U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway , Columbus , OH 43229
Ph. 614/888-4868 • Fax 614/888-0326
Website: www.ussportsmen.org • E-mail: info@ussportsmen.org

Leading Conservation Groups Call on U.S. Senate to Block
“Regulatory Czar” Nomination

15 Groups Express Concerns over Cass Sunstein

( Columbus ) – Fifteen of the nation’s leading conservation and sportsmen organizations sent a letter today to all U.S. Senators requesting they oppose the nomination of Cass R. Sunstein to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

In the letter, the organizations express deep reservations about Sunstein’s views on animal rights and hunting. Sunstein has been quoted as saying, “we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation” as well as his discussions about offering animals the rights to sue humans.

The letter makes clear that as the head of the OIRA, a powerful federal agency with extensive authority to block rules, such views, “raise serious concerns about the agenda Mr. Sunstein will carry with him into this position if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.” Sunstein’s controversial views on animal rights, hunting, and agriculture caused two Senators, Saxby Chambliss (R- GA) and John Cornyn ( R- TX ) to temporarily place “holds” on his nomination. This prevented the nomination from moving forward prior to the August recess. Though those holds were subsequently removed, there remains much concern throughout the conservation community.

The groups signing the letter include: Conservation Force, Dallas Safari Club, Fur Takers of America, Houston Safari Club, Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America, Mule Deer Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Trappers’ Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pope and Young Club, Shikar Safari Club, Texas Wildlife Association, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Whitetails Unlimited, Inc. and the Wild Sheep Foundation. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Sportsmen Need to “Man the Battle Stations” and Block the “Czar”
By Greg R. Lawson, Director of Communications, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Battle lines between sportsmen and anti-hunting extremists seem to be hardening with each passing day. Frighteningly, it looks to get worse as a major anti-hunter is on the verge of setting up residence in a federal office with the power to block pro-sportsmen regulations for years to come.

Cass R. Sunstein may not be a household name, but make no mistake, in academic and legal circles he is a rock star. His nomination by President Obama to serve as the head of the powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), otherwise known as the “Regulatory Czar”, appears on track and has received a lot of accolades from those who make a living inside “the Beltway” of Washington, DC.

Unfortunately, Sunstein’s record outs him as a rabid animal rightist who has gone so far as to state that animals may deserve the right to sue and, for sportsmen, most chillingly, that “we might ban hunting altogether, at least if it’s sole purpose is human recreation.”

While these views may set the hearts of Ivory Towered intellectuals, government bureaucrats, and folks like PETA aflutter; in the real world, they are just plain absurd. However, the very fact that the U.S. Senate is probably going to vote to confirm this person to a post overseeing all federal regulations including those concerning hunting, fishing, and trapping should raise more than a casual shrug. It should raise a serious “red flag” by America ’s sportsmen.

After all, America ’s sportsmen are the nation’s number one conservationists. Yet now, these true conservationists may have to battle an unelected force in order to continue to defend their time honored traditions. Simply put, this is wrong.

The Obama administration is already crowded with people who hold similar viewpoints as Sunstein. It is common knowledge that Attorney General Eric Holder is a champion for gun control. Also with sordid conservation pasts are Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack who vetoed a bill to allow dove hunting when governor of Iowa and Lisa Jackson, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who worked overtime as a New Jersey bureaucrat to stop bear hunting in the state.

And we may soon be adding Cass Sunstein’s name to the list of people whose views are well outside the real mainstream of America . It would be tragic to allow these views to be imposed without a fight.

To that end, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance has been leading just such a fight to block this nomination and worked with several US senators to stop the nomination from moving forward. Unfortunately, the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid ( D- NV ), is bound and determined to have a vote when the Senate reconvenes after Labor Day.

This means that the clock is ticking. Sportsmen need to “take up their arms” and, using their voices, work hand in hand to block this “Czar.” Sportsmen should call both of their U.S. Senators today and express outrage that a man who has explicitly pushed radical animal rights views might be given the power to impose these views on all of us and destroy our collective heritage.

Concerning the Blair-Holt proposed legislation

Senate Bill SB-2099 will require us to put on our 2009 1040 federal tax form all guns that you have or own. It may require fingerprints and a tax of $50 per gun. This bill was introduced on Feb. 24. This bill will become public knowledge 30 days after it is voted into law. This is an amendment to the Internal Revenue Act of 1986. This means that the Finance Committee can pass this without the Senate voting on it at all.

