Tester introduces bipartisan ‘target practice’ bill

Chairman of Sportsmen’s Caucus highlights priorities for Montana hunters, anglers

(U.S. SENATE) – Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, today highlighted his priorities for Montana’s hunters, anglers and shooting sports enthusiasts.

Tester’s remarks to members of the Bull Moose Sportsmen’s Alliance are available online HERE.

During the speech, Tester announced that today he introduced his bipartisan Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act.  The legislation gives states greater flexibility to use more of their designated federal wildlife resources to establish safe recreational shooting areas.

“We appreciate Sen. Tester's leadership in fighting for safe, accessible shooting facilities,” said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.  “This legislation clears the way for new shooting ranges and allows for the proper management of existing ones.  Access to these facilities is paramount to continuing to pass our hunting and shooting sports heritage on to younger generations.”

Tester also discussed plans to introduce legislation with Senator Max Baucus and other western senators that would fully fund the job-creating Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The LWCF improves access to prized hunting and fishing areas and also preserves ranchland through conservation easements.  It is a top priority of Tester’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Panel.

“Hunters and anglers tell me every day that their top priority for Montana is ensuring public access to the land and water we all own,” said Tester, noting that hunting is a $1 billion industry in Montana.  “That’s real money.  That’s real jobs.  That’s real economic development.”

Earlier this year, Tester introduced the Making Public Lands Public Act to open up access for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation on existing public lands.

Tester’s bipartisan Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act is available HERE.