Sportsmen to descend on Albany Jan. 12Bill Conners, Outdoors columnist, Poughkeesie Journal
December 31, 2009 Sportsmen and women from all across New York state want to start the new year by sending a message to Albany, and they are going to deliver it themselves. They plan to descend on Albany on Jan. 12, where they will try to get the attention of the New York State Legislature. The message: They are willing to fight for their right to keep and bear arms as provided under the Second Amendment.
I hope they expand their message beyond just the gun issue. Yes, many legislators have no compunction when it comes to introducing bills that limit the rights of gun owners. In some cases these bills don't just limit ownership, but actually strip citizens of their rights as they relate to owning firearms.
As important as that issue is, there is a broader issue that should be delivered that day. This country is suffering from the worst economy we have seen in decades, and yet many of our elected representatives refuse to acknowledge the contribution made to many regional and statewide economies by hunting, fishing, trapping and other wildlife-related recreation.
Nationally, these activities represent a nearly $120 billion — yes, billion — economy. Several billions of those dollars are spent by both resident and non-resident sportmen and women right here in New York. You would think that the Legislature would have the good sense to encourage, promote and protect an industry and pastime that provides jobs, tax revenue and so much happiness for people who enjoy the outdoors.
Somehow, though, the economic message is lost, perhaps because so many of the members of the Senate and Assembly come from urban areas and they have no appreciation of activities that involve firearms, archery equipment and fishing rods. And that is a sad commentary.
So on Jan. 12, the members of the state's sporting community will convene in the well of the Legislative Office Building at South Swan and State Streets in Albany. The keynote speakers that day will be Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association, and Dr. Larry Rudolph, President of Safari Club International.
Several large organizations, such as the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, the New York State Conservation Council, S.C.O.P.E. (Shooters Committee on Political Education) are mobilizing their members.
Organizers of the event are encouraging everyone to call their assemblymen and senators and make an appointment to meet with them in their offices that day. At the very least, they are hoping that you will show up in the well of the LOB between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to send a message that you care about your gun rights and that you're proud of the contribution your love of the outdoors makes to this state's economy. There are a few buses coming from upstate areas, but I don't know of any that are scheduled from the Hudson Valley. If you would like to make the trip, call (845)635-1606 and hopefully there will be enough interest to pull together a car pool.
Bill Conners of the Federation of Fish and Game Clubs writes on outdoors news, notes and issues every Thursday in Players. He can be reached via e-mail at conners@billconners.net.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20091231/SPORTS06/912310316/1002/RSS03
