egislation to protect quality hunting on federal land has been introduced in Congress.
U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Georgia, on Tuesday introduced SB 408, the Hunting Heritage Protection Act. A key element of the bill is a stipulation for “no net loss” of hunting on federal land. Under the provision, the government is directed to maintain, within the confines of state and federal law, current levels of federal hunting lands. It requires the opening of compensatory huntable land if an area is closed to the sport.
Senate Bill 408 awaits debate in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Several states, including Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi and West Virginia have recently passed “no net loss” laws that protect state hunting land for future generations. Sportsmen’s grassroots support paid off in each of these states, and is needed to ensure the passage of SB 408.