The Truth About Hunting, Fishing and Animal Rights

HSUS after your rights to Hunt and Fish

jimdicken — Mon, 14 May 2007 21:38:09 +0000

Make No Mistake – HSUS Has Targeted Hunting for Extinction

Recent online message from HSUS Leader Points to More Issues

May 13, 2007 (National)

Ban dove hunting in Michigan – check. Outlaw trapping in California – check. Prohibit black bear hunting in Colorado – check. Sue to stop hunting on federal lands – check. Merge with other anti-hunting groups to form multi-million dollar mega animal rights group – check.

This is how the Humane Society of the United States plans to pick off your hunting and trapping heritage – and it is only getting started. A recent online message from HSUS President Wayne Pacelle spells out what aspects of the traditional lifestyle are next on the hit list.

Family Hunting Opportunities in the Crosshairs

Right off the bat, the HSUS has its sights on the Families Afield campaign.

Families Afield is promoted by the USSA, National Wild Turkey Federation and National Shooting Sports Foundation to breakdown hunting barriers and increase hunter recruitment. Through the program, the partnership works to eliminate hunting age requirements and ease hunter education mandates for first-time hunters.

The HSUS falsely claims the program “places children in unnecessary danger.” It hopes to feed on the public’s weariness of children with firearms, but sportsmen must accurately convey the message that youth hunting is safe.

“Research documents that the most important factor affecting youth hunting safety is the presence of a responsible, attentive adult hunter,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president. “Available data from states that have implemented Families Afield initiatives reveals that apprentice hunting license programs brought nearly 34,000 new hunters to the field in 2006, without a single hunting-related shooting incident.”

Any Given Sunday

For the sportsmen who work during the week, Sunday may be the only chance they have to sit in a tree stand or try out a new game call, but the anti’s shake their fingers at that as well.

“The Humane Society misrepresents the truth when it claims that ‘hunters have six days a week to themselves in the woods,’ and it calls on the public to oppose Sunday hunting opportunities,” said Pidgeon. “The group’s statement gives the impression that Sundays are the only days that non-hunters may enter the woods during hunting season, which is obviously completely false.”

The truth is 39 states permit Sunday hunting to make it more convenient for families to find time in the field together. Eleven states prohibit or heavily restrict Sunday hunting. Ohio reports Sunday as the day with the fewest hunting complaints.

There’s a Coalition for That

The USSA’s Sporting Dog Defense Coalition and the Bear Hunter Rights Coalition were formed as the anti’s threats to the particular hunting activities grew more frequent and more severe. Many bear hunters, houndsmen and sporting dog enthusiasts recognized the plight and have already joined the coalitions, but for those who have not, let this be your wake-up call – HSUS considers your hunting method “unsporting” and it is about to kick efforts to ban the activities into high gear.

The elimination of bear baiting is one of HSUS’s top priorities. The USSA has worked to defeat the organization’s efforts to abolish the activity, including ballot initiatives in Maine and Alaska, for example. The Bear Hunter Rights Coalition went head to head with HSUS to defend legislative threats to bear hunting at the state and federal levels.

Now, HSUS is revving its engine and spreading emotional rhetoric to gain traction with the public and leave black bear hunting in the dust.

Let’s not forget the houndsmen and sporting dog enthusiasts – HSUS sure hasn’t. Consider yourselves warned. The recent flood of efforts to interfere with and ban sporting dog activities was just the beginning. HSUS has officially called you out. You can bet that the worst is yet to come.

“The Sporting Dog Defense Coalition has battled a recent influx of anti-sporting dog regulations and legislation from Rhode Island to California,” said Pidgeon. “The anti’s are subtly attacking sportsmen who hunt with dogs by advocating blurred animal cruelty laws, oppressive dog care regulations, and other vague bills that will do away with sporting dog activities and training programs, including field trialing.”

The Future is in Your Hands

Sportsmen cannot be idle while HSUS and the anti-hunting movement bulldoze the outdoor heritage. Join the USSA to protect America’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping. Unite with us to protect against legal and legislative attacks by the anti’s. Join the effort to ensure the outdoor heritage by involving families in the outdoor experience and share the good news about the sportsman’s stewardship role in wildlife conservation.

