Newly Created: Wildlife & Hunting Heritage Conservation Council

[Patrick]

#5643

Here’s a snip-it from the Press Release linked below:
“Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack were joined by Governor Brian Schweitzer today to announce the creation of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (WHHCC), an official advisory group under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Secretary Vilsack, Secretary Salazar, and Governor Schweitzer made the announcement at a ceremony at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC in tribute to the great president, hunter and conservationist.”
http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/2010_02_04_release.cfm

[David Petersen]

#43414

Patrick — I’m investigating this now. It’s premature to celebrate, believe me. It could be a good thing but more likely bad for those with traditional sporting values. It all comes down to which groups are represented, and which are left out, and it doesn’t sound good from here. The tendency is for quantity over quality, with “rights” and “access” groups running the show while ethics and conservation are pushed farther behind. To be worth anything it must be equitable in representation among groups. For every NRA, there must be a BHA, etc. With luck I’ll know something by tomorrow. (For the past 5 years, this has been my line of work. My last work day is the 26, though I’ll continue causing problems as an individual!) dave

[Patrick]

#44170

David Petersen wrote: For every NRA, there must be a BHA, etc.

I definitely agree.

I’m looking forward to your findings.

[David Petersen]

#47950

OK, I called the FWS spokesman and then read the entire notice in the Federal Register. It sounds pretty benign, with a fairly representative list of categories from which reps will be selected. Of course industry is over-represented, but that’s government today and always in America. I did write the heads of both BHA and TRCP (Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a national sportsman conservation group based in MT) and urge them to submit applications to be on the panel, as per above — equal time for us “quality” folks vs. the “quantity” usual suspects. There is also a slot for an archery rep, and I don’t know how that will be filled. The closest thing trad has to a national organization is Comptoms and I’ll urge them to apply for a seat but something tell me they won’t. Trad bowhunting groups in general prefer to remain apolitical even when their/our feet are being burned. So it will likely go to P&Y or such. And frankly, these things are usually pro forma — that is, for appearance, feelgood and never have much if any influence. So end of this story, so far as I’m concerned, is nothing to worry about. But thanks for bringing it to our attention. dave

[Patrick]

#47968

David Petersen wrote: And frankly, these things are usually pro forma — that is, for appearance, feelgood and never have much if any influence.

So true!! Thanks Dave

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