Senator Daines Introduces Bill to Protect Hunting Access

Today, Senator Steve Daines of Montana introduced the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022. The Act addresses the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 Hunt Fish rule, which includes several bans and phaseouts of lead ammunition and which will significantly limit access for hunters across the country. Safari Club International (SCI) extends a huge thank you to Senator Daines for introducing this bill and for his constant support of the hunting community. 

SCI submitted official comments to the FWS opposing this ban on lead ammunition, stating that there is not enough scientific support for a ban. Eliminating traditional ammunition will eliminate access for many hunters who cannot afford alternatives or for whom alternatives simply do not exist. A ripple effect on Pittman-Robertson funding will be felt as well, with decreased funds as hunters buy less ammunition. SCI discussed this topic in depth during our Big 5 Summer Series – watch the seminar here.

Within SCI’s mission of protecting the freedom to hunt, one of our top priorities is No-Net-Loss of hunting and fishing access across the country. Without readily available, cost-effective alternatives to lead, the Hunt Fish rule will unquestionably restrict access. It is now time for Congress to act – we encourage them to support Senator Daines’ bill and to direct the FWS to eliminate this ban. 

SCI’s EVP Ben Cassidy said, “On behalf of SCI members across America, thank you Senator Daines for being an unwavering champion for hunters and our access to public lands by introducing the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2022.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s 2022 Hunt Fish Rule shuts down a lawful method of harvest – use of traditional ammunition – through either immediate prohibition or rapid phaseout. Scientific studies have not demonstrated detrimental population-level impacts on game species.  Emotion based bans are a blow to economic access and negatively impact Pittman Robertson revenue.  Wildlife and habitat win when federal land managers base their decisions on best available science while giving deference to state management authorities.”