This group is relentless. They put their own interests above all else. They minimize those who disagree with them. They cannot see the forest through the trees.
The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) is doing it again. They are attacking our rights to the outdoors as solidified in our Constitution as well as the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act passed in 1997, ensuring that hunting, fishing and trapping would occur on every refuge where it is compatible. This incredibly important legislation opened millions of acres to hunting across our Nation’s refuge system, offering sportsmen and women opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors while sustainably harvesting wild fur and game for their families.
What does this have to do with me, you might be thinking. Well, everything if you and your family enjoy the sustainable outdoor opportunities our federal public lands currently provide.
The CBD is an animal-rights group, nothing more, nothing less. In November, the CBD filed suit over the 2020 expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.2 million acres within the refuge system. The group is now alleging that hunting on refuges threatens endangered species due to hunters trampling critical habitat, through lead poisoning and because grizzly bears are mistakenly shot by hunters believing them to be black bears or in self-defense.
In response to their claims, they have duped the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to join with them to discuss settlement options over a lawsuit that could revoke hunting opportunities on nearly 100 National Wildlife Refuges across the country.
We have been hunting and trapping with our son since he was old enough to sit upright. We fight for them.
Sadly, there are numerous sportsmen’s groups ready and willing to intervene in this lawsuit, willing to hold the line for all of us. However, settlement talks shortstop this opportunity. Should the administration reach an agreement, CBD would likely not have to spend anything, as federal settlements often include payment of legal fees using our tax-payer dollars. Most unfortunate though, any settlement will likely include restrictions of hunting and/or trapping opportunities. The sportsmen’s groups ready and willing to get involved received no warning of the pending discussion. They were never offered a seat at the table.
This whole situation rubs us wrong, especially following Biden’s commitment to sportsmen just this past August with his Interior Department Announcement of the “Largest Expansion of Fishing and Hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Managed Lands and Waters - Expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities in line with ‘America the Beautiful’ initiative”.
We can only hope that Secretary Interior Deb Haaland will stand true to her convictions when she stated “Increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities is essential to advancing the Administration’s commitment to the conservation stewardship of our public lands… Responsible hunting and fishing helps to promote healthy wildlife habitats while boosting local recreation economies.”
So where does this leave us as sportsmen and women?
Once again, we risk losing our rights to hunt and trap if we don’t speak up. Pick up the phone, send an email, do what you can to contact U.S. Congressmen and U.S. Senators to oppose any concessions to this animal right’s group. The CBD is nothing more than a domestic terrorist organization, waging war on safe and sustainable generational practices we recognize as our outdoor heritage on our own public lands.
If you live in a conservative state and you’re confident your senators and representatives will already be on our side, speak up anyway, speak up so your voice can be referred to by those that need the support the most. If you’re not sure where to start, use the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center to reach Senators and Representatives.
Don’t wait. The assault on our outdoor heritage won’t.
