AZ402
Well-known member
Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Jim Matheson has signed onto legislation that protects a state's right to regulate hunting and fishing within its own borders. The bipartisan bill -introduced by Congressman Mark Udall of Colorado and Idaho Congressman Butch Otter-is a response to a recent court ruling that could potentially undermine the well-established ability of each state to distinguish between residents and non-residents when issuing hunting and fishing licenses.
"The hunting and fishing families in Utah have long supported our state's natural heritage. They spend their own money and time to support wildlife conservation through taxes, fees and habitat restoration efforts," said Matheson. "Utahns pay to play and they should be rewarded for their stewardship of this important resource. Hearing from sportsmen throughout Utah about this issue has persuaded me that it is the right thing to do."
States have traditionally regulated hunting and fishing within their own borders. However, a recent ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could undermine that right. The court called into question a state's authority to set different tag limits for residents and non-residents.
Historically, states have taken the lead in managing wildlife resources. Matheson said the legislation he supports takes the position that it is in the best interest of the state and federal governments to ensure that states retain the authority to regulate wildlife. A companion bill has been introduced in the US Senate by Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.
"Wildlife populations have flourished under state management. If it's not broken, why fix it - and risk turning back the clock on wildlife conservation in the West?" said Matheson
"The hunting and fishing families in Utah have long supported our state's natural heritage. They spend their own money and time to support wildlife conservation through taxes, fees and habitat restoration efforts," said Matheson. "Utahns pay to play and they should be rewarded for their stewardship of this important resource. Hearing from sportsmen throughout Utah about this issue has persuaded me that it is the right thing to do."
States have traditionally regulated hunting and fishing within their own borders. However, a recent ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could undermine that right. The court called into question a state's authority to set different tag limits for residents and non-residents.
Historically, states have taken the lead in managing wildlife resources. Matheson said the legislation he supports takes the position that it is in the best interest of the state and federal governments to ensure that states retain the authority to regulate wildlife. A companion bill has been introduced in the US Senate by Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign.
"Wildlife populations have flourished under state management. If it's not broken, why fix it - and risk turning back the clock on wildlife conservation in the West?" said Matheson
