[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE SPORTSMANSHIP IN HUNTING ACT

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                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2005

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today I, along with Representative Chris Shays 
and 17 other members, introduced the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 
2005. This bill, similar to a bill I introduced last congress, gets at 
an issue that many would be surprised to learn even occurs: the 
``hunting'' of an animal inside an enclosed area, a fence. By halting 
the interstate shipment of captive exotic mammals for the purpose of 
being shot in a fenced enclosure for entertainment or for trophy, the 
bill we introduced today will lead to significant reductions in 
``canned hunt'' operations.
  At more than 1,000 of these commercial ``canned hunt'' operations 
around the country, trophy hunters pay a fee to shoot captive exotic 
mammals--animals that have often lived their lives being fed by hand 
and thus have no fear of humans. Simply stated, there could be no 
easier target. Canned hunting ranches know this and can therefore offer 
guaranteed trophies, touting a ``No Kill, No Pay'' policy.
  Who supports canned hunt operations? Not rank-and-file hunters. In 
fact, in a poll of their readership described in the July 2003 issue, 
the editors of Field and Stream magazine reported that 65 percent of 
sportsmen oppose canned hunts. Additionally, lifelong hunters in 
Montana, including members of the Montana Bowhunters Association, 
spearheaded a state ballot initiative in 2000 that led to a ban on 
shooting animals in fenced enclosures. In addition to Montana, 23 
states have full or partial bans on canned hunts for mammals. The 
momentum to address canned hunt operations is no surprise given that an 
element of hunting that so many sportsmen hold dear, that of the ``fair 
chase,'' is absolutely absent under canned hunt conditions. The time is 
long overdue for the federal government to participate in efforts to 
end this despicable practice.
  By halting the interstate transport of non-indigenous mammals used in 
canned hunts, the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act will curb a practice so 
egregious that hunters and animal advocates alike view it as unfair and 
inhumane. This bill is supported by numerous local and national groups 
representing more than ten million Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage my colleagues to join me in 
putting a lid on canned hunts.

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