CRITICAL
Federal Hunting and Fishing Bill
PASSES U.S. House of Representatives
T
he U.S. House of Representatives voted in early February
to pass H.R. 3590, a bi-partisan package of pro-sportsmen
legislation. The measure, which passed by a vote of 268-154,
includes vital language ensuring over 700 million acres of
federal public lands remain open to fishing and hunting.
H.R. 3590, sponsored by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH),
addresses the top concerns of American hunters, anglers and
recreational shooters. Known as the Sportsmen’s Heritage
and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2013, it includes many
important provisions for the future of hunting.
“This legislation is extremely important for the sportsmen’s
community and the future of access to public lands,” said
Nick Pinizzotto, USSA president and CEO. “We’re only half
way home, however. Sportsmen must urge their Senators to
take up these important bills today.”
A key feature of H.R. 3590 is the USSA supported “Open Until
Closed” language, which spells out that hunting, fishing and
recreational shooting are legitimate and important activities
on the more than 700 million acres of federal land managed
by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
The language will help stop frivolous lawsuits brought by
animal rights and anti-hunting organizations when federal
agencies move to open land to sportsmen. The bill is similar
to the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act championed by USSA to
make hunting and fishing “priority public uses” on National
Wildlife Refuge lands.
In addition to “Open Until Closed,” the bill includes language to:
• prohibit the U.S. EPA from regulating lead ammunition and
fishing tackle;
• allow for the importation of 41 legally harvested trophies taken
before Polar Bears were listed as an endangered species in
2008;
• promote the construction of shooting ranges on public lands;
and
• permanently authorize the online sale of duck stamps.
Sportsmen’s Monthly February/March
5