On April 9, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act (S.1940) passed out of the Senate on a voice vote after the House passed the bill on suspension on December 18, 2017. The Senate bill, was introduced by CSC members Senator John Barrasso (WY) and Senator Tom Carper (DE). The House companion bill (H.R. 3979) was…
By John Culclasure, Central Appalachian States Manager The Virginia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus ended a successful legislative session under the leadership of Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Emmett Hanger and Delegate James Edmunds. Over the course of the session, the Caucus heard presentations from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and…
By Brett Stayton, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator On March 22, the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held a policy forum in Dover, Delaware. Caucus Co-Chair Representatives Jeff Spiegelman and William Carson provided legislative updates on issues involving game meat donation liability coverage, hunting with airbows, the possibility of expanding Sunday hunting opportunities, and deer management issues. David…
By Bee Frederick, Southeastern States Director With the Georgia legislature adjourning March 29, the sportsmen’s community in Georgia welcomed the final passage of two important pieces of pro-sportsmen legislation: the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act and the Hunter Mentor Program. House Bill 332, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act cleared the final legislative hurdle on the last…
By Chris Horton, Senior Fisheries Program Director The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries will soon determine the 2018 Gulf of Mexico red snapper season as they evaluate the five Gulf States’ recently submitted Exempted Fishing Permit (EFPs) applications. In 2017, the federal-water recreational red snapper season was originally three days and later extended to…
By Brett Stayton, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator On March 15, HB 7, sponsored by Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Delegate Johnny Mautz, passed the Senate with a unanimous vote of 47-0. The legislation would provide a tax credit of $50 to individuals who donate a deer to a venison donation program or food shelter. The tax…