PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
The FRONT LINE
PUBLISHER Evan Heusinkveld
EDITOR Brian Lynn
ASSISTANT EDITOR Naomi Hersh
ART DIRECTOR Brian Respress
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Connie Mendoza
PRODUCTION MANAGER Melissa Williams
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
As you hold this copy of The Sportsmen ’ s Advocate , you ’ ll notice the “ Huntervationist ” theme throughout . Huntervationist is a term the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance coined several years ago in response to a socialmedia campaign by PETA .
Huntervationist encapsulates the role of sportsmen today , and within the North American Model , as the hunter-conservationists that we all are simply by paying into the system when hunting , fishing , trapping , boating or shooting . The work of the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance perfectly aligns with the idea of the hunter-conservationist .
Obviously , our advocacy work protects each one of you nationwide , which allows you to continue practicing your passions and paying into the model that has become the envy of the world . Our research and education work helps inform the public and decision-makers alike . Our high-school curriculum , Conservation Science , adds another layer of education at a critical time in children ’ s lives .
Our holistic approach to protecting your passions is easy to see as you flip through this issue . You ’ ll read about how we ’ re fighting two federal lawsuits , as well as two state issues , and plans to do battle in court more often . Our research into the economic impact of hunters and how best to deliver education initiatives to current and future hunters highlights the recent research work we ’ ve done on behalf of the entire industry .
As you read the features , you ’ ll see just how dedicated we are to protecting the North American Model both here and abroad , and we don ’ t shy away from controversial topics . Indeed , addressing topics like hunting in Africa , predator management and even leasing hunting property , from a conservation perspective , helps us all think about things in a bigger picture than just what we experience in our own hunting lives .
We need to come together as a community and support the model as a whole , even if the methods , means , locations and game animals aren ’ t universally shared experiences . Understanding how various pieces fit and work within the model is important for everyone to know . Without that knowledge and understanding , the animal-rights movement will pick us apart state by state , species by species , method by method .
Evan Heusinkveld , President and CEO
2 SPORTSMENSALLIANCE . ORG
CONTRIBUTORS Brad Fenson Adam Heggenstaller Ron Spomer
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 .