The First For Hunters blog has traditionally focused on SCIs fight to defeat anti-hunting attacks and promote hunting worldwide.
Articles on legislative activity at the federal, state and international levels are a regular staple of the FFH blog. Information on happenings at the Interior Department, State Fish and Game Departments and the occasional poke at the hypocritical hijinks of the animal rights groups can also be found here.
The past few weeks have seen a somber reality set in, affecting virtually all aspects of American life, including the country’s outdoor sporting community. As a result of the COVID-19 virus spreading like wildfire, many aspects of daily life have changed drastically.
Some of those changes also affect the kind of information the FFH blog will be sharing. For example, the United States Congress has virtually shut down. Washington, DC and surrounding states have issued “stay at home” orders as they grapple with containment of COVID-19.
Additionally, as of March 25 the following legislatures have gone into recess as a result of COVID-19:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, NE, NH, NJ, OK, RI, SC, SD, TN, WI
Many of these states have introduced legislation directly affecting the hunting community.
In some states, hunter education courses are being cancelled due to the “social distancing” requirements.
At the international level, many countries have closed their borders – greatly affecting the safari industry. The SCI website has established a page devoted to COVID-19 advisories – bringing up to date news on recent border closings and/or countries’ decisions related to their hunting programs.
In an effort to keep SCI members appraised of any legislative activity, the FFH blog will continue to bring legislative news as it happens. The blog will also contain articles on state actions that will affect hunting, whether it is stay-at-home orders, cancelled services or even those states with no changes to their hunting seasons.
Stay tuned as FFH brings up-to-the-minute news on all issues affecting the hunter. As the restrictions are lifted, FFH will advise of those changes as well.
