WASHINGTON — A coalition of 29 members of Congress is pushing to include a hunting ban amendment in the upcoming Farm Bill, according to advocacy group Sportsmen’s Alliance. The proposed restrictions would prohibit specific hunting methods on federal lands, reigniting tensions between animal welfare advocates and outdoor sports organizations.
The amendment, still in draft form, targets practices deemed ‘non-sporting’ by its sponsors, including the use of certain baiting techniques and electronic calling devices. While the exact language remains undisclosed, congressional sources confirm the measure has drawn support from both parties, though its path to inclusion faces significant hurdles.
‘This represents growing concerns about fair chase principles and wildlife conservation,’ said one House staffer familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity. The National Wildlife Federation has previously called for similar reforms, arguing current regulations lag behind evolving ethical standards.
Opponents counter that the restrictions would disproportionately affect rural economies and traditional hunting practices. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, which counts 170 lawmakers as members, has historically opposed such measures. Analysts suggest the proposal may face revision as the Farm Bill moves through committee, with final language unlikely to mirror the initial draft.
If adopted, the changes would mark the most significant hunting regulation updates in federal law since 2014. The debate comes as the Department of Interior reviews multiple wildlife management policies, setting the stage for broader conservation policy battles later this session.