PARTNERS : Safari Club International , So Cal Top Guns , Congressional Sportsmen ’ s Foundation
SUMMARY : With Gov . Gavin Newsom eyeing a possible presidential run in 2024 , he ’ s appealing to the anti-gun extremists and anti-hunters by signing a raft of legislation to crater our outdoor traditions permanently . One of the extreme measures he championed and signed is AB 2571 , a bill to end the “ marketing ” of firearms and firearm accessories to minors . But the law doesn ’ t stop there ; it derails any advertising that promotes the use of firearms , including hunter education , shooting events and safety classes . The unconstitutional law threatens the future of hunting and sport shooting nationwide .
CURRENT STANDING : The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance was the first to raise concern about the bill and , after it was signed into law , we organized a coalition to legally oppose its enforcement . You can read more about our fight on page 22 .
VERMONT HOUNDS
COURT : Federal
WHAT ’ S AT STAKE : Hound training and hunting , hunters ’ right to participate in the federal public lands decision-making process , state management of hunting on federal lands
PARTNERS : Vermont Traditions Coalition , Vermont Bearhound Association , Vermont Federation of Sportsmen ’ s Clubs , Vermont Trappers Association
SUMMARY : In August 2021 , FWS rescinded a prior decision allowing hunters to train dogs throughout the Conte National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Vermont every June and July , so long as they complied with state law . FWS also rescinded a prior decision allowing the hunting of a variety of game species with dogs in part of the refuge . FWS enacted these restrictions without first providing the public , including hunters , any notice or the opportunity to provide public comments on the changes that the federal agency was considering .
As in the Alaska parks and preserves case , the FWS seized existing management authority , particularly decisions on hunting methods , means and seasons , from a state government when implementing the new regulations on the national wildlife refuge .
CURRENT STANDING : In early September 2022 , the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance Foundation and its local hunting and trapping association partners filed a lawsuit in federal district court seeking to overturn the surprise restrictions . Read more about our lawsuit on page 8 .
The U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service severely limited previously granted opportunites for training and hunting with hounds on Vermont ’ s Conte National Wildlife Refuge with no public notice or comment period .
FALL 2022 21