[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 143 (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1968]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZNG ALL HUNTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES FOR THEIR CONTINUED 
                          COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this resolution recognizing hunters across the United States for their 
continued commitment to safety. Since State fish and game agencies 
began offering hunter safety programs in 1949, more than 35 million 
Americans have been certified through these programs.
  Thanks to hunter education, hunting is safe and getting safer. Hunter 
education covers the skills, regulations and responsibilities of 
hunting, wildlife conservation and the outdoors. In my home State of 
Texas, mandatory hunter education became law in 1988. Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Department began offering voluntary hunter education courses 
long before that, however, in 1972, and has certified over 650,000 
Texans. Every year, over 30,000 youth and adults in Texas become 
certified in hunter education.
  Firearms-related accidents have declined sharply even as gun 
ownership in America is rising. More than half of all households now 
own firearms, yet accidental fatalities are at an all-time low--down 60 
percent over the last 20 years. For decades, the firearms industry has 
emphasized education to ensure the safe and responsible use of its 
products. This effort and those by other organizations are why the 
shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of 
recreation. Some 40 million people of all ages safely participate in 
these activities.
  I would also like to point out that in June, during the annual 
meeting of the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), Heidi 
Rao of Houston was named Professional of the Year for providing 
outstanding service to IHEA and its mission. A hunter education 
training specialist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department since 
1998, Mrs. Rao trains the general public to comply with the mandatory 
hunter education programs in southeast Texas. She also trains adults in 
hunter education programs, policies, and procedures and the general 
public in hunting safety and legal practices.
  Again, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution 
commending hunters for their continued commitment to safety.

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