Benishek Bill Protects Hunting and Fishing Rights on Federal Lands

Press Release

Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today introduced legislation that will protect every American's right to access federal lands for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting activities.

"I grew up working in my grandmother's hotel in the Upper Peninsula. The hunters kept our hotel full and helped me save for college. Hunting and fishing is not only part of our way of life here, but it also brings jobs here to Northern Michigan," said Dr. Benishek, a lifelong sportsman and resident of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Dr. Benishek's legislation, the "Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act" would create an "open until closed" policy for sportsmen's use of federal land and would block threats from interest groups that seek to limit hunting, fishing and shooting on America's federal properties. The proposed legislation would limit these threats to sportsmen access by directing federal land managers at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting activities on federal lands.

"Like so many people in Northern Michigan, I grew up bird and deer hunting in the fall months and ice fishing during the winter. It is so important to pass on these traditions to future generations of sportsmen and to ensure responsible access to federal land is available," added Dr. Benishek.

Dr. Benishek's legislation is supported by sportsmen's organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association, and had the support of over twenty members of Congress when introduced today.

Source