The 3rd annual HRC (Hunters Rights Coalition) meeting was held on Saturday January 16, 2010. Representatives from the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Fur Trappers Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin SCI chapters, NRA ( National Rifle Association), Wis. Bow Hunters, North American Crossbow Federation, Wis. Crossbow Hunters, and individuals interested in the protection and preservation of our Hunting Heritage. The meeting was led by Mr. Greg Kazmierski, from SCI.

     Through out the day, the group heard from various speakers: Matt Frank - Secretary of the DNR, Ann Hraychuck - Chairperson Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Scott Gunderson - member Assembly Committee on Natural Resources,Rep. Amy Sue Vruwink Chairman of the Agriculture Dept., State Senator Jim Holperin, Senator Glenn Grothman, Tia Nelson Commissioner of Public Lands, and our lobbyists Jolene Plautz & Bob Welch.

     Various issues were presented to the group including: Wolf populations, The 2010 Deer Season, Bear & Turkey Bills, Gun Issues, the Thrill Kill Bill, Deer population goals and Stewardship of Public Land Use. All of these issues are very important but, I think the Stewardship bill is the biggest of all. Many of these public lands purchased by the state are not open to hunting, fishing, and trapping. They are supposed to be 100% available to the people of Wisconsin and this must be addressed before this continues & gets out of control. Another key issue to watch is how Wisconsin’s share of an extra 4 million dollars from the Pittman/Robertson Act will be disbursed. Several people stated that a vast majority of the money taken in by the act is from ammunition & reloading supplies and that a good amount of it should be earmarked toward range improvements.

     All of the SCI chapters were involved in the purchase of a new van for the AWLS (American Wilderness Leadership School) last spring. For this a BFR Magnum Research Revolver in Govt. 45/70 caliber was donated to the chapters of Wisconsin. It was decided that each chapter would sell tickets for the revolver, with each chapter keeping the proceeds from their sales. It was decided that the winner would be drawn at the HRC meeting on Jan. 17, 2010. The Revolver was won by Sue Maass from Mosinee.

     Since the Anti- Hunting groups are very well funded and continually whittling away at our hunting rights and seasons it is essential that groups and individuals keep up on the issues facing our sport. Collectively we can and will preserve our rights to hunt and continue the rich traditions and heritage given to us by the For Fathers of our country.

    Here's how you can help: 

• Join and support Hunters’ Rights organizations such as those noted above; maintain your membership.
• Recruit others; the larger our voice the more we will be heard.
• When you hear of legislation that erodes your rights, speak up. Write, or call, your representatives and tell them it is wrong. Legislators need to hear both sides of the issue. While lobbyist and organizations like SCI help, individual voter contact is essential in helping legislator’s form opinions. If they only hear from the anti’s, you have lost!
• When you hear of legislation that you support, again write or call your representatives; ALL OF THEM! Make them aware that you are watching.
• Support Hunters Rights issues outside of your area regardless of how small the issue seems. Small legal presidents from other states will be used to take your rights away. Today’s unbridled ‘puppy mill’ legislation may dictate how you must care for your household pet, and hunting dogs, and your ability to even have them.

    Included with this report is a sample of the bills that the Welch Group is working on & the stances of SCI & others in the coalition.