Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International
Wisconsin Bear Hunters’ Association
Wisconsin Chapters of National Wild Turkey Federation Wisconsin Branches of the Quality Deer Management Ass.
Sporting Heritage Inc
US Sportsmen’s Alliance

Hunters’ Rights Coalition Summit
by: John Pearson

Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells

“January 5, 2008 will be remembered as a ‘Historic Day’ with the annuls of Hunters’ Rights and Wildlife Conservation” commented State of Wisconsin Representative Scott Gunderson, Chairman, Assembly Committee on Natural Resources. For the first time representatives from the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, United States Sportsmen Alliance (USSA), Fur Trappers Association (FTA), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), National Rifle Association (NRA), the state’s six (6) SCI Chapters, and individuals interested in protecting and expanding our ‘Hunting Heritage’ met together to jointly focus and to collectively bring the strengths of each organization to bear on critical legislation that affects the rights of all hunters within Wisconsin. The meeting was facilitated by our friend and lobbyist Mr. Bob Welch, The Welch Group.

The day long meeting enabled each group to identify their current challenges and goals both at the state and national level. The consensus of these reports “Our Sport is Under Attack”. The anti-hunters, have banded together, with the goal of systematically eroding, and eventually eliminating our hunting rights. It is happening right now, faster than you think, and at an alarming and accelerating rate!

The anti’s are creating laws to use against us by systematically challenging small, and sometimes seeming insignificant areas, in court. Each of their wins establishes a legal precedent that will be used against us in the next case. The ban on dove hunting in Michigan and restricted tapping in Minnesota can lead to the elimination of pheasant, and YES EVEN WHITETAIL HUNTING, in Wisconsin. California’s ban on lead shot in the Condor’s Range can result in all lead shot being banned through-out the country, both for hunting and sports shooting.

Individually and collectively if we do not act our Hunting Rights will be a thing of the past with our Heritage only remembered by folk tale and in history books.

Here is how you can help:

• Join and support Hunters’ Rights organizations such as those noted above; maintain your membership.
• Recruit others; the larger our voice the more we will be heard.
• When you hear of legislation that erodes your rights, speak up. Write, or call, your representatives and tell them it is wrong. Legislators need to hear both sides of the issue. While lobbyist and organizations like SCI help, individual voter contact is essential in helping legislator’s form opinions. If they only hear from the anti’s, you have lost!
• When you hear of legislation that you support, again write of call your representatives; ALL OF THEM! Make them aware that you are watching.
• Support Hunters Rights issues outside of your area regardless of how small the issue seems. Small legal presidents from other states will be used to take your rights away. Today’s unbridled ‘puppy mill’ legislation may dictate how you must care for your household pet, and hunting dogs, and your ability to even have them.