FEDERAL BUDGET WILL HELP HUNTERS GAIN ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS

MISSOULA, Mont. (Feb. 13, 2012)—USDA’s and the Department of the Interior’s Fiscal Year 2013 budgets include a total of $7.5 million of funding for improving hunter access to existing public lands. This new funding is the one of the top priorities for the Boone and Crockett Club and other hunting organizations. The $7.5 million, once it is appropriated, allows the U.S. Forest Service and BLM to acquire rights of way and other land interests from willing-seller landowners to open access to existing federal lands for hunting and fishing where it is closed or significantly restricted.

“Sportsmen and women want the Forest Service and BLM to provide better access to our national forests and BLM lands for hunting and fishing. This new federal budget tackles this problem head on with this bill,” said Ben Wallace, President of the Boone and Crockett Club.

Additionally, Wallace praised Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack for “their deep commitment to enhancing hunting opportunities on our public lands.”

 
For the 32 million American hunters, anglers and recreational shooters, federal public lands are an increasingly vital to their participation in outdoor sports. Nearly half of all hunters, for example, conduct a portion of their hunting activity on public lands. Reduced access is cited as a primary reason that hunters, anglers and target shooters stop participating in these traditional sports. A 2004 report to the U.S. House Committee On Appropriations concluded that more than 35 million acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service land have inadequate access. Specifically, nearly 2 million acres (or 10 percent) of USFS lands in Montana and 8.4 million acres (or 29 percent) of BLM lands in the Montana/Dakota’s region were identified as having inadequate access.

Sportsmen and women make important contributions to both wildlife conservation and the nation’s economy. The hunting and shooting sports industries create over 160,000 full-time jobs nationwide, generating an economic benefit of over $20 billion annually.

 
About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit http://www.boone-crockett.org. 

‘SPORTING CLASSICS’ TO HONOR BOONE AND CROCKETT CLUB

MISSOULA, Mont.—In recognition of its 124-year commitment to sustainable-use conservation, the Boone and Crockett Club has received the prestigious Sporting Heritage Award of Excellence from Sporting Classics magazine.

 

Boone and Crockett will be featured in the March/April 2012 edition of Sporting Classics, one of America’s finest hunting and fishing magazines.

 

Now in its 12^th year, the Awards of Excellence program salutes the world’s best sporting products, manufacturers, individual craftsmen and organizations that play major roles in conservation and promoting hunting and fishing. The Sporting Classics staff, along with 20 senior and contributing editors, annually selects recipients. Previous honorees include the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation and Dallas Safari Club.

 

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, Boone and Crockett is one of the first and most influential conservation organizations. Its members founded the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostered the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, created the Federal Duck Stamp program and built the cornerstones of modern game laws.

 

“Boone and Crockett Club is known worldwide for helping to establish the North American model of wildlife conservation, as well as its ongoing commitment to habitat stewardship, wildlife management and big-game record keeping,” said Chuck Wechsler, publisher of Sporting Classics. “In addition, the Club’s ongoing work in conservation policy backed by science definitely makes them worthy of recognition through this award.” 

 

Club President Ben Wallace said, “Boone and Crockett has never been about seeking recognition for its accomplishments, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes to get done what is needed. Every once and a while, it is good to be noticed. Our members are certainly proud of this honor.”

 

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org. 

TROPHY WHITETAILS UP 400 PERCENT OVER 30 YEARS

MISSOULA, Mont.—Trophy whitetail entries from 2011 hunting seasons are beginning to pour into Boone and Crockett Club headquarters. But while the sporting world waits to see which states are hot—or not—producers of giant bucks, North America’s overall robust trend in whitetail entries is a story for all conservationists to celebrate.

B&C historical records show that trophy whitetails are up 400 percent over the past 30 years.

“It’s worth remembering where America’s favorite big-game species stood not so long ago—at the brink of extinction,” said Ben Wallace, Club president. “In 1900, less than 500,000 whitetails remained. But habitat programs, research, science-based management, regulations and enforcement, all led and funded by hunters, brought this game animal back to extraordinary levels. Today there are more than 32 million whitetails!”

