President expresses support for hunting and sportsmen

Shooting Industry, Jan, 2004

President George W. Bush met with leaders of 20 national sportsmen organizations Dec. 12, 2003, to discuss important wildlife and conservation legislation.

This is the first time in at least a decade that sportsmen's organizations were invited to discuss issues of importance to hunters and anglers with the President.

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"During the meeting, the President reaffirmed his strong support of our hunting traditions and the contributions America's sportsmen and sportswomen are making to conservation," said Doug Painter, president, National Shooting Sports Foundation. "What a difference that is making in helping to build a bright future for our community."

In expressing his support of hunting and fishing in America, the President said it was disappointing that the political correctness of today endangers the future of the nation's outdoor traditions. He also recognized the economic impact hunting and fishing plays throughout America and especially in rural communities.

"With nearly 40 million hunters and anglers of voting age, America's sportsmen and women are an increasingly important and influential constituency," said Melinda Gable, executive director of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.

President Bush stated that the spirit of the outdoors was part of his administration, which has opened 50 additional National Wildlife Refuges to hunting and/or fishing. He thanked the sportsmen's community for their support of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act and the Farm Bill.