The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote as soon as Tuesday on the “Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012” (H.R. 4089). We’re encouraging all hunters, shooters and gun owners to contact their U.S. representative today and urge them to support this vital pro-sportsmen legislation — supported by more than 35 national conservation and sportsmen’s groups. The bill combines four legislative priorities that will expand recreational hunting, shooting and fishing opportunities while also protecting the firearms and ammunition industries from detrimental regulations under the Environmental Protection Agency. Included in H.R. 4089 is the Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act. The bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to clarify the original intent of Congress to exclude traditional ammunition — ammunition containing lead components — and fishing tackle from regulation by the EPA. H.R. 4089 includes other key legislative priorities of the sportsmen’s community: The Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act, which requires federal land managers to support and facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting. The Recreational Shooting Protection Act, which requires National Monument land to be open to access and use for recreational shooting. The Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act, which will allow the importation of polar bear parts taken in a hunt in Canada, if legally harvested before certain dates. —courtesy National Shooting Sports Foundation