The Boone and Crockett system of scoring big-game trophies originated in 1906 as a means of recording details on species thought to be disappearing. Over time, these records evolved as an effective way to track the success or failure of conservation efforts.

As North America’s whitetail herd has grown, numbers of big bucks also have risen.

For the period 1980-1985, hunters entered 617 trophy whitetails into Boone and Crockett records.

For the period 2005-2010, the total jumped to 3,090, an increase of 400 percent.

During this 30-year span, many states and provinces saw percentage gains much greater than the continental average (see data below). For example, trophy whitetail entries from Wisconsin have risen 857 percent. In Illinois, the increase is 896 percent. Ontario went from a single entry to a whopping 41—a 4,000 percent gain!

Six states and provinces had zero entries in 1980-1985. For 2005-2010, they combined for 48.

Boone and Crockett offers two premier ways to trace and detail historic conservation developments, not just with whitetails but many other species as well.

A book, “Records of North American Big Game,” offers detailed tabular listings for trophies in 38 different categories of game. Each entry includes the all-time entry score, date harvested, location of kill, hunter and owner names, and selected measurements. At 768 pages, the book retails for $49.95.

A searchable online database, called “Trophy Search,” is another exceptional resource. By buying an annual subscription, users can sort B&C archival data in infinite ways to identify national as well as local trends. An annual subscription is $50.

Boone and Crockett Club Associates receive discounts on both items. Order online at www.boone-crockett.org or by calling 888-840-4868.

The list below includes state-by-state rankings for whitetail entries during the period 2005-2010, plus comparative data from 1980-1985.

B&C Trophy Whitetail Production, 2005-2010

(Typical and non-typical trophies combined)
1. Wisconsin, 383 entries (1980-1985 rank 3rd, 40 entries)
2. Illinois, 299 entries (1980-1985 rank 6th, 30 entries)
3. Iowa, 224 entries (1980-1985 rank 2nd, 59 entries)
4. Ohio, 215 entries (1980-1985 rank 14th, 16 entries)
5. Missouri, 214 entries (1980-1985 rank 9th(tie), 25 entries)
6. Kentucky, 199 entries (1980-1985 rank 9th (tie), 25 entries)
7. Indiana, 195 entries (1980-1985 rank 16th, 14 entries)
8. Kansas, 181 entries (1980-1985 rank 4th, 35 entries)
9. Minnesota, 172 entries (1980-1985 rank 1st, 76 entries)
10. Saskatchewan, 147 entries (1980-1985 rank 7th (tie), 27 entries)
11. Texas, 132 entries (1980-1985 rank 12th, 19 entries)
12. Alberta, 115 entries (1980-1985 rank 7th (tie), 27 entries)
13. Nebraska, 78 entries (1980-1985 rank 18th(tie), 12 entries)
14. Oklahoma, 48 entries (1980-1985 rank 22nd (tie), 7 entries)
15. Ontario, 41 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
16. Arkansas, 40 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
17 (tie). Michigan, 39 entries (1980-1985 rank 17th, 13 entries)
17 (tie). Mississippi, 39 entries (1980-1985 rank 18th, 12 entries)
19. North Dakota, 31 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
20. Pennsylvania, 26 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
21. New York, 25 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
22. South Dakota, 24 entries (1980-1985 rank 20th (tie), 8 entries)
23 (tie). Georgia, 23 entries (1980-1985 rank 5th, 31 entries)
23 (tie). Maryland, 23 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
25 (tie). British Columbia, 19 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
25 (tie). Maine, 19 entries (1980-1985 rank 11th, 20 entries)
27. Virginia, 17 entries (1980-1985 rank 22nd (tie), 7 entries)
28. Tennessee, 15 entries (1980-1985 rank 20th, 8 entries)
29. Colorado, 13 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
30. Idaho, 11 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
31 (tie). Massachusetts, 8 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
31 (tie). Quebec, 8 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
33. Delaware, 7 entries (1980-1985 rank 42nd (tie), 1 entry)
34 (tie). Louisiana, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 28th (tie), 5 entries)
34 (tie). Manitoba, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 15th, 15 entries)
34 (tie). Washington, 6 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
37 (tie). Montana, 5 entries (1980-1985 rank 13th, 17 entries)
37 (tie). Alabama, 5 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
37 (tie). North Carolina, 5 entries (1980-1985 34th (tie), 3 entries)
40 (tie). Connecticut, 4 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
40 (tie). New Hampshire, 4 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
42 (tie). New Jersey, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
42 (tie). New Brunswick, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
42 (tie). West Virginia, 3 entries (1980-1985 rank 34th (tie), 3 entries)
45 (tie). Mexico, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 24th (tie), 6 entries)
45 (tie). Wyoming, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
45 (tie). South Carolina, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)
45 (tie). Nova Scotia, 2 entries (1980-1985 rank 31st (tie), 4 entries)
49 (tie). Oregon, 1 entry (1980-1985 rank 38th (tie), 2 entries)
49 (tie). Rhode Island, 1 entry (1980-1985 rank 45th (tie), 0 entries)