The full text of the proposed amendment is on the U.S. Senate homepage, http://www.senate.gov/ You can find the bill by doing a search by the bill number, SB-2099.

You know who to call; I strongly suggest you do.

http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/text

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bdbzvw:@@@J|/bss/111search.html

Congress is now starting on the firearms confiscation bill. If it passes, gun owners will become criminals if you don't fully comply.

H.R.45 : To provide for the implementation of a system of licensing for purchasers of certain firearms and for a record of sale system for those firearms, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Rush, Bobby L. [IL-1] (introduced 1/6/2009)
Cosponsors (None)
Committees: House Judiciary Latest Major Action: 2/9/2009
Referred to House subcommittee.
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

It has started.

Very Important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House. This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009.

Even gun shop owners didn't know about this because the government is trying to fly it under the radar. To find out about this - go to any government website and type in HR 45 or Google HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. You will get all the information.

Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless: -It is registered -You are fingerprinted -You supply a current Driver's License -You supply your Social Security # -You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing- Each update - change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25 - Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail. -There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18.-They would have the right to come in and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.

If you think this is a joke - go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this.

It is long and lengthy. But, more and more people are becoming aware of this. Pass the word along. Any hunters in your family pass this along.

This is just a "termite" approach to complete confiscation of guns and disarming of our society to the point we have no defense - chip away a little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes it. This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not. If you take my gun, only the criminal will have one to use against me. HR 45 only makes me/us less safe.

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.45
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h45/show
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=11-4
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-45

LA Senate Bill 126 will outlaw the transport and release of feral hogs in Louisiana.
It is imperative that you contact your representatives and voice your opposition to this bill!

Digest:

Present Law relative to wildlife and fisheries provides that no pen-raised or wild animal, fowl, or fish of any species from without the state shall be liberated within the state except upon written permission of the secretary. No pen-raised turkey or pheasant from within or without the state shall be liberated within the state except upon written permission of the secretary.

Present Law provides that no wild animal or fowl of any species shall be transported from restocking purposes from a site within the state to any other site within the state except in accordance with commission regulations.

Proposed law retains present law but removes the restocking capability of wild animal or fowl of any species. Proposed Law further provides that no person shall import any live feral hogs into the state or release any live feral hog into the wild where the animal is able to move about freely to adjoining land. Provides that no person shall transport within the state any live feral hog without a permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Defines “feral hog” as any member of the Suidae family that is not a domesticated pet or livestock, including but not limited to, hogs, wild swine, or Russian boar.

Present Law provides that a violation of its provisions is a class four violation. Proposed Law retains present law.

Effective August 15, 2009. Considered before Natural Resources Committee May 7th, 2009. Deferred - no action taken— will research bill, and possibly bring back to floor of Committee week of May 11th—15th.

Authors: Francis P. Thompson (Primary Author), Dan W. “Blade” Morrish, Gordon E. Dove, Sr. , Noble E. Ellington, Karen Gudet St. Germain.

For more information: http://www.legis.state.la.us/

The Louisiana State Senate 225/342-2040

email: websen@legis.state.la.us PO Box 94183 Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Let your voice be heard!

UPDATE - MAY 10, 2009 - Texas Hunters and Sportsmen

I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the latest developments regarding the "Puppy Mill" bill. This does apply to hunters and sportsmen if they have more than 11 intact females and sell any dogs. It would limit hunting kennels, by virtue of now being "commercial breeders", to possessing 50 intact female animals at a facility (retired from breeding or not), as well as impose fees and other requirements yet to be determined.

There has been a lot of confusion because now there are TWO bills:  1) A shorter version of the original Commercial Breeder Bill (HB 3180) has passed the Senate as an amendment to an unrelated bill (HB 2310) and 2) The "original" version, HB 3180, is on the House Local & Consent Calendar for Tuesday, May 12.

Here is a summary of what has happened with HB 2310.  

The bill to which the commercial breeder bill was attached, HB 2310, is a non-controversial bill relating to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The 13-page breeder amendment is longer than HB 2310 itself. Therefore, this amendment fundamentally changes the intent of HB 2310. All on the same day (May 6):  The 13-page "Commercial Breeder" amendment was added on the second reading, rules were suspended allowing the bill to be read for the third time, and the Senate passed the bill. Certainly, none of the Senators had time to read this amendment.  It was impossible for citizens to provide feedback until it was too late. Yes, this is as corrupt as it sounds and no, I am not making this up. The amendment is a version of HB 3180. Only the House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures has heard HB 3180. It has not been heard by the full House. HB 3180's Senate companion, SB 1910 which was sponsored by Senator Whitmire, was never heard by any Senator. As the bill had yet to reach the Senate, stakeholders had not involved their Senators on the issue.  If Senator Whitmire had expected HB 3180 or SB 1910 to pass, he would not have had to resort to passing it as an 11th-hour amendment.

