As spring rolls around I look forward to one of my favorite sporting magazines filled with colorful photos of some of the cutest subjects in the whole world and reminding us of one of the coming seasons most wonderful activities. I’m talking, of course, about the March issue of Gun Dog—the puppy edition. That issue is always filled with pages of puppy photos from around the country and lots of advice on choosing, raising, and training a puppy with an emphasis on the sporting breeds. Ain't nothing cuter than a puppy, especially when one is recovering from the winter doldrums.
Photo by Renee V FCC
Gun Dog is an avidly pro-hunting magazine with an emphasis on bird-hunting, both upland game such as pheasants and grouse and waterfowl. The writers and editors encourage a high level of hunting and conservation ethics. I think it's worthwhile for members of conservation organizations to have a sense of what hunters and fishers are up to. But the reason I'm providing this link is for you to read more about the Pittman-Robertson Act and a conservative Republican attack on it.
Basically about 50 conservative Republican members of the House, including Wisconsin's Grothman and Tiffany, want to delete the funding source—the excise tax on guns and ammunition—and replace it with funds from off shore oil. The author, editor of Gun Dog, describes the bill, its problems, and the opposition from different hunting and gun-oriented organizations. I suppose as the Chair and sole member of Madison Audubon’s advocacy group I should ask you to contact Tiffany and Grothman, but you have many more productive uses of your time.
I doubt this will pass. It's worth noting, though, because it shows how even what we believe are unassailable conservation programs can be attacked in our increasingly divided country. In Wisconsin, conservation has suffered as bipartisan support for Stewardship has declined. When we have just learned that Madison and Middleton barely escaped the wrath of the country's latest assault rifle wielding mass murderer, it also shows how extreme some gun rights supporters have become. The notion that the excise tax on firearms and ammo is a significant factor in preventing folks from buying guns is crazy. As I concluded the blog on the wonderful field trip with Lincoln School 4th graders, which occurred the day after the Texas massacre of 4th graders, I noted that such a disaster could occur in our communities. We came too damn close to that.
Again, too many guns designed to kill lots of people real fast in the hands of too many folks eager to do so. In my opinion, our country has run out of excuses for not addressing those obvious and tragic problems directly and soon.
Jeez, this has gone a long way from puppies. Next spring, if you find yourself at a newstand (does anyone go to newstands any more? do they exist?) and see the puppy issue of Gun Dog, treat yourself to a quick look. And please support any reasonable proposal to address gun carnage at the local, state, or federal level.
Topf Wells, Madison Audubon advocacy committee chair