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

NEW EBOOK STORE OFFERS BOONE AND CROCKETT PUBLICATIONS

MISSOULA, Mont.—Publishing technology has changed since Boone and Crockett Club released its first book in 1893, but the legendary conservation organization is keeping up with the times through its newly launched eBook store.

 

Four titles are available now. Many more, including some B&C classics, will be added soon.

 

Visit the Club’s eBook store at http://booneandcrockettclub.directfrompublisher.com.

 

B&C eBooks are also available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Apple’s iBookstore.

 

“Hunters and conservationists today absorb information in different ways, and we’re working hard to accommodate them,” said Julie Houk, director of publications for Boone and Crockett Club. “eBooks are another way that our Club can help maintain the highest standards in fair-chase sportsmanship, habitat stewardship and wildlife management.”

 

B&C titles available now as eBooks include “Legendary Hunts” and “Legendary Hunts II,” which are collections of amazing short stories. Also available now is the utilitarian “A Boone and Crockett Club Field Guide to Measuring and Judging Big Game” and the biography “Theodore Roosevelt Hunter-Conservationist.” Prices range from $9.99 to $19.99.

 

Soon to be added eBooks include the B&C classics “American Big-Game Hunting” and “Hunting in Many Lands,” as well as the new “Records of North American Big Game, 13^th Edition.” Also coming soon is Craig Boddington’s “Fair Chase in North America.”

 

Each title also is available as a printed publication from bookstores or directly from the Club. Order at www.boone-crockett.org or by calling 888-840-4868.

 

Purchasing and downloading an e-book requires a live Internet connection and an Internet browser. A buyer is entitled to download the purchased publication and view it either on a computer or offline with an E-Reader compatible device such as an iPad, Nook, Kindle, Sony Reader, etc.

 

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

 

 

 

 

CLUB ANNOUNCES ‘RECORDS OF NORTH AMERICAN BIG GAME’

MISSOULA, Mont.—The most popular and collectible book series in the Boone and Crockett Club library, “Records of North American Big Game” is now available in its 13^th edition. It is the most complete records book available from the world’s foremost authority on native North American big game records keeping.

Since 1932, this historic title has offered a statistical celebration of wildlife management and conservation in North America. The new edition continues that trend with more than 5,000 new entries (entered between 2004 and 2009), including new World’s Records for grizzly bear, non-typical American elk, tule elk, mountain caribou and musk ox.

All together, the new 768-page book contains detailed tabular listings of nearly 28,000 trophies ranked according to their all-time scores in 38 different categories of North American big game, from whitetail to walrus.

The book includes hundreds of field and portrait photos of top-ranking trophies. A special color section features stunning photography of game species that have flourished over time with improved management and conservation practices.

