It's the access, stupid

[Ben Lamb]

Better access means better business for Montana, said Randy Newberg, a Bozeman hunter who hosts the cable television show "On Your Own Adventures" on the Sportsman Channel.

"Hunting and fishing drive this economy," Newberg said. "I guess to use a political slogan, it's the access, stupid."

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110320/NEWS01/103200314

Nice job yesterday, Randy. I think the panel will have a lot of influence in regards to how federal issues that affect sportsmen and women.

The other piece of good news is that Senator Tester gave us all his commitment to continue to fight for the Simpson/Tester amendment to the Continuing Resolution.

 

[Big Fin]

Thanks, Ben.

I agree with you on that wolf issue. I wish the reporter would have got it right. Tester did not say he was going to push the settlement, but said he intends to push "Beyond the settlement."

When you and I asked that they not take their foot off the throat of these wing nuts, he smiled, nodded his head, and stated that he planned to keep pushing, as this settlement still leaves too many unanswered questions.

I hope I wasn't too opinionated when I gave my impression that the only reason a settlement is being discussed is that they see the writing on the wall and they are trying to save face to fight another day, in other states, and raise even more money.

Funny the little bits a reporter picks up on, and how they might miss some of the more important parts of the discussion.

I hope hunters understand how important it is to keep pushing for these Congressional changes. That political sea change has altered the entire landscape of how these groups will go forward with their future plans to file suit for wolves or any species.

I got to talk to Senator Tester about this, prior to the meeting starting. He was aware of the concerns others have about the language of this settlement, and finds it unacceptable that this settlement leaves so many remaining options for these groups. I got from the discussion that he feels the only long-term fix is legislative and he is committed to seeing that happen.

Thanks for your time yesterday. It was interesting to see the ideas of people from many different groups.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Randy, I spoke to him after the meeting and he told me the exact same thing. He was adamant that he will continue to push the Simpson/Tester amendment in the CR.

What I was most happy with was how much we talked about access, and how important that is for hunters across the nation. Our access issues in MT are different than they are in Iowa, but that loss of traditional access means the same thing across the country - less hunters.

The panel is a well put together group of people. Between Chris King and Karl Rappold, I know the landowner perspective will be well represented, and with Brett Todd, the outfitters have a great voice (I can't say enough nice things about Brett, he's a solid guy).

You were a little restrained in your comments regarding wolves, I thought.

On the wolf issue, and all others, I'm in a better mood today than I have been in the last 10 weeks.