In the war of words about your hunting, trapping and fishing rights—and opportunities—the best thing you can do to ensure the future of these pursuits is to call, write, e-mail or visit your elected officials. Often elected officials have a staff member who counts all incoming letters, calls and contacts about an issue. To be certain your contact counts, do:
- Determine if the bill is a federal, state, or local issue, and contact the right office with jurisdiction.
- Include the name and number of the legislation in your contact. When writing, place this information in BOLD LETTERS so there is no confusion about why you have contacted the office.
- Provide specific details about why you support—or oppose—any proposed regulations or rules. For example, state that you and your family enjoy hunting doves together, or that your kid raises Labs and sells puppies and any proposed puppy mill bill will impact your kid’s hobby.
- Try to keep your letter to less than 200 words, and keep phone calls brief. Be precise, and to the point.
- Be courteous and thank the official or staff member for their time. If you go visit in person, dress in business attire. If you go with a group, determine in advance on who will speak (or what topics each member will address) and keep presentations brief.
- In closing, mention that you are a supporter of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
- When possible, follow phone calls up with letters. In this day of e-mails, handwritten letters make the most IMPACT.
Thanks for taking the time to call and write in favor of pro-hunting legislation, and against anti-hunting, anti-trapping, and anti-fishing laws and regulations. Your time invested will pay rewards with more opportunities afield.