Also included are chapters written by top authorities on current issues such as fair chase in the modern era of hunting, facts on lead ammunition, reforming federal laws to benefit conservation, and emerging science and management strategies for declining populations of mountain caribou.

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt, the Boone and Crockett Club maintains the highest standards in fair-chase sportsmanship, habitat stewardship and wildlife management—and has documented the impacts on conservation through big-game records that date back to the late 1880s.

“‘Records of North American Big Game’ is much more than a book of records. It’s a history of all native big game animals in North America and an exceptional resource for all hunters and conservationists,” said Julie Houk, director of publications for the Club.

“Records of North American Big Game” is hardcover with dust jacket, 8-1/2 x 11 inches, with 768 pages, 500 B&W photographs and 16 color photographs. The book retails for $49.95 (Boone and Crockett Club members receive a discount) and is available in stores or directly from the Club. Order at www.boone-crockett.org or by calling 888-840-4868.

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

10 WAYS TO PROTECT AMERICA’S HUNTING HERITAGE

MISSOULA, Mont.—Surveys show that three of every four Americans approve of legal hunting, and support is trending upwards. As long as the majority of citizens continue to see this sporting tradition as fair, safe and meaningful, hunting will remain a privilege of citizenship—as well as a boon to conservation.

For hunters headed afield this fall, the Boone and Crockett Club offers 10 ways to help keep the public on our side.

“Modern society has high expectations of hunters,” said Ben Wallace, president of the Club. “In a changing culture with ever more scrutiny of all things related to the environment, our behavior toward animals, the land, firearms and even each other is more important today than anytime in our history.”

Here’s how to do your part:

1. Hunting is allowed today because the vast majority of hunters through the ages have respectfully followed laws, regulations, safety rules and high ethical standards known as fair chase—the sporting pursuit and taking of native free-ranging game species in a manner that does not give the hunter improper advantage. Continue the tradition.

1. Remember: Any animal taken in fair chase is a trophy.

1. America’s system of conservation and wildlife management is the most successful ever developed. It works only because of funding from hunters. Spread the word.

1. Respect the customs of the local area where you’re hunting, including the beliefs and values of those who do not hunt.

1. This season, make every attempt to take a youngster hunting. If you already hunt with your son or daughter, invite one of their friends to come along.

1. Technology is a wonderful thing until it replaces the skills necessary to be a complete hunter. If it seems gratuitous, leave it at home.

1. Always ask permission before hunting private land. Respect landowners.

1. Tread lightly, especially on public land. ATVs have their place—on roads and trails. If you pack it in, pack it out.

1. Sportsmen have always been instrumental in managing big game herds. If antlerless harvest is encouraged in your area and you have the opportunity, take a doe or cow.

1. Remember: The reason for a hunt is intrinsically about the experience. A kill is a justifiable outcome but not the only definition of a successful hunt.

Theodore Roosevelt founded the Boone and Crockett Club in 1887 to help uphold sporting values and promote science-based conservation and wildlife management.

Surveys by research firm Responsive Management showed that 73 percent of Americans approved of hunting in 1995. Support had grown to 75 percent by 2003, and to 78 percent by 2006.

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

CONGRESS MAY AXE SUBSIDIES FOR ACTIVIST GROUPS

MISSOULA, Mont. (May 25, 2011)—Legislation to be introduced today in Congress could axe what has amounted to federal subsidies for environmental extremist and animal rights groups making big business out of suing the U.S. government.

 

The legislation, a House Resolution and companion version in the Senate titled Government Litigation Savings Act, would amend the existing Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA). Though well intended, abuses of EAJA have escalated into a serious conservation issue with long-term consequences. Costs of defending unnecessary lawsuits against federal agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are an increasing drain on conservation funding and agency personnel today.

 

The Government Litigation Savings Act was prompted by a coalition (member list below) of wildlife, agriculture, energy, mining and other resource-based groups led by Boone and Crockett Club.

