Contact: Joe Mullin, Assistant Manager, Northeastern States and States Program Assistant
New Hampshire:
On May 7, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) Assistant Manager, Northeastern States, Joseph Mullin, testified before the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee in support of House Bill 307. As previously reported, this legislation would strengthen the state’s preemption over the local regulation of firearms, ammunition, ammunition components, knives, and firearms components and accessories. Prior to the public hearing, Mullin also submitted a letter of support. CSF will continue to engage on this issue as opportunities arise.
New Jersey:
CSF’s Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator, Nick Lewis, submitted a letter of support for Senate Bill 3263 – legislation that would increase the annual fee for the New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp (which has not had a price increase since 1996 and is presently lagging behind inflation) by $5 for both resident and nonresident hunters. The Senate Committee on Environment and Energy ultimately voted 3-1 in favor of the bill. CSF will provide further updates on the status of this bill as they become available.
New York:
In the Empire State, CSF and the New York Sportsmen’s Advisory Council (NYSAC) have been opposing a wave of anti-sportsmen’s efforts. NYSAC is a supportive entity for the New York Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus which CSF established in 2012 and maintains an active presence as an ex officio member and liaison between the two entities. Together, both CSF and NYSAC have engaged in fighting the following policies:
Pennsylvania:
On May 10, Senate Bill 243, legislation co-sponsored by several Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs, was read for a second time before the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. CSF signed onto a letter of support for this bill, which would authorize non-profit and charitable organizations to conduct online raffles and drawings – an important step in securing financial stability for many sportsmen’s organizations that lost out on the ability to host in-person events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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?
