Around the States: Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania
May 2, 2023
Colorado: On April 27, 2023, hunters, anglers and conservationists from all across the Centennial State gathered in Denver, Colorado for a day of celebration outside the state Capitol building and Safari Club International was there, along with its many conservation partners. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Ellary TuckerWilliams was the lead organizer of the event, with the members of the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Partnership assisting. Over 400 people, including 63 legislators, attended the barbeque, and the Four Corners and Colorado Chapters of SCI were among the major sponsors of the event. Western State and Local Liaison, Chris Tymeson, addressed the crowd on behalf of SCI regarding our mission and status as a conservation partner and Litigation Associate Madie Demaske engaged with members of the conservation community on issues pertinent to SCI, its chapters and members. 2023 SCI State Legislator of the Year, Colorado Senator Perry Will, also was in attendance and addressed the crowd before returning to his duties in the Capitol.
Florida: Right to Hunt and Fish is headed to the statewide ballot in November 2024 as a proposed constitutional amendment! With only one dissenting vote, the resolution supporting the ballot initiative to enshrine Florida’s right to hunt and fish in perpetuity sailed through the House of Representatives and the Senate. SCI would like to thank Representative Lauren Melo, Senator Jason Brodeur, and all the sportsmen’s organizations who have worked together in support of this measure.
Michigan: SCI President Sven Lindquist submitted a letter of support for House Bill 4386 that would require newly appointed members of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) to have held a hunting or fishing license in four of the last six years prior to appointment. Codifying this language will ensure that decision makers on the NRC have a personal and direct understanding of, and connection to, the impact and importance that hunting and fishing have on Michigan’s vast natural resources, the recreation opportunities they provide, and their associated economic impact.
Minnesota: SCI joined 11 other organizations in a letter to the Minnesota Conference Committee on Environment, Climate and Energy in opposition to any prohibition of a potential future wolf season.
Nevada: SCI joined 24 other organizations and individuals in a letter in opposition to a bill that would designate the “wild mustang” as the official state horse of the State of Nevada.
New York: Assembly Bill 2084 would prohibit the harvest of wildlife using lead ammo on any state land open for hunting, as well as any land – state or private – contributing surface water to the New York City water supply. New York advocates, take action here!
Oregon: SCI joined a coalition letter opposing Oregon House Bill 2005 due to the impacts on recruitment and retention of youth hunters.
Pennsylvania Sportsmen & Women Policy Workgroup Advocacy Day: SCI Eastern States and Local Liaison Bee Frederick, second from left, recently attended the Pennsylvania Sportsmen and Women Policy Workgroup Advocacy Day in Harrisburg, PA. The day began with a legislative breakfast which was attended by legislators, legislative staff, state agency staff and sportsmen’s representatives and was followed by individual meetings with various legislators. The day on the Hill was used to promote the mission of the Workgroup and, specifically, support various pro-sportsmen’s policies, like expanding Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Sportsmen & Women Policy Workgroup consists of like-minded sporting and conservation organizations advocating to increase access for all sportsmen/ women, conserve wildlife habitat, and educate decision makers on the importance of preserving PA’s hunting, trapping, and fishing heritage.