 

Club President Ben Wallace said, “We take very seriously the fact that taxpayer money and sportsmen-generated funding intended to support conservation are being wasted. We thank Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) for introducing a bill that offers hope for reforming EAJA back to its original purpose—and relief for the most successful wildlife conservation system in the world.”

 

Lawmakers will hold a press conference today at noon (ET) to announce the legislation.

 

The coalition formed following a Boone and Crockett Club investigation of federal statutes that enable ongoing litigation at a high cost to wildlife and the American taxpayer. Club President Emeritus Lowell E. Baier, a Maryland-based attorney, led the effort over the past year. His preliminary findings are reported in two articles available free at www.boone-crockett.org. Baier also employed two full-time attorneys to research EAJA’s initial Congressional intent, its judicial interpretation and application, abuses, loopholes and possible remedies by Congress.

 

EAJA was written to reimburse legal costs incurred by private citizens and small business that successfully sue federal agencies for non-compliance with federal law and regulation. Recipients were to include private citizens whose net worth was less than $2 million, and for-profit organizations with net worth of less than $7 million. Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations were totally exempt from these limits. However, America’s two largest animal rights groups, with 2009 combined net assets exceeding $209.6 million and cash balances exceeding $44.5 million, now enjoy significant subsidies through EAJA by taking advantage of their exemption loophole.

 

For example: In 2008, an animal rights group won a legal ruling regarding wolves and petitioned a federal court in Missoula, Mont., for $388,370 in attorney fees. The judge awarded $263,099, which was based on an hourly rate of $300—even though the EAJA limit is $125 per hour.

 

In 2007, the same plaintiff was awarded $280,000 following a similar case in the Great Lakes area.

 

The defendant in both cases was the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, whose budget—regardless of whether it’s spent on wildlife or lawyers—is financed by a combination of sportsmen fees and tax dollars.

 

Taxpayers bear all EAJA reimbursements to plaintiffs.

 

Indirect costs are considerable, too. Nearly all resource management proposals are now subject to ever-higher hidden fees as federal agencies spend more and more time and resources on elaborate environmental impact statements and other attempts to “suit proof” their decision-making processes. In some cases, where the intent of the lawsuit is to stop a proposed federal action, the delays and costs to a federal agency can derail time sensitive projects even if the eventual court ruling goes against the plaintiffs.

 

Coalition members (to date) endorsing the Government Litigation Savings Act:

 

American Farm Bureau Federation
American Sheep Industry
Archery Trade Association
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Bighorn Mountain Coalition
Boone and Crockett Club

Bowhunting Preservation Alliance
Campfire Club of America
Catch-a-Dream Foundation
Coalition of Arizona/New Mexico Counties
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Dairy Producers of New Mexico
Dallas Safari Club
Delta Waterfowl Foundation
Family Farm Alliance
Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association
Houston Safari Club
Idaho Farm Bureau
Idaho State ATV Association
Intermountain Forest Association
Masters of Foxhounds Association of America
Montana Logging Association
Montana Wood Products Association
Mule Deer Foundation
National Association of Conservation Districts
National Association of Forest Service Retirees
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Farmers Union
National Rifle Association

National Shooting Sports Foundation
National Trappers Association
National Union of Land and Water Rights
New Mexico Cattlegrowers Association
New Mexico Federal Lands Council
New Mexico Wool Growers Inc.

North American Bear Foundation

North American Grouse Partnership
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association
Orion-the-Hunters’ Institute
Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever

Pope and Young Club
Public Lands Council
Quality Deer Management Association

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Ruffed Grouse Society
Safari Club International
Sixtieth Legislature of the State of Wyoming
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
Stewards of the Sequoia
Sustainable Forest Action Coalition
Texas Wildlife Association
The Society of American Foresters

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Tread Lightly!
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
United States Cattlemen Association
Utah Cattlemen’s Association
Western Business Roundtable
Western Institute for the Study of the Environment
Western Legacy Alliance
Wild Sheep Foundation

Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Management Institute
Women in Timber
Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts
Wyoming Farm Bureau

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

 

SENATE BILL WILL HELP HUNTERS GAIN ACCESS TO PUBLIC LANDS

MISSOULA, Mont.—Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, today introduced legislation—the “Making Public Lands Public Access Act of 2011”—that guarantees funding for improving hunter access to existing public lands. This bipartisan legislation is supported by the Boone and Crockett Club, the National Rifle Association and other hunting organizations. The bill directs the U.S. Forest Service and BLM to acquire rights of way and other land interests from willing-seller landowners to open access to existing public lands where public access for hunting and fishing is closed.

