Nebraska Legislature Votes to Ban Mountain Lion Hunting
As a Nebraskan, I never thought I’d be writing a news story about our legislature passing an anti-hunting bill based...
As a Nebraskan, I never thought I’d be writing a news story about our legislature passing an anti-hunting bill based purely on sentiment. But that’s what happened yesterday when the Unicameral sent LB 671 to Governor Heinemen’s desk. Sponsored by Senator Ernie Chambers of Omaha, the bill would repeal a law enacted last year that allowed controlled hunting of the state’s growing population of mountain lions under a closely monitored quota system. According to a news report from the U.S. Sportsman’s Alliance, LB671 sets the dangerous precedent of removing “the authority of the state’s wildlife management professionals in favor of anti-hunting politics.”
“Our system of wildlife management is designed to remove this type of political influence and allow wildlife management professionals to do their jobs,” said Tony Celebrezze, USSA’s director of state services. “Nebraska sportsmen must call on Governor Heineman to step in and veto LB 671 and allow the professionals at the Game and Parks Commission to manage the state’s wildlife.”
Governor Heineman has five days to sign or veto the bill, after which time the bill will enacted without his signature. I encourage any of my Nebraska readers to call Governor Heineman’s office at (402)-471-2244 and ask that he veto LB671 and keep the management of wildlife in the hands of the professionals rather than career politicians.
