(FAIRFAX, VA) -- With solid support from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the Legislature, Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed SB 46 into law today, establishing Delaware’s first handgun hunting season.
"Creating a handgun hunting season in Delaware is part of NRA`s nationwide commitment to safeguard and expand hunting opportunities," said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief lobbyist. "By allowing handgun hunting, Delaware provides a new hunting opportunity for sportsmen new and old."
The handgun hunting season will run from the first Saturday in January until the second Saturday in January. Delaware now joins 47 other states that allow sportsmen to hunt using handguns.
NRA First Vice President and Delaware resident John C. Sigler stated, "This legislation recognizes that hunters are safe, responsible and ethical regardless of the implement used in their pursuit of game. The creation of new hunting opportunities is an important step in preserving The First State`s proud sporting heritage."
Cox added, "On behalf of NRA members and sportsmen across Delaware, I want to thank Gov. Minner, Senate bill sponsor Sen. Robert Venables (D-21), and House sponsors Rep. Bruce Ennis (D-28), Rep. Pam Thornburg (R-29), and Rep. Clifford ‘Biff’ Lee (R-40) for their support."
NRA has successfully protected America’s hunting heritage across the nation in 2005, including the passage of "No-Net-Loss" legislation in Maryland, Arkansas and Georgia, and the protection of hunting on private land in Texas.
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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.