 

“Sportsmen and women want the Forest Service and BLM to provide better access to our national forests and BLM lands for hunting and fishing. Senator Jon Tester and Senator Jim Risch are tackling this problem head on with this bill,” said Ben Wallace, president of the Boone and Crockett Club.

 

Additionally, Wallace praised Tester and Risch for “their deep commitment to enhancing hunting opportunities on our public lands.” Tester is the co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus within the U.S. Senate. Risch is the vice co-chair of the same caucus.

 

For the 32 million American hunters, anglers and recreational shooters, federal public lands are an increasingly vital to their participation in outdoor sports. Nearly half of all hunters, for example, conduct a portion of their hunting activity on public lands. Reduced access is cited as a primary reason that hunters, anglers and target shooters stop participating in these traditional sports. A 2004 report to the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations concluded that more than 35 million acres of U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land have inadequate access. Specifically, nearly 2 million acres (or 10 percent) of USFS lands in Montana and 8.4 million acres (or 29 percent) of BLM lands in the Montana/Dakota’s region were identified as having inadequate access.

 

Sportsmen and women make important contributions to both wildlife conservation and the nation’s economy. The hunting and shooting sports industries create over 160,000 full-time jobs nationwide, generating an economic benefit of over $20 billion annually.

 

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

 

CLUB WELCOMES C.J. BUCK AS REGULAR MEMBER

MISSOULA, Mont.—A fourth-generation leader of an American family owned cutlery company, C.J. Buck of Post Falls, Idaho, is the newest regular member of the Boone and Crockett Club.

Since Theodore Roosevelt founded the Club in 1887, its regular membership (those eligible to hold office and chair committees) has been restricted to 100 people recognized for their commitment and influence in conservation issues and policies. Buck recently accepted an invitation to be a part of that group.

Buck Knives was founded in 1902. Hoyt, Al, Chuck and now C.J. Buck have built the company into one of the world’s premier and most recognizable brands. C.J. started work on a production line in 1978 and is now president of a company whose products are known worldwide for quality, innovation and elegant function.

Because its products are used to prepare and enjoy the bounty of a hunt, Buck Knives also is deeply rooted in wise-use of wildlife resources and hunter-based conservation—two of Boone and Crockett Club’s most fundamental tenets.

“I’m pleased to welcome C.J. among the regular members of Boone and Crockett Club. We’re looking forward to utilizing his expertise in marketing and branding to help us be even more effective in our conservation goals for the future,” said Ben Wallace, president of the Club.

Buck is active in the Kootenai County Police and Firemen Memorial Fund and North Idaho College Foundation. He serves on the Economic Advisory Council to the Governor for the State of Idaho, and is a co-founder and current legislative chairman for the American Knife and Tool Institute.

Buck earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing at National University in San Diego, Calif. He is married and has three children, two stepchildren and a grandchild.

Q&A with C.J. Buck:

 

Before your introduction, what was your perception of Boone and Crockett Club?

 

Buck: Like many who don’t know the Club’s history, I assumed it was a stuffy ‘brandy-and-cigar’ group sitting around comparing trophies, telling hunting stories and watch-dogging the scoring of non-member trophies.

 

Did those perceptions change during your first Club meeting as a guest?

 

Buck: Yes. I learned the history of the Club and realized that many of the things I take for granted, like national parks, important conservation measures and even the first game laws, were really projects of Club members. I also did not realize just how unique in the world the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation really is.

