Maintaining Our Outdoor Legacy

Maintaining Our Outdoor Legacy
November 10, 2005

November 19th is the first day of deer season for gun hunters

WASHINGTON D.C - With the fall hunting season just around the corner, its time again to make sure rifles are sighted in and shotguns are oiled. This year, we should expect a healthy deer herd and a good outlook for waterfowl and turkey hunters.

As an avid hunter, outdoorsman and member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I know how important the outdoors are to Eastern Oklahomans. After taking my first deer at the age of nine, I knew that hunting would become a lifelong pursuit. That's why promoting outdoor conservation and protecting access to public hunting lands are big priorities for me in Congress.

Often overlooked, the economic impact of hunting in Oklahoma is substantial. Oklahomans spend over $300 on million hunting each year - a significant boost to retail businesses around the state.

Sportsmen also play a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and outdoor conservation. The scope and overall funding of federal conservation programs have all grown with each recent farm bill, but changing budget priorities have made conservation programs an inviting target for cuts. These programs commit critical resources to wildlife habitat protection and restoration, and I am committed to keeping them funded.

Conservation is not only a practice, but also a philosophy - born and bred into every Oklahoman that depends on the land in some way. It's a tradition realized every time we take a hunting rifle into the field or wield a farm implement at harvest time. It's also the responsibility of every individual who enjoys the outdoors.

I encourage all my fellow sportsmen to get involved in wildlife groups such as Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation - groups that are committed to responsible conservation practices. As a member of both these groups, I proudly support their role in caring for wetlands and wildlife habitat. Equally important is the role they play in advocating sportsmen's rights.

Unfortunately, our traditions and heritage are under constant attack in Washington, DC. Many in Congress don't understand gun ownership as a matter of safety and security, and of culture. Whether for self-protection, hunting or sport - gun ownership is a way of life for us in Eastern Oklahoma. As a Life Member of the NRA, I have an uncompromising belief in the Second Amendment for law-abiding hunters and gun owners.

To protect these rights, I support a number of initiatives defending the Second Amendment and eliminating some of the most onerous existing limitations on gun ownership. Contrary to the claims of gun control advocates, gun ownership is not the source of America's gun-related crime problem. Illegal firearms trafficking and our "revolving door" justice system are significant contributing factors. Gun-related crime should be met with stiffer penalties for criminals and should not be a factor used to punish responsible gun owners.

When it comes to the outdoors, we have an obligation to ensure that the next generation is able to enjoy what we have enjoyed. It's important to teach our youth about outdoor safety and conservation at a young age. Locally held youth hunting programs are an excellent way to cultivate their interest in shooting sports and outdoor sportsmanship. By acting responsibly and being good stewards of our resources we can preserve these time-honored traditions. As you head out into the field this year, have a safe and successful hunting season.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ok02_boren/outdoor.html