Co-signed letter on a dissenting view of federal land management and recreational hunting

Hunting on the Nation's public lands has a long and rich tradition and is pursued by many for subsistence and recreation, creating both social and economic benefits.In fact, most of the Federal public lands are currently open to hunting, subject to regulations which are primarily established by state fish and game agencies.As "no trespass" signs are increasingly posted on privately-owned lands, it is important that public lands remain accessible for recreation by average citizens.Contrary to the Majority, we think that competing demands for wildlife resources and wildlife-based recreation on public lands must be carefully balanced.In a departure from existing law and policy, this legislation would convey a preferred status to hunting over and above all other uses of public lands.In our view, this would undercut responsible management of wildlife resources and be detrimental to the majority of Americans who enjoy forms of wildlife-based recreation other than hunting.