 

How about when you attended the 27th Big Game Awards as a Club sponsor?

 

Buck: That’s where I saw firsthand the work ethic and constant giving of time and money for Club endeavors. At the awards, members really rolled up their sleeves and pitched in.

 

As a new member, what have you learned about the Club that you didn’t realize before?

 

Buck: As I’ve met and become more acquainted with Club members, I’ve learned they are everywhere, helping to accomplish great things by serving on the boards of other conservation groups, active on committees, advising political leaders and much more.

 

Why did you accept the invitation to become a regular member?

 

Buck: All of my previous community service has been devoted to economic development. I saw an opportunity to participate in something I’m even more passionate about—conservation, legislation, habitat restoration and wildlife management. Placing science over emotion is tough in a political environment but I want to be a part of that.

 

What do you see as your role in contributing to the mission of the Club?

 

Buck: As the newly appointed chairman of our associate committee, I realize lots of sportsmen think you need to have a trophy in the records book or deep pockets to belong to Boone and Crockett Club. We’re going to change that. Anyone with a passion for big game and a desire to keep hunting can be an associate of the Club for $35 per year. And I believe the Club needs new associates as we strive to improve our ability to facilitate long-range policies for wildlife and natural resource management.

 

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

LEUPOLD, BUCK KNIVES TO SUPPORT CLUB INITIATIVES

MISSOULA, Mont.—Leupold and Buck Knives have designated three new products to help generate funding for the conservation initiatives of the Boone and Crockett Club.

“Our partnership with these American family-owned companies is a natural extension of the values established by our founder, Theodore Roosevelt, because both Leupold and Buck Knives are companies based on the concept of wise-use of natural resources, as well as on hunter-based conservation,” said Boone and Crockett Club Vice President Marc Mondavi.

The Club receives a percentage of all sales on the following products emblazoned with the Boone and Crockett logo:

Leupold Golden Ring® HD™ Boone and Crockett Spotting Scope

This powerful new Golden Ring® 20-60x80mm HD™ spotting scope has the distinction of being the latest Leupold product to bear the Boone and Crockett Club name.

· Leupold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System™

· Spotting scope weight: 61.8 oz.; length: 15-1/2”

· Leupold’s proven Folded Light Path (FLP) lens and mirror system

· DiamondCoat 2™, an ion-assisted lens coating

· Durable, lightweight, armored magnesium, fully waterproof body

· Made in the USA

“The Boone and Crockett Club has long promoted selective harvest of mature specimens as an important conservation and management tool. Leupold products in general, and this new spotting scope in particular, are made to support hunters in their long-range field evaluation of big game,” said Mondavi.

Buck Knives 103 Skinner Knife

A Buck classic, this elegant, collectible 103 features a bull elk drawing on the blade and a real rosewood handle displaying the Boone and Crockett logo.

· Blade: 4.0” 420HC, extra wide skinner with a lasered elk image

· Length: 8 1/4” overall

· Weight: 3.9 oz.

· Handle: Rosewood with B&C logo and an aluminum guard and butt

· Case: Display box with B&C logo

· Made in the USA

Buck Knives 120 General Knife

A popular and hard-to-obtain knife, the famous 120 is now a tribute to the Boone and Crockett Club’s most famous principal—Hunt Fair Chase.

· Blade: 7-3/8” 420HC, satin finish with “Hunt Fair Chase” etching

· Length: 12.0” overall

· Weight: 8.3 oz.

· Handle: Phenolic with aluminum butt/guard and a B&C logo etching

· Sheath: Genuine leather, black with B&C logo emboss

· Made in the USA

Mondavi explained, “Proper care and use of the bounty from a hunt is important to both Buck Knives and the Boone and Crockett Club. For the hunter, that commitment is aided by having the right tools to care for game in the field as well as preparation for the table.”

For more information, visit www.leupold.com, www.buckknives.com or look for Boone and Crockett-licensed products wherever optics and fine cutlery are sold.

 

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.