FAIRFAX, VA -- With solid support from the National Rifle Association (NRA), Illinois has enacted the Hunting Heritage Protection Act into law, safeguarding the state’s public hunting land. The Act mandates that state public land management actions should result in no net loss of land available for hunting. It also instructs the Director of Natural Resources to submit an annual report citing the areas closed to hunting and the areas opened to compensate for the loss.
"The Hunting Heritage Protection Act ensures there will never be any less public hunting land than there is today in Illinois," said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. "NRA applauds the Legislature, especially bill sponsors Sen. John O. Jones (R-54) and Rep. William J. Grunloh (D-108), for their decisive action to protect hunters’ rights.
"Anti-hunting groups have long fought to dismantle public hunting land in a backdoor effort to eradicate America’s sporting heritage," added Cox. "This law guarantees that the hunters of tomorrow will enjoy the traditions and learn the skills their fathers and grandfathers mastered in the woods of Illinois."
NRA has successfully worked to enact a number of pro-hunting measures this year, including establishing dove hunting in Minnesota and Michigan, and placing a "Freedom to Hunt and Fish" Amendment on the Louisiana ballot.
"Hunting is a fundamental element of conservation and a vital asset to the economy. Saving this important heritage not only benefits sportsmen and the environment, but business owners as well. This is why NRA will continue to fight for similar hunting protection and conservation laws in all fifty states," concluded Cox.
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The National Rifle Association is the nation’s leader in protecting the right to hunt for all law-abiding Americans. Along with approximately 17 million American hunters and many national conservation organizations, NRA is working to preserve the American hunting tradition for future generations. Hunters and sportsmen play a pivotal role in America’s economy and society, and have been leaders in promoting wildlife management and conservation. Since 1939, hunters and shooters have paid over $4 billion in excise taxes on sporting equipment. Hunters and fishermen fund nearly 75% of the annual income for all 50 state conservation agencies. And, hunters contribute $21 billion to the American economy each year.
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