Visit www.ussportsmen.org to learn more about the USSA and discover the importance of becoming a USSA member.

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California Trying to make Dog’s Extinct

jimdicken — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:43:44 +0000

California Hunting Dog Enthusiasts Can’t Catch a Break- (04/09)
California

Join our e-mail alert list

California sporting dog owners must act now to stop legislation that will make it a crime to breed hunting dogs.

Assembly Bill 1634, sponsored by Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, will require all dogs over four months of age be spayed or neutered. The owner must pay for and qualify to receive a virtually unattainable permit if a dog to be exempted. Assembly Bill 1634 will be heard in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on April 10 at 9:00 a.m.

“California hunting dog enthusiasts must let lawmakers know that they will not be forced to give up their passions because of poorly-written, unjust legislation,” said Rick Story, USSA senior vice president. “Tell state lawmakers that you oppose this overreaching bill that will outlaw the breeding of quality hunting dogs.

The anti’s have marked California’s hound hunting traditions for elimination, but a vigilant sportsmen’s community continues to strike back.

In 2006, the USSA led sportsmen to protect their hobbies and hunting interests by blocking a bill that threatened hunting dog competitors and field coursers. Three years earlier, sportsmen got behind a USSA campaign to defeat legislation that would have banned bear hunting, fox hunting, rabbit hunting, raccoon hunting and more.

Take Action! California sportsmen should attend the Assembly Business and Professions Committee hearing on April 10 at 9:00 a.m. AB 1634 will be heard in Room 447 of the State Capitol in Sacramento. Attend and demonstrate the hunting dog community’s opposition to AB 1634, an excessive bill that will devastate the future of hunting.

Those who cannot attend should contact their assembly members and ask them to oppose AB 1634. Explain that the bill criminalizes dog owners that legitimately breed hunting dogs. Let them know you oppose the establishment of unattainable regulations to receive an exemption. To contact your assembly member, call (916) 445-2323 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

More Hunters join the ranks..Hunting on the increase!

jimdicken — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:21:44 +0000

Tens of Thousands Safely Join Sportsmen’s Ranks

(Portland) – The Families Afield Program led to an astounding jump in the number of new hunters in 2006. The spotless safety record of the freshmen underscores the fact that mentored youth are the safest in the field.

Families Afield is a campaign established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to urge states to eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions and ease hunter education mandates for first-time hunters.

During the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Portland, Oregon, the USSA and its partners announced that half of the twelve states that have approved Families Afield legislation and regulations have already measured the program’s performance and report a significant climb in new hunters. Data available from Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Ohio reveals that apprentice hunting license programs brought nearly 34,000 new hunters to the field without a single hunting-related shooting incident.

“The Families Afield program is proving to be safe and effective at boosting sportsmen’s numbers, as we were confident it would,” said USSA President Bud Pidgeon. “Research conducted before apprentice programs were implemented showed that supervised young hunters are the safest in the field, and the new data backs the claim. The most important factor affecting youth hunting safety is the presence of a responsible, attentive adult hunter.”

Children are not the only ones utilizing the apprentice license programs. The licenses are available for first-time hunters of all ages, which means mentors can also take other adults for their inaugural hunting experiences.

Chad Baus, 34, was among the nearly 9,000 apprentice hunters in Ohio. The young man from Archbold, Ohio took his first deer during the 2006 season.

“I recently developed an interest in hunting, but without having tried it, I wasn’t motivated to invest my time in a hunter education course to get a hunting license,” said Baus. “The apprentice hunting program allowed me to try deer hunting and I loved it. From now on, there won’t be a year when I won’t be in the field.”

The apprentice hunting experience was the motivation Baus needed. He has already scheduled to take his hunter education course, and he is planning to introduce his boys and wife to the sport through the apprentice license program.

“It’s a great experience and I want to pass it on,” said Baus.

