Press Release

Maryland Sportsmen’s Association to work closely with the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, the Department of Natural Resources, other Maryland outdoors sportsmen groups, Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry, and various Maryland conservation groups.

Sportsmen recognize the close relationships they have with the needs of those less fortunate, their environment and natural resources, their heritage and now their elected officials.

White Marsh, MD, July 23, 2004:  The newly elected Board of Directors wishes to assure Maryland sportsmen, women and young hunters that MSA intends to continue and expand their efforts to preserve, promote and protect their outdoors heritage.

Some programs MSA has been involved with will be expanded, while other worthwhile programs will be added.  Most importantly will be the involvement with the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation and the DNR.

Maryland was one of the first states to develop a Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (based on the U.S. Congressional Model), one that encompasses members of the Maryland Senate and House of Representatives, irrespective political party affiliation.  Their recognition of hunting’s heritage, economic impact, and contribution to wildlife conservation and management enabled the Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation to educate Legislators on issues directly affecting outdoor sportsmen.  Without such education and support by the Foundation’s members our Legislators would not have been able to effectively support legislation dealing with invasive/exotic species, efforts to reduce the overpopulation of whitetail deer, the continuation of humane trapping of furbearers (for wildlife reintroduction programs, nuisance control and as an outdoor heritage), and the opening of thousands of acres of public lands.

The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation was organized to be “the eyes and ears of the Caucus”.  Its job was to educate Legislators on issues concerning sportsmen.  The Foundation educated our Legislators so well that MD State Senator John Astle, has been named, by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, as President of the newly formed National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.  MSA was fortunate enough to be there when the Foundation first started.  Past MSA President, Tim Lambert, was nominated to the original membership of the Foundation and since then MSA has spent many hours conferring with the Foundation on legislative issues important to sportsmen.

Another relationship MSA will continue to strengthen is with our Department of Natural Resources, especially with the Wildlife & Heritage Service.  It has only been a couple of years that MSA has actively discussed the role hunters play in wildlife management and the economic benefits provided by hunters’ dollars.  It has been a rocky road at times (in the past) but for the most part the DNR has evolved into an organization that is participative with Maryland sportsmen.  Sportsmen now are asked to attend meetings to discuss various wildlife management proposals, as well as offer proposals of our own.  Such a relationship needs the support of each other, along with the ability to agree to disagree when circumstances warrant.

MSA has been a strong supporter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program and we will continue our support.  We will also be open to other organizations that can benefit from the wildlife bounty we all enjoy.

Programs for women, youth and the disabled hunter will also be expanded.

Another area MSA would like to expand is that of better communications with other sportsmen organizations in Maryland.  Therefore, we extend an open invitation to Board members of other sporting groups to attend future MSA meetings.  Likewise, we would welcome the opportunity to attend their meetings. 

Starting this year, MSA will be taking a more active role in helping to bring back the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality.  Conservation is part of our rich heritage and we derive many benefits and much enjoyment from the waterfowl, fish and other wildlife once abundant in and around the Bay.

Lastly, MSA will continue to counter misinformation or attempts by anti-hunting groups to disrupt, define or deter our hunting heritage.  For further information please call, fax or write to the above address or visit the MSA website www.marylandsportsmen.org.

Sincerely,

Maryland Sportsmen’s Association Executive Board