[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1021-E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SPORTSMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the 
Sportsmen's Bill of Rights. As an avid hunter and fisherman, I believe 
that the hunting and angling community serve as the backbone for the 
preservation, enhancement, and protection of natural and wildlife 
resources, Hunters and anglers are the foremost supporters of sound 
wildlife management and conservation practices in Minnesota and the 
rest of the United States. Funds raised through license, permit, and 
stamp purchases, as well as excise taxes on goods used by hunters and 
anglers have generated over $6,000,000,000 for wildlife research and 
management. Many wildlife opportunities would not exist today if these 
conservation efforts had not been created by hunters and anglers.
  The right to hunt and fish is increasingly coming under attack. We 
are seeing broad based challenges to hunting and fishing, and hopefully 
this bill will set the standards for such challenges much higher. 
Traditional rights of hunters and anglers are continually attacked by 
various organizations whose sole aim it to outlaw these outdoor 
activities. This legislation is necessary to fend off opponents of 
hunting and fishing.

[[Page E1022]]

  Minnesota has about 450,000 deer hunters--probably the largest per 
capita in the Nation, 100,000 small game and waterfowl, grouse and 
pheasant hunters, and 1.6 million licensed anglers in the State each 
year. Thus, hunting and fishing is a significant part of both the 
Minnesota tradition and this Nation's tradition.
  This type of legislation is also being proposed and advocated in many 
States. For example, in 1996, the Minnesota State Senate approved a 
proposed amendment to the State constitution giving Minnesota residents 
a constitutional right to hunt and fish in the State.
  Hunter-funded land acquisition efforts of State wildlife agencies 
support a broad spectrum of public recreation. With fishing and hunting 
generated moneys. States have secured millions of acres of land for 
wildlife conservation. Fishing and hunting expenditures in Minnesota 
alone generate millions of dollars toward conservation efforts.
  Hunting also provides a mechanism to control wildlife in areas where 
human tolerance is limited, regarding damage to agricultural crops and 
vegetation, nuisance problems, and vehicle collisions. Wildlife-caused 
environmental problems and human conflicts can be decreased with animal 
damage management techniques subsidized by hunters and anglers.
  The economic value of hunting and angling is indispensable in 
Minnesota, as well as other State's economies. Fishing and hunting 
expenditures in Minnesota total over $1.3 billion. Furthermore, close 
to half a million jobs are directly and indirectly supported by 
hunting.
  The purpose of this legislation is to leave a legacy for future 
generations to enjoy the same rights to hunt and fish that the current 
generation enjoys today. With the trend towards increased urbanization, 
there is less and less access for people to really enjoy the outdoors. 
Recreational hunting and fishing strengthens family bonds and personal 
relationships. These sporting activities often bring parents and 
children together. The Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act is crucial to 
ensure future generations of sportsmen, women, and children the 
opportunity to enjoy the same wildlife benefits and educational 
opportunities that have previously been enjoyed.

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