Comment on FR Doc # E8-12193

June 12, 2008 Public Comments Processing Attn: RIN 1018-AV20 Division of Policy and Directives Management US Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 North Fairfax Drive Suite 222 Arlington, VA 22203 The National Rifle Association appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule that will add one refuge to the list of areas open for hunting and increase hunting opportunities on six other refuges for the 2008-2009 season. One of the NRA's bylaws is to promote and defend hunting as a viable and necessary method of fostering the propagation, growth, conservation, and wise use of our renewable wildlife resources. The NRA strongly supports programs that create and expand opportunities such as the hunting programs that this rulemaking intends to implement, specifically opening the Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge to migratory bird and big-game hunting, expanding the hunting programs at Agassiz and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuges to include migratory bird and upland game hunting, opening the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge to big game hunting, and adding turkey hunting at the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge. This rulemaking supports the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 to provide wildlife-dependent activities on refuges where those activities are compatible. It also supports the purpose of Executive Order 13443 entitled "Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation" that directs federal agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service "to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat." Opening refuges to hunting and fishing and expanding those opportunities where possible acknowledges the important contributions that sportsmen make to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Those contributions are in the form of Duck Stamp purchases, payment of refuge entrance fees and import duties on firearms, support for Refuge System funding, and individual volunteer efforts in support of refuge programs and projects. Opening refuges to hunting also recognizes the importance of hunting to the management of our wildlife resources. Thank you, again, for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, Susan Recce Director Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources National Rifle Association