[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1780-E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE SPORTSMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Sportsmen's 
Bill of Rights (H.R. 4144), which was introduced by my dear friend and 
colleague Bill Brewster of Oklahoma.
  From America's earliest days, hunting and fishing have been a part of 
the American experience. Today, over 36 million Americans enjoy fishing 
as a regular recreational activity, and over 16 million Americans enjoy 
hunting.
  Hunting and fishing are essential components of effective wildlife 
management. They provide important incentives for the conservation of 
wildlife, and the habitat and ecosystems upon which wildlife depends. 
Funds raised from the sale of licenses, permits, and stamp purchases, 
as well as excise taxes on goods used by anglers and hunters,

[[Page E1781]]

are used for wildlife management and research. American's sportsmen are 
conservationists working to protect habitats and wildlife for the 
future.
  As a member of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I am 
proud to work with my colleagues to promote opportunities for sportsmen 
across America. The Sportsmen's Bill of Rights:
  Requires Federal agencies managing Federal land and water resources 
to support promote, and enhance opportunities for fishing and hunting.
  Amends the current land management process to include the promotion 
of hunting and fishing as a priority for Federal land use.
  Raises the awareness of Federal land managers of the impact that 
their policy decisions have on hunting and fishing opportunities.
  Ensures that our Nation's Federal lands will continue to be places 
where opportunities for hunting and fishing are promoted.
  I would like to thank in Mr. Brewster for introducing the 
legislation. I also want to encourage all my colleagues to join us 
ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to take part in 
America's sporting tradition.

                          ____________________