Lawmakers in California, Nebraska, Maine, Wisconsin and Oregon are considering legislation to enact apprentice license programs and lower hunting age restrictions.

“We hope that the popularity of apprentice programs and the impressive safety statistics will help convince legislators in these states to support efforts that will make it easier for newcomers to enjoy hunting,” said Pidgeon.

Sportsmen who want to support the enactment of Families Afield laws and regulations in their states can use the Legislative Action Center on the USSA website, www.ussportsmen.org. The resource allows visitors to find and send messages to their lawmakers regarding Families Afield and other legislative issues.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organization that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Humane Society Attack on Pet Owners in Pennsylvania

jimdicken — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:21:11 +0000

Monday, March 26, 2007

IF you love your pet.. you need to read this…

Pennsylvania is presenting a new law to the public for a vote.
The law is directly sponsored by the HSUS.
Human Society of the United States.. The HSUS for those of you who are not aware of it are Animal Segregationists.. They want NO contact between man and any animal. this goes beyond research and cruelty issues. IT goes to the heart of PET OWNERSHIP.
Want more proof.. Here is the law that HSUS sponsored in the State Of Pennsylvania. The law is specifically targeting Hunting animals and Show Dogs. It makes it almost impossible to comply with and extremely expensive in any case.. The object of this legislation is Total Segregation of Animals from man. To end pet ownership.. and if you are laughing at this.. HSUS leaders have targeted ONE GENERATION For the end of pet ownership of ANY KIND. WE MUST STOP THIS LAW FROM BEING PASSED.

Concerns of the
Sporting Dog Community about Proposed Pennsylvania Dog Regulations
Introduction

These regulations represent the most comprehensive set of dog care regulations ever foisted upon the sporting dog community. If enacted, these regulations will cost dog owners thousands of dollars individually; over burden them with a myriad of complicated and sometimes contradictory requirements and open them up to potential prosecution.

The regulations are unnecessarily specific, many times contradictory and often burdensome. While ostensibly aimed at puppy mills, the regulations are an over reach of state authority that would set a new precedent for other states to follow. If enacted these regulations represent a real threat to the future of hunting, field trialing and training of sporting dogs.

Kennel License Requirement

Any person that houses 26 or more dogs at one facility on one calendar year must be licensed as a kennel. This applies to temporary housing such as at a field trial or fox hunt.

Dog Cages and Quarters

• There must be a wall that separates each dog cage from the adjacent

cage.

• Dog must be able to lie down on its side, stand or turn without touching the walls of the entire cage.

Each dog cage shall be at least 5 square feet for a dog weighing 25 pounds or less, 8 square feet for a dog weighing more than 25 pounds but not more than 45 pounds, and 12 square feet for a dog weighing more than 45 pounds.

Shelter size for specific dog must be approved in writing in advance by attending veterinarian.

Whether indoor or outdoor, a fan must be provided anytime the temperature reaches 85 degrees or higher.

The floor temperature of an indoor facility may not be below 35 degrees or above 55 degrees.

Outdoor Dog Shelters

Dogs that are not acclimated to the temperatures prevalent in the area or region where they are being maintained, breeds of dogs that cannot tolerate the prevalent temperatures of the area without stress or discomfort (such as short-haired breeds in cold climate or cold climate breeds–such as huskies–in warm climates), and sick, infirmed, aged or young dogs, may not be kept in outdoor facilities. When a dog’s acclimation status is unknown, it may not be kept in an outdoor facility when the ambient temperature is less than 50° F.

Outdoor dog shelters must have a dry shaded area outside the shelter itself so the dog may stay dry before entering the shelter.

The shade must be at least 4 feet deep and at least as wide as the primary shelter itself.

The shelter and run must be flat and level. Conversely the regulation requires that the shelter and run must also have a grade that is more than 1/8 inch per foot and less than 6 inches per 10 feet.

The run associated with each dog box of an outdoor facility must be at least five times the length of the largest dog in that run and two times as wide as the length of the largest dog in that run, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.

There cannot be any rust on the fences of dog runs.

