Legislation Proposed to Increase Access for Anglers, Hunters

If you fish and/or hunt, you should express your support for the HUNT Act (H.R. 6086), recently introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives. Go here for contact information.

The Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures Act would direct federal agencies to inventory all public lands greater than 640 acres where hunting and fishing are legal but inaccessible, according to the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF). It also calls for improving access and would finance land acquisitions from willing sellers through a small percentage of Land and Water Conservation Fund monies.

“Surveys conducted over the last few years show that, for the first time ever, access trumps Second Amendment rights as hunters’ No. 1 priority,” said John Gale, a NWF regional representative.

 “This important legislation by Congressman Heinrich will set a course that secures access to places like New Mexico’s iconic Sabinoso Wilderness while also ensuring the health of wildlife habitat and water quality.”

The funding provided for in the HUNT Act “gives the plan some legs” and means that hunters will see immediate impacts, he added.

“If passed, the HUNT Act will directly benefit millions of American sportsmen and the nation’s powerful outdoor recreation economy,” said Joel Webster, director of the TRCP’s Center for Western Lands.

“A recent poll of Western voters identifying as sportsmen shows that a majority supports upholding measures conserving clean air, clean water, natural areas and wildlife,” continued Webster. “And more than 9 in 10 agree that public lands are an essential part of their state’s economy. To this end, the TRCP and our partners remain dedicated to advancing efforts that enable conservation of and access to these invaluable public resources.”

Go here to learn more.