March 1, 2006
Volume 4, Issue 7

State Caucus Update
New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Successful in Short Session
Vermont House Passes Range Protection Measure Unanimously

NASC News
NASC Meets B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Conservation Directors

New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Successful in Short Session
Despite a legislative session that lasts only a month, the New Mexico Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus was able to pass two hunting ethics related bills. HB 536 will increase penalties for big game poaching and SB 157 prohibits the act of computer assisted remote hunting. The governor is expected to sign both pieces of legislation.

Vermont House Passes Range Protection Measure Unanimously
Vermont ’s recently formed Sportsmen’s Caucus has become an influential force in the state legislature, something that is illustrated by today’s unanimous passage of H.447, a shooting range protection bill. The legislation ensures that local regulations for the use or discharge of firearms are consistent with state laws regarding hunting, fishing and trapping. It also protects shooting ranges from nuisance lawsuits when they are in reasonable compliance with local noise regulations. Caucus Co-Chair Representative Steven Adams (R-Hartland) reports, “This bill received the support of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, which helped lobby other members of the House to seek their support.” The Caucus’s support led to the 141-0 passage of the bill.

NASC Meets B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Conservation Directors
Building the presence of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, State Caucus Manager Aaron Hobbs spent more than two days with B.A.S.S. Conservation staff, the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Presidents, Conservation Directors and many state fish chiefs at the 2006 Citgo Bassmaster Classic. The meetings about the influence and success of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses generated buzz among state federations that led several to find out how to be more involved in NASC’s efforts to advance the sportsmen’s agenda in state capitals.