Drainage must flow away from the dog run and enclosure and any adjacent run or enclosure.

If a dog run is constructed of concrete and becomes chipped or cracked, it must be repaired as soon as the weather permits.

If a dog run is constructed using gravel, it must be constructed in the following manner: The first layer of gravel or stone must be a course layer of number 2, 3 or 4 crushed durable rock and the top layer of gravel or stone must be a fine layer which fills in the courser layer of stone or gravel and results in an even surface. The first layer must be of a thickness adequate to provide proper drainage (approximately 4–5 inches) and the top layer must be of a thickness adequate to assure none of the bottom layer stones are protruding (approximately 2–5 inches). The surfaces shall be kept in good repair at all times.

Outdoor facilities must be constructed and maintained in a manner and in an area that assures adequate and proper drainage and elimination of standing water, pooled water and mud–even in times of severe weather conditions.

Outdoor facilities, including runs and exercise areas shall be kept free of grass and weeds.

Exercise Requirements

Each dog must be exercised 20 minutes each day while supervised.

Exercise area must prevent dogs from getting muddy or wet, even in inclement weather.

A dog may only miss required exercise with the consent of the Department of Agriculture upon the written determination of the attending licensed veterinarian that the exercise would be detrimental to the health of the dog. The time period for the exemption from exercise shall be defined in the exemption.

There must be daily records maintained of each dog’s exercise. The record shall include the breed, color, markings, sex, approximate weight and age of each dog or when applicable, the microchip number of each dog, and the date and the time period each dog was exercised and whether the exercise was on a leash or in an exercise area.

Dogs must be exercised while segregated by size: less than 35 pounds, 36-60 pounds, 61-90 pounds and 91+pounds.

Dogs must be exercised while segregated by sex unless spayed and neutered.

Cleaning Records
Daily cleaning records must be maintained that contain the date and time of day following conditions were met: The housing facility was cleaned, the housing facility was sanitized, each individual cage, dog box or primary enclosure was cleaned, each food and water bowl was sanitized, and new food and potable water was provided to each dog.

Cleaning must be done with potable water, which is defined as suitable for human consumption.

The facilities shall be cleaned and sanitized every 24 hours.

Tethers
Tethers must be a minimum of 6 feet long or at least five times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, whichever is longer.

Quarantine
Any puppies brought into a facility must be quarantined separate from any other new group of puppies for 14 days.

Big Brother will be wathing you in Pennsylvania. Do not miss a day of excercise with your dog.. IF YOU can find a place to do it where there is no other dog..
OR if you can find a place to keep him.
While all hunters and dog owners want the best for their dogs, this law is nothing more than HSUS making it as impossible as they can to own a dog or other animal.
Jim Dicken

Animal Activist Calls for DEATH of Bear Cub

jimdicken — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:06:39 +0000

BERLIN, Germany (AP) — Berlin Zoo’s abandoned polar bear cub Knut looks cute, cuddly and has become a front-page media darling, but an animal rights activist insisted Monday he would have been better off dead than raised by humans.

“Feeding by hand is not species-appropriate but a gross violation of animal protection laws,” animal rights activist Frank Albrecht was quoted as saying by the mass-circulation Bild daily, which has featured regular photo spreads tracking fuzzy Knut’s frolicking.

“The zoo must kill the bear.”

When Knut — or “Cute Knut,” as the 8.7 kilogram (19 pound) bear has become known — was born last December, his mother ignored him and his brother, who later died. Zoo officials intervened, choosing to raise the cub themselves.

The story prompted quick condemnations from the zoo, politicians and other animal rights groups.

“The killing of an animal has nothing to do with animal protection,” said Wolfgang Apel, head of the German Federation for the Protection of Animals.

Politicians weigh in on bear

Greens politician Undine Kurth called the suggestion “fully unacceptable.” Petra Pau of the opposition Left Party invoked the widely-reported case of an Italian bear dubbed “Bruno” who wandered last year into southern Germany, only to be killed by hunters at the behest of local authorities worried about residents and livestock.

