The FRONT LINE
PUBLISHER Evan Heusinkveld
EDITOR Brian Lynn
ASSISTANT EDITOR Courtney Nicolson
ART DIRECTOR Brian Respress
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Connie Mendoza
PRODUCTION MANAGER Melissa Williams
CONTRIBUTORS Adam Heggenstaller , Josh Honeycutt , Ron Spomer , John Taranto
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
As the cold of February grips those of us in the North , I ’ ve taken moments between meetings , business travel , conferences and shows to look back with fondness at last fall ’ s hunting seasons . I also look ahead with anticipation to the warmer days right around the corner , when spring turkey and bear seasons open . It ’ s these little moments and memories that remind me of the importance of the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance mission .
We fight to protect these flashes in time that bring family and friends closer and bond us . These moments create memories that last a lifetime . We ’ re fighting in legislatures nationwide ; just look at the heat map on our website ( and on page 18 of this issue ) and you ’ ll see the sheer volume of bills we ’ re working on . We have six lawsuits pending that protect your passions and the North American model . In fact , we had to completely change our magazine ( again ) to accommodate California ’ s new firearms law concerning “ marketing ” to youth . We have to apologize for this issue reaching California members a bit late , as we had to initiate a separate print cycle , and both advertising and editorial will again be censored to ensure compliance in the state .
But laws like these must be challenged in court if hunting is to survive . There are governors and legislators hellbent on ending hunting . There are organizations pushing for the destruction of the North American model , and they ’ re increasingly finding footing ( see page 36 ). The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance will hold the line and fight back , but we need your help .
We need you to help by continuing your support as members , by sharing our work with friends and by mentoring new hunters . Mentoring is one key to saving hunting , not just from a greater collective standpoint but from an educational one , too . We must educate family , friends , neighbors and strangers on the benefits of hunting so they understand our model and what hunting means to wildlife , conservation and biodiversity . Just as important , we must ensure they understand what it means to each of us .
Evan Heusinkveld , President and CEO
4 SPORTSMENSALLIANCE . ORG
The Sportsmen ’ s Advocate is the official publication of the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance . Our mission is to protect and advance America ’ s heritage of hunting , fishing and trapping by uniting sportsmen to protect against legal and legislative attacks by the animal-rights movement , win public support for outdoor sports , ensure the future of this heritage by involving families in the outdoor experience , and by promoting the sportsmen ’ s stewardship role in the scientific management of America ’ s fish and wildlife .
EXECUTIVE STAFF Evan Heusinkveld President and CEO Jeff Nations Chief Financial Officer Todd Adkins Vice President , Government Affairs Brian Dowler Vice President , Membership Aaron Carmichael Vice President , Development Brian Lynn
Vice President , Communications and Marketing
Copyright 2023 by Outdoor Sportsman Group , 1040 6th Ave ., 17th Floor , New York , NY 10018 . All Rights Reserved . No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission . The Sportsmen ’ s Advocate is a trademark of the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance , 801 Kingsmill Parkway , Columbus , OH 43229 ; 614-888-4868 ; info @ sportsmensalliance . org .
The Publisher and authors make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy , completeness or timeliness of the information contained in this publication . Any reliance or use of the information is solely at your own risk , and the authors and Publisher disclaim any and all liability relating thereto . Any prices given in this issue were suggested prices at the press time and are subject to change . Some advertisements in this magazine may concern products that are not legally for sale to California residents or residents in other jurisdictions .