New York, NY (November 29, 2012)-Field
& Stream and Outdoor Life, the two largest and oldest publications in the
outdoor industry, took historic steps late yesterday when they announced their
support for the Sportsmen's Act of 2012. This marks one of the only times in
the brands' 100-plus-year history that they have endorsed legislation. Both
brands issued a call to action for readers, urging them to contact their
senators and voice support for the bill. The Sportsmen's Act of 2012,
originally a bipartisan-backed bill, was recently blocked in the Senate.
"The Sportsmen's Act of 2012 is so important to outdoor sports that it
prompted us out of our reporting role and turned us into advocates," says
Anthony Licata, Editorial Director for both of the brands. "This is not
the time to be divisive or partisan because this is likely the most important
piece of hunting and fishing legislation of our generation."
Field & Stream and Outdoor Life had both reported extensively on the
Sportsmen's Act of 2012 in the past but in keeping with policy had stopped
short of endorsing it. That changed last night when both brands put stories on
their websites and social media urging readers to help them save the
legislation. According to Licata, the brands do not endorse political
candidates or legislation, and this move marks the first time in recent history
that they have changed that policy.
The magazines' reporting included a list of the 44 senators, largely split by
party line, who voted against the Sportsmen's Act of 2012.Sponsored by Montana
Sen. Jon Tester, the Sportsmen's Act of 2012 originally received overwhelming
support from both parties, as well as more than 45 national sportsmen's and
conservation groups. The act was surprisingly killed on a procedural vote
earlier this week by senators who had previously supported it.
"We're urging readers to contact their senators immediately," says
Licata. "It's imperative that hunters and anglers let senators know to
bring this to vote again and pass it before this session of Congress
expires."
Field & Stream's and Outdoor Life's reporting touted the many benefits of
the Sportsmen's Act of 2012, including:
35 million acres of public hunting and fishing land that was previously
inaccessible would be opened by using revenue from offshore oil and gas leases
to buy access from private owners.
Help for troubled waterfowl populations with the reauthorization of the North
American Wetland Conservation Act, which uses federal money to support state,
local, and private wetlands projects.
Establishing more public shooting ranges, which are sorely needed in many areas
of the country, by channeling more money from the Pittman-Robertson excise tax
on hunting and shooting equipment to create the resource.
Raising the price of a duck stamp--a federal license to hunt ducks, conceived
and supported by sportsmen--the proceeds of which help conserve waterfowl. And
hunters would finally be allowed to buy stamps electronically.
For more on Field & Stream's coverage of the Sportsmen's Act of 2012, visit
http://www.fieldandstream.com/articles/hunting/2012/11/speak-sportsmens-act
For more on Outdoor Life's coverage of the Sportsmen's Act of 2012, visit
http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/open-country/2012/11/tell-senate-pass-sportsmens-act-now
Established in 1895, Field & Stream (fieldandstream.com) is the country's
largest special-interest title. It celebrates the outdoor experience with great
stories, compelling photography and sound advice, while honoring the traditions
hunters and fishermen have passed down for generations. Outdoor Life
(outdoorlife.com) is the source for hunting and fishing adventure. Outdoor Life
is the go-to magazine for sportsmen who want to improve their hunting and
fishing skills. Lively service pieces loaded with tips and information provide
readers with everything they need to know to be successful right now. And while
reader service is key, every issue of Outdoor Life also explodes with adventure
stories and true tales from the wild.
The Bonnier Corp. (bonniercorp.com) is one of the largest consumer-publishing
groups in the United States and is the leading media company serving
passionate, highly engaged audiences with more than 40 special-interest
magazines and related multimedia projects and events.
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