“Berlin is not Bavaria, therefore it will be better for Knut than Bruno,” Pau said.

Albrecht told The Associated Press his beliefs were more nuanced than reported by Bild, though he applauded the debate the article had started.

He explained that though he thought it was wrong of the zoo to have saved the cub’s life, now that the bear can live on his own, it would be equally wrong to kill him.

“If a polar bear mother rejected the baby, then I believe the zoo must follow the instincts of nature,” Albrecht said. “In the wild, it would have been left to die.”

The German animal rights organization “Four Paws” argued along similar lines, saying it would not be right to punish the cub for a bad decision made by the zoo.

Other activists have also argued that current treatment of the cub is inhumane and could lead to future difficulties interacting with fellow polar bears.

“They cannot domesticate a wild animal,” Ruediger Schmiedel, head of the Foundation for Bears, told Der Spiegel weekly in its Monday edition.

Albrecht cited a similar case of a baby sloth bear that was abandoned by its mother last December in the Leipzig city zoo and killed by lethal injection, rather than being kept alive by humans.

But Knut belongs to the Berlin Zoo, and their veterinarian Andre Schuele, charged with caring for him, disagrees.

“These criticisms make me angry, but you can’t take them so seriously,” Andre Schuele said. “Polar bears live alone in the wild; I see no logical reason why this bear should be killed.”

Schuele also argued that given the increased rarity of polar bears in the wild, it makes sense to keep them alive in captivity so that they can be bred.

“Polar bears are under threat of extinction, and if we feed the bear with a bottle, it has a good chance of growing up and perhaps becoming attractive as a stud for other zoos,” Schuele said.

Knut, who recently posed for a photo shoot with star-photographer Annie Leibovitz for an environmental protection campaign, is scheduled to make his public debut at the zoo later this week or early next week, according to Schuele.

Until then, Germans can follow the bear’s progress in a vast photo spread and videos of Knut drinking from his bottle, bathing and playing with teddy bears and soccer balls, all available on the zoo’s Web site.

Bill Safeguards Hunting on Federal Lands

jimdicken — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:30:53 +0000

Bill Safeguards Hunting on Federal Lands- (02/02)
National

Legislation to protect quality hunting on federal land has been introduced in Congress.

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Georgia, on Tuesday introduced SB 408, the Hunting Heritage Protection Act. A key element of the bill is a stipulation for “no net loss” of hunting on federal land. Under the provision, the government is directed to maintain, within the confines of state and federal law, current levels of federal hunting lands. It requires the opening of compensatory huntable land if an area is closed to the sport.

Senate Bill 408 awaits debate in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Several states, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi and West Virginia have recently passed “no net loss” laws that protect state hunting land for future generations. Sportsmen’s grassroots support paid off in each of these states, and is needed to ensure the passage of SB 408.

Take Action! Sportsmen nationwide are urged to contact their U.S. senators. Let them know SB 408 is important for the future of hunting and will help ensure America’s outdoor heritage for years to come. To find your senator and for contact information, call (202) 224-3121 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.

Safari Club International Updates on Important Wildlife initiatives

jimdicken — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 17:29:08 +0000

SCI – First For Hunters

In the Crosshairs — e-news from SCI’s
Washington Office

The latest and hottest news on federal, state, and international

political and conservation events

February 2, 2007

Wetlands Loan Act Reintroduced

Senator Norm Coleman from
Minnesota has reintroduced the Wetlands Loan Act (S. 272) which would “reauthorize appropriations to promote the conservation of migratory waterfowl and to offset or prevent the serious loss of important wetland and other waterfowl habitat.” Essentially, this program would obtain $400 million dollars to buy important waterfowl habitat at today’s land prices and repay it over 10 years with a small increase in the Duck Stamp. It is intended to “help private landowners achieve long-term land use objectives in a manner that enhances the conservation of wetland and wildlife habitat.” SCI has supported this bill in the past. (Source: Gallery Watch)

