Columbus, OH –-(Ammoland.com)- I was in awe of the crowd waiting outside of the Augusta Civic Center to get in to the Save Maine’s Bear Hunt Super Banquet.
Even arriving more than an hour early I encountered people in the parking lot who were eager to support the effort to turn away the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) as they did 10 years ago.
At one point I had the pleasure of greeting a group of people representing the Vermont Trappers Association who traveled several hours by bus to participate and show their support. Although the room was full of energy, it was clear that those in attendance recognized that they were on a mission, not just to save bear hunting in Maine, but to put a big roadblock in front of HSUS’s plans to end all hunting across the country.
I was asked to take the podium to say a few words and help energize the crowd in anticipation of a big night. In reality, there was plenty of passion in the room already and anything I had to say was simply more fuel on an already raging fire. As I stood in front of 1,100 dedicated and emotional people I found the energy so powerful that it was hard to control my own emotions. Quite honestly, it was like nothing I have ever experienced when giving a talk.
My message to the crowd is relevant to sportsmen across the country who enjoy hunting, fishing, and trapping as part of their lifestyle. The focus of my talk was on understanding that victories are not awarded to the team that has the best pre-game speech. All that really matters is how we perform when the lights are the brightest. Whether it’s fighting to protect bear hunting in Maine or any other issue in the country, we are facing a never-ending battle to protect our heritage, and it is incumbent upon all of us to do our part to ensure a bright future for our outdoor sports.
If you haven’t already, please introduce your friends to USSA and ask them to join. We would like nothing more than to be able to provide even stronger support to our friends in Maine and in other places across the country when called upon.
Nick Pinizzotto | President and CEO
Read it here: https://tiny.cc/daeolx
U.S. Sportsmens Alliance, Sportsmens Monthly Magazine September 2014
About:The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.