Delta Waterfowl Holds Lobby Day in Olympia

Members, volunteers, and staff met with lawmakers in Washington’s Capitol to discuss firearms bill and raffle law

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Members and volunteers from Delta Waterfowl gathered in Olympia, Washington, on Tuesday to meet with legislators to discuss their support of waterfowl hunting and share their thoughts about upcoming legislation in the Evergreen State.

“Waterfowl hunters in the Pacific Northwest face a unique set of challenges, and we appreciate the lawmakers who took time to listen to the concerns of our members and volunteers,” said Chris Hoon, Delta Waterfowl’s senior manager of government affairs for the Pacific Flyway. “We plan for this to become a regular part of our advocacy work in Washington to ensure the voices of our members are heard by their elected officials.”

Among the topics of discussion was Senate Bill 5098, a measure that would restrict the possession of firearms in certain places, including boat ramps or other access areas. These restrictions could severely limit places where hunters could go and effectively close off portions of wildlife management areas.

Additionally, House Bill 2625 would modernize nonprofit raffle law in the state, allowing Delta chapters to more effectively raise funds. By conducting raffles and events, Delta chapters can retain a percentage of all funds raised, known as Waterfowl Heritage Funds, that can be used for local projects to benefit waterfowl conservation in their communities.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and secure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit our website.

For more information, contact Chris Hoon.