Administration Releases Proposed 2007 Farm Bill
The massive 2007 Farm Bill has been proposed by the White House via the Department of Agriculture. Over $19 billion dollars of conservation funding is funneled to land owners via such programs as the Conservation Reserve Program, the Wetlands Reserve Program, and more. SCI has been very active in supporting such funding and will continue to do so this upcoming session. For the complete proposal, please visit: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdafarmbill?navtype=SU&navid=FARM_BILL_FORUMS

Court Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging
Minnesota Trapping Program

In a case in which SCI and the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance obtained amici (friend of the court) status, the U.S. District Court for Minnesota has dismissed the Humane Society of the
United States’ complaint at the request of the parties. HSUS and the State settled the case, with the State agreeing to apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for an incidental take permit to authorize the State to allow trapping despite allegations that endangered
Canada lynx are sometimes hurt or killed in the traps. The State is also paying HSUS $25,000, but HSUS will donate one-half back to the State for lynx conservation. The State’s trapping program will remain in place while the State seeks the permit. The dismissal does not affect a second similar lawsuit brought by the Animal Protection Institute. That lawsuit alleges that trapping in Minnesota “takes” not only
Canada lynx, but bald eagles and gray wolves. The delisting of the wolf in the
Great Lakes area, when it becomes official in about a month, should eliminate the claim related to that species. Proposed delisting of the bald eagle, when official, will do the same for that species. SCI and MOHA are also amici in this case.

Groups Petition 7 Agencies to Step Up Response to Global Warming
“Environmental groups filed petitions…with seven federal agencies [EPA, Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior and Transportation], seeking more coordinated planning and responses to global warming, including an assessment of how climate change will affect thousands of the world’s species. The Center for Biological Diversity is the lead author of the petition, which asks the government to factor climate change into everything from habitat designations to road building and permit approval for new energy projects. In its request under the Administrative Procedure Act, 10 groups overall from Maine to Idaho insisted that climate change and natural habitat destruction threaten as much as one quarter of the world’s species. The Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity is responsible for a much publicized Bush administration decision to examine how melting sea ice has threatened the habitat of the polar bear. Conservation groups gave the agencies 90 days to respond, and they have left open the prospect of a lawsuit in federal court if not satisfied. Global warming legislation introduced last month by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Barbara Boxer would mandate climate issues be included in all federal environmental impact statements.” (Source: Greenwire)

Canada Gun Resolution Halted
In the January 11^th edition of Crosshairs, we reported on Resolution 42 out of Canada that would have deemed “automatic and semi-automatic weapons [as] illegal for hunting” because they “do not support the hunting culture…of
Canada.” The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) is reporting today that “the ill-fated, inflammatory and highly inaccurate Resolution #42 has been withdrawn.” From Greg Farrant, O.F.A.H. Government Relations Manager: “Not only was the resolution completely unnecessary in the first place, worse still, it was based upon highly inaccurate information that contradicted their own firearms legislation passed when they were in power. At the very least, by withdrawing the resolution, the party has acknowledged its mistake and taken steps to correct this procedural gaff. However, this does not speak to the underlying reason for the resolution and the ongoing attempt by the national Liberal Party to demonize legal law-abiding firearms owners in
Canada instead of supporting the current government’s efforts to target criminals who use illegal firearms to commit crimes.” (Source: OFAH)

Info on Sales of Hunting Licenses.
“A new report shows 25 states performed better than the national rate in sales of hunting licenses, tags and stamps in 2005. Altogether, national sales, the main funding mechanism for state conservation agencies set a new record, topping $723 million. The 2005 figures, just released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, show total sales rose 2.8 percent from the previous year, while the number of customers slipped 1.4 percent, from 14.7 million to 14.5 million. The total number of
U.S. hunters, including both licensed and non-licensed, is estimated much higher than the 14.5 million acknowledged in the federal report. The National Sporting Goods Association calculates 20.6 million active hunters. The Outdoor Industry Association’s latest estimate surpasses 26 million. And in a new survey commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and conducted by independent firm Responsive Management, 19 percent of Americans, more than 50 million people, said they’ve hunted in the past two years. In 2005, 14,575,484 hunters purchased 35,609,605 different licenses, tags and stamps at an average cost of $20.32 each. Total sales reached $723,712,681.” (Source: NSSF/Outdoor Wire)

