The following letter was sent to all Indiana Senators by the Indiana Wildlife Federation:

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Confirming Hunters and Conservationists Oppose HB1453 Hunting Preserves - Canned Hunting

Dear Senator,

This letter is to confirm that the statewide organizations of hunters and conservationists listed below oppose HB1453 Hunting Preserves, aka Canned Hunting.

Indiana Wildlife Federation
Indiana Division of the Izaak Walton League of America
Indiana Sportsmen’s Round Table
Indiana Deer Hunters Association
Indiana Bow Hunter Association
Indiana Conservation Alliance
Quality Deer Management Association
Indiana Conservation Officer Organization
National Wild Turkey Federation - Indiana
Numerous additional local and regional conservation and hunting organizations

The potential amendment to limit the bill to the four existing preserves is not a fix for a terrible bill. The false message that hunting preserves are unregulated and need regulation is misleading the Senate. Hunting preserves are currently illegal and the four that are operating are doing so under a court injunction.

To pass HB1453 legalizing canned hunting just to address the issue with the existing four is not the right decision.

Legalizing the four will lead to expansion of canned hunting.

Canned hunting is not ethical hunting and violates fair chase, threatens the health of the wild deer herd, and puts taxpayers and sports men’s and women’s dollars at risk.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of the hunter/conservationist position.