PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
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
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
When I think of hunting dogs , every possible critter we pursue in the woods , marshes and fields can incorporate man ’ s best friend . Hounds cover the gamut from big game like bears , mountain lions and even deer , to small game such as squirrels , rabbits and raccoons . Pointing dogs and retrievers find , flush and put gamebirds in the bag . During the offseason we stay sharp by training our favorite hunting partners for our chosen quarry ; some of us play the dog games that replicate the hunt while others send their dogs to pros to speed the process .
Regardless of whether you run hounds or bird dogs , hunt the family ’ s back forty or travel the country , whether you play the games , use a pro or train yourself , the attack on the sporting-dog lifestyle threatens your passion . Many of the issues the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance fights are direct attacks that take place in states we ’ ve all come to expect . When it comes to dogs , however , no state is immune from bad legislation , and many fights are obscured under the guise of animal cruelty or welfare .
In addition to great adventures and tributes , this issue of The Sportsmen ’ s Advocate clearly illustrates how bad legislation meant to end cruelty or improve welfare can actually destroy the sporting-dog lifestyle through overregulation , restrictions or increased costs . Sometimes these bills are written in ignorance of our lifestyle and the necessary means of breeding , training , kenneling and hunting . Often , the bill ’ s author doesn ’ t even know about our community or how the legislation would destroy sporting-dog traditions . Anti-hunting organizations knowingly prey on this imbalance , writing legislation purposefully meant to undermine and destroy all aspects of hunting with dogs , under the guise of cracking down on “ abusive large-scale puppy mills .”
Make no mistake , those of us at the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance love dogs ! Personally , chasing bears with hounds through the mountainous West is one of my favorite hunts , and many on our staff and board of directors breed , train , test and hunt their own dogs — all of which you ’ ll also read about in this issue . No matter what colossal anti-hunting organizations throw at us , the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance will be there to protect all hunters … and your dogs !
Evan Heusinkveld , President and CEO
2 SPORTSMENSALLIANCE . ORG
CONTRIBUTORS Brad Fenson , Adam Heggenstaller , Josh Honeycutt
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 .