I Love the Royal Family now!

jimdicken — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:33:53 +0000

As a now lifetime member of the Safari Club International, I find this article of great interest. PETA and HSUS spend nothing in providing habitat for animals or to propogate animals for the purpose of keeping them in the wild. Safari Club International works to conserve wildlife, provide habitat around the world, and to prevent the extinction of animals. Programs include teaching safe hunting practices to children whose parents want them to learn but who do not have hunting experience. January 29, 2007 9:52 a.m. EST
Animal Rights Leaders Attack Prince Harry’s Girlfriend For Advocating African Hunting
Vira Oliveira – All Headline News Reporter
Reno, Nevada (BANG) – The girlfriend of Britain’s Prince Harry has come under fire from animal rights campaigners for attending a U.S. convention promoting big game hunting in Africa.
Chelsy Davy, 21 – whose father is a millionaire safari operator in her home country of Zimbabwe – was among guests at the Safari Club International event in Reno, Nevada.
Tim Phillips, of Animal Defenders International, has blasted Chelsy – who has been staying at the Circus Circus Hotel + Casino complex with brother Shaun, and parents Charles and Beverly – for being an advocate of the organization.
He told Britain’s Sunday Mirror newspaper, “Safari Club is a group who are happy to hunt and kill pretty much any animal that moves. For Chelsy to put her name – and the mark of the royal family – to that is disgraceful. The British public will be disgusted.”
The Safari Club, a non-profit organization “dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, education of the people and the protection of hunter’ rights,” was founded in 1971 and boasts 40,000 members.

Forrest Guardians are NOT

jimdicken — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:42:54 +0000

Suit based on poor science

Alamogordo Daily News
By J. Bradley Nichols and R.L. and Patty Posey, Guest column

Article Launched: 01/25/2007 12:09:52 PM MST

The recently filed administrative appeal against the Forest Service by the environmental group The Forest Guardians is the latest in a long line of actions taken by the group to stop all grazing on federal lands. This latest action concerns the Sacramento Grazing Association Allotment, and once again the spotted owl is the protagonist in this fictional work.

In the appeal, the Forest Guardians claim that the Forest Service should cut back grazing because a certain vole which is claimed to be the primary food source for the spotted owl is endangered because it does not have sufficient meadowland areas with grass with sufficiency of a height of at least four inches. The appeal can be viewed at www.fguardians.com.

I find it interesting that the Forest Guardians came up with such precise “scientific” criteria with respect to the owl’s feeding preferences and the supposed preferences of its so-called “primary” prey. It’s almost as if the criteria were designed to bring about one result if believed 9 the removal of all cattle from the Sacramento Grazing Association Allotment.

I cannot say that I have spent much time out in the forest watching what the spotted owl likes to eat or what grass height a vole prefers, but can say, as I believe most anyone who has lived in the mountains can, that owls will take off with and eat almost any warm-blooded small animal, including the beloved house cat.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.alamogordonews.com/opinion/ci_5085914

Hunters and Fishermen, Time to Boycott the Houston Rockets

jimdicken — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 13:53:16 +0000

Leslie Alexander is a former stock trader who owns the
Houston Rockets NBA team. He’s also a vegetarian and an ardent animal-rights advocate. The Associated Press has reported that he has found ways to “promote animal rights through the Rockets. Complimentary media meals usually are vegetarian, the team’s dance squad sometimes wears ‘Animals Have Rights’ shirts and he outlawed using creature-shaped piñatas during game promotions.” Alexander also places ads for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in Rockets programs

IF Mr. Alexander is going to threaten our way of life, our jobs, our rights, then we need to Boycott the Rockets. Money is power and PETA and HSUS are using their money and power to attack hunting and fishng. It is time for hunters and fishermen to use the same tactics to return the favor.
Jim Dicken