Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 (S.H.A.R.E Act)

Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015 (S.H.A.R.E Act)

Congressman Wittman, Robert J. [Republican of Virginia-1] introduced Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act of 2015, also know as the S.H.A.R.E Act on May 19, 2015.

This bill vamps a variety of existing programs to expand access to, and opportunities for, hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.  Below you'll find a quick overview of the S.H.A.R.E Act or you can read the bill in its entirety HERE.

 Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act

• Components of firearms and ammunition and sport fishing equipment and its components (such as lead sinkers) are exempted from regulations of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act

• Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act
• The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act is amended to: (1) increase the proportion of funding from the Act that states may use for acquiring land for public target ranges, and (2) delay by 10 years until 2026 the date after which interest from the wildlife conservation and restoration fund is available for apportionment.

• Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2015
•  Interior must issue permits to allow a hunter to import polar bear parts (other than internal organs) if the bear was legally harvested in Canada from an approved population before the May 15, 2008

• Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act of 2015
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may not prohibit individuals from possessing a firearm in public areas of a water resources development project.

• Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act
• Federal public land management officials must facilitate hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on certain federal public land.

•  Hunter and Farmer Protection Act
• The bill revises standards for determining what a baited area is for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.
• The National Park Service (NPS) may not prohibit individuals from transporting bows and crossbows if certain requirements are met.
• The NPS may establish hunter access corridors.

• Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2015
• This bill revises the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act to extend the authority provided to Interior under the Act.

Check back as we update you on this important piece of legislation.  

DIY Dog Hunting Box

DIY - Dog Hunting Box

There's nothing like seeing a dog make a retrieve in the midst of the sunrise, a pack of beagals howling as they chase down a rabbit,  or a pointer stopping mid-stride, turning 90 degrees and going on point.  Regardless of what kind of dog you own,  having a well trained dog in the field makes for a more enjoyable hunt and is a great conservation tool.

Reagan and Lincoln are just like your dogs, they're our teammates.  They don't cancel, always ready to go,  keep you warm on those windy and snowy days, and always have a desire to please.
People aren't the only ones that are benefiting form today's technology.  With neoprene vests for duck dogs and booties for upland game dogs, our hunting companions are becoming better than ever.  However, what about that trip to and from the field?  That's where a conversation with my brother Rick started one day.

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates

2016 - 2020 Illinois Waterfowl Proposed Zones and Dates

In April of 2015 we informed waterfowl hunters that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was going to hold several open house events across the state to get input from waterfowl hunters.  You can read Open House for Waterfowl Hunters, to get some background information.

This process is in the final stages where the proposal will be presented to the Director Rosenthal and to the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB). In December it will be submitted to US Fish and Wildlife Service establishing waterfowl hunting zones for 2016-2020 seasons. And it implements waterfowl season dates for the next five waterfowl hunting seasons.

There are some changes for next season through 2020 especially when it comes to the map.  The dates look to be about the same.

Illinois Beach State Park Offers Archery Deer Hunt

Illinois Beach State Park Offers Archery Deer Hunt

What a great opportunity for those of you in the Chicagoland area to help with a conservation effort.

This information was provided by a Illinois Department of Natural Resources Press Release. 

Archery Deer Hunt Planned at Illinois Beach State Park

ZION, IL – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will offer an archery deer hunting program this fall at Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park (IBSP) in Lake County. The archery deer hunt will assist the IDNR in managing the deer population at the site and help protect vegetation and habitat in the park and nature preserves.