What to do now? First thing MONDAY.....  Find out who represents you here: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us

With regard to HB 2310:

CALL or FAX your own State Senator and let him or her know that you are disappointed that the rules were suspended, and that a 13-page amendment was tacked onto an 11-page bill and passed with no one batting an eye.

CALL or FAX your own House Representative and voice your opposition to HB 2310 with the amendment. There is a possibility it will go back to the House. It's not a bad idea to get ready to write Governor Perry and ask for a Veto of HB 2310 but it's a little early for that still.

With regard to HB 3180: 

Write your own House Representative to OPPOSE HB 3180 because it is scheduled for a vote by the House on Tuesday, May 12. It's still on the local & uncontested calendar. A measure may be removed from the Local, Consent, and Resolutions Calendar if debate exceeds 10 minutes or if five or more representatives object to the consideration of the measure.

The Local and Uncontested Calendar is for non-controversial bills, and it is obvious from the long list of witnesses at the committee hearing that this is very controversial. Tell your Representative to OBJECT to the bill being on this calendar!

HB 3180 Talking Points:

Many hunting kennels exceed the number of animals specified in this bill. Being forced to follow commercial breeder regulations will put them out of business.

Inspections may be conducted by a "Registered Breeder Inspector" which may be a private humane society. Most if not all humane societies are opposed to animal breeding of any kind. This is like having a prohibitionist deciding who gets liquor licenses.

The people pushing this bill claim that it will not affect hobby breeders. It will impact anyone who is required to collect sales taxes (this means everyone) on the sale of their animals by classifying them as a Dealer. Brokers and Commercial Breeders who sell to pet shops are already governed by USDA regulations, and all pet owners in Texas are already governed by state animal cruelty laws.

This bill is fundamentally flawed and cannot be fixed with amendments.

If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,
Laura

Endangered Breeds Association /  Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club

Texas Hunters and Sportsmen

September 1, 2009: New Laws take effect in Texas.

What will happen to Texas hunters if these are among them?

• SB 634 -- Does away with any legally acceptable means of tethering and requires a minimum kennel size of 150 SF per dog,.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00634I.htm
Author: Seliger -- Amarillo, Midland-Odessa, Big Spring
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist31/dist31.htm

• HB 458 – Allows your county to limit the number of dogs you may legally own, even if you live in an unincorporated area with no deed restrictions.

81(R) HB 458 - Introduced version - Bill Text
Author: Leibowitz -- San Antonio / Bexar County
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist117/welcome.htm

• SB 554 – Defines many common items hunters own as dog-fighting paraphernalia.

81(R) SB 554 - Introduced version - Bill Text
Author: Whitmire – Houston
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members/dist15/dist15.htm

We especially need people who live in the authors’ districts to contact them and tell them that hunters and sportsmen and sportswomen are not happy with these bills. …..and at press time, these bills are being lobbied but are not yet introduced:

• Allowing cities and counties in Texas to pass breed-specific legislation. Many cities and counties in Texas have passed resolutions stating that they want to be able to ban or restrict certain breeds as soon as the state allows them to do so. This means that your American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Bulldog cross or any dog that looks like a Pit Bull, such as the Blackmouth cur, may be banned.

• Defining anyone with four or more intact bitches as a commercial kennel.

We must defeat these proposals no later than Spring, 2009. The fight is on TODAY.

For the latest on Texas legislation that affects you and how to get involved:
www.LoneStarStatePitBullClub.com
www.lsspbc.com
or call (570) 796-6641

Each one of us needs to call, write, fax and visit our legislators but unfortunately, this is not enough. It costs money to hire people to advocate for us in Austin and to pay attorneys and expert witnesses.

A fund earmarked for Texas has been set up at the Endangered Breeds Association (EBA). Every penny counts and goes directly to fighting for our rights.

• Donate to the EBA Texas Fund via PayPal at: www.lsspbc.com or www.endangeredbreedsassociation.org

• Mail checks to: Endangered Breeds Association - PO Box 879 - Walker, LA – 70785. Indicate “Texas Fund” in the memo.

Lone Star State American Pit Bull Terrier Club is an American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) Sanctioned club in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We welcome new members – you need not own a registered APBT to join.