Why It Matters: Maryland House Bill 197 (HB 197) and its cross-file, Senate Bill 118 (SB 118), sought to impose an additional 11% excise tax on firearms dealers for the sale of firearms, accessories, and ammunition to fund gun violence prevention and intervention programs. Legislation like this discriminates against law-abiding sportsmen and women in the […]
Why It Matters: Overabundant double-crested cormorant populations are creating growing challenges for fisheries, aquaculture, and habitat health across the country. Providing states with flexible, science-based management tools ensures localized issues can be addressed effectively while maintaining sustainable population levels. This legislation represents a proactive step toward balancing conservation success with on-the-ground realities. Highlights: Last week, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus member, Representative Tim Walberg […]
Why It Matters: The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is a cornerstone of the American System of Conservation Funding, delivering critical, dedicated funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for fisheries management, boating access, and safety programs. Congressional action is required every five years to maintain the Fund’s revenue streams tied to marine and small engine fuel taxes. Highlights: Last […]
Why It Matters: Legislation that allows hunting and fishing on state public land to be banned based on a forest age class and prohibits sustainable forest management on Wildlife Management Areas, which are acquired and/or managed with revenue generated by sportsmen and women through the “user pays – public benefits” American System of Conservation Funding, sets a dangerous precedent and is […]
Why It Matters: Attempts to manage wildlife through the legislation, like Colorado House Bill 1323 (HB 1323), while perhaps well intentioned, rarely benefit sportspeople or follow best available science. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation (NAMWC) is a set of seven principles that codify the United States’ approach to wildlife management, where wildlife is managed as public trust resources for the benefit of all citizens, and the system is funded through the “user-pays, public-benefits” American System of […]
Why it Matters: The Kansas Legislature has adjourned until April 9th, where they will reconvene for their Veto Session. Before adjourning, Legislators in the Kansas State House of Representatives passed House Bill 2501, legislation that would remove the criminal prohibition against firearm suppressors in Kansas. By removing the criminal prohibition against suppressors, this legislation would reconcile any potential issue with state statutes that […]