Juneau, Alaska – Alaska’s hunters and fishermen can look to the new Alaska State Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus to be the ‘sportsmen’s voice’ in the State Legislature. In its first session as a unified group, the caucus directed important legislation that is tough on poachers and challenges federal intrusion into a state’s issue.

As the Alaska State Legislature came to a close, the Alaska State Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus was able to point to its accomplishments for Alaska’s 149,000 sportsmen.

Poachers Beware - One of the key pieces of legislation this year was HB 267, Sponsored by Representative Craig Johnson which would begin the process to enroll Alaska as a member state in the Wildlife Violators Compact.

The Wildlife Violators Compact was created in 1989 after being passed into law in Colorado, Utah and Oregon. HB 267 is awaiting the Governor’s signature, and if signed into law Alaska will become the 28th member to join the Compact.

The Wildlife Violators Compact establishes the mechanism that allows fish and wildlife departments to share information about people who commit fish and wildlife violations between the member states. The availability of this information helps stop poachers and other violators from moving their illegal activities to another state after receiving a violation elsewhere.

“This is a significant step forward for the state concerning the protection of our fish and game resources,” said Rep. Johnson. “Out-of-state poachers have simply been able to refuse to appear at court to answer charges without effecting their licensing in their home state for too long, but not anymore. The compact also significantly changes the dynamics of poaching,” added Rep. Johnson. “Now potential violators will have to think twice, because any violations here may carry consequences in the state they call home.”

Federal Anti-Hunting Bill Opposed - Representative Johnson also introduced HJR 31 which opposes the federal legislation regarding aerial wolf hunting in Alaska - The legislation opposes the enactment of the so-called Protect America’s Wildlife Act (PAW-H.R. 3663) that intends to prohibit aerial hunting of wildlife which is essential for predator control in Alaska. PAW is awaiting action in the 110th Congress.

About the Outdoor Heritage Caucus - As a conclusion to the caucuses’ busy session, a clay bird shoot and banquet is planned for May 29-30. The honorary hosts of the event are U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski and members of the Alaska State Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus.

The Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus, founded in 2007, was the 34th state to work with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). The caucus Chairs are Senator Lyda Green and Representative John Harris. Alaska’s hunters, fishermen and trappers can be secure in the knowledge that the bipartisan Alaska Legislative Outdoor Heritage Caucus sets aside party politics to protect and advance the sportsmen’s agenda when the state legislature is in session.

About the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC)
The National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, a program of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), serves as the coordinator for 35 state legislative sportsmen's caucuses. NASC is the leader in providing information to protect and promote sportsmen's issues in state legislatures, serving as the venue for focused interaction and idea exchange among state caucus leaders and the outdoors community. For additional information, visit the NASC website atwww.statesportsmenslink.org or call 202-543-6907.