsmen’s Alliance. “We think this confusion actually diverts funds away from that purpose and actually funds campaigns to restrict hunting rights and common farming and livestock practices.”

Those confused are not just locals. USSA and other sportsmen and agriculture organizations believe that conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh mistakenly believes that HSUS is primarily involved in caring for dogs and cats. Limbaugh recently produced two advertisements for HSUS endorsing a couple of its programs. Sportsmen fear that the conservative icon’s collaboration with the animal rights organization will help whitewash its agenda in the eyes of other conservatives.

The USSA recently had the opportunity to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Rush Limbaugh’s support of the HSUS with Greg and Dan on 1470 WMBD in Peoria, Illinois on May 19.

Rob Sexton, the USSA’s vice president of government affairs, spent over ten minutes outlining the steps taken by the USSA to try and convince Rush to sever his ties to HSUS.

Congress Passes Bill Allowing Guns in National Parks

Complex legislative games in Washington, DC led to the passage of a bill that clarifies that gun owners won’t risk accidentally breaking federal law by simply having their firearms loaded when they are in national parks.

The Department of the Interior under former President Bush had announced in December 2008 new rules allowing holders of state issued concealed carry permits to take firearms into most of the nation’s national parks and wildlife refuges. The regulations included all states in which citizens are allowed to carry a concealed weapon.

However, in March, a federal judge blocked the policy and the new Obama administration accepted the court ruling indicating the Department of the Interior would reexamine it.

The legislative language that reinstated the Bush policy was initially added by U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R- Ok) to a major piece of legislation concerning revisions to credit card laws. That bill passed on May 19.

The action then went over to the U.S. House of Representatives on May 20. Though there are many more anti-gun legislators in the U.S. House than the Senate, the urgency of passing the credit card bill led to the inclusion of the gun language in the final version. President Obama is expected to sign the bill shortly.

For the 25 years prior to the Bush administration change, firearms were prohibited in national parks unless they were unloaded and not easily accessible. Currently, only two states, Illinois and Wisconsin, do not have some form of concealed carry permit.

“No longer will sportsmen get tangled in a ridiculous web of legal problems merely because they are exercising their Second Amendment rights when in the nation’s parks,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO.

California Expanding Ban on Traditional Ammunition

USSA Joins NSSF in Condemning Move
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has joined the National Shooting Sports Foundation in condemning the May 13 decision by the California Fish and Game Commission to expand the state’s ban on lead ammunition.

The Commission’s decision comes as the result of a lawsuit settlement between California, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Center for Biological Diversity. The settlement required the Commission to make rules mandating that small game inside of the condor range must be taken with alternative ammunition.

The decision is not supported by the Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Additionally, there is no scientific evidence that condors are at risk of consuming lead by feeding on smaller game, as this does not constitute the condor’s main food source.

Sportsmen nationwide should be concerned as the cost of non-traditional ammunition drives hunters out of the field.

“Hunting has already declined in the region where traditional ammunition was recently banned for taking big game, potentially costing California millions of dollars for wildlife conservation,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. “The decision to expand the ban on traditional ammunition for hunting upland and small game without any scientific basis will further reduce hunting in the state and the economic and social benefits that hunting provides.”

The CDFG indicated that practically all small game is recovered by hunters while still in the field. The USSA has also argued that appropriate actions taken in the field by sportsmen would be more effective than a ban on lead ammunition.

“It’s easy to just expand the long reach of the law, but the key to dealing with this issue is education,” states Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “California is taking a meat cleaver approach to preserving its condor population when a scalpel is more appropriate.”