On Monday, June 3, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) member Representative Duncan Hunter and CSC Vice-Chair Tim Walz sent out a Dear Colleague letter seeking original cosponsors for the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act. On Thursday, June 20, CSC Senate Vice-Chair James Risch and CSC member Senator Mark Udall introduced the Senate counterpart, S. 1212, which has the support of all Senate Co-Chairs of the bipartisan CSC.
This legislation would amend the Pittman-Robertson Act by adjusting the funding limitations in order to make more funds available to the states for a longer period of time for the creation and maintenance of shooting ranges. The bill also encourages federal land agencies to cooperate with state and local authorities to maintain shooting ranges and limits liability for these agencies.
It has become increasingly important to ensure that the interests of recreational shooters are represented to protect state-based professional fish and wildlife management. It is currently estimated that approximately 70% of ammunition sales are attributable to non-hunting purposes, including recreational shooting, thereby making them a driving force for state fish and wildlife conservation and management in America through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Please contact your Congressman or Senator today and urge them to support the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
