Sportsmen

Dear Fellow Sportsmen:

Since my dad first taught me how to hunt and fish, I have spent much of my life enjoying the many activities available to sportsmen throughout Florida. From world class turkey hunting to bass, flats and offshore fishing, I have been fortunate to grow up in a state with so much to offer. I have enjoyed introducing my four children to many of these great opportunities and some of our greatest family memories are around a campfire, hunting, fishing or hiking. I am sure you have enjoyed many of the same experiences with your family.

I believe my record in public service reflects my support for Florida sportsmen. From tirelessly protecting our second amendment rights to opening additional public lands for hunting, fishing and other multiple uses, I have spent my career fighting to ensure the long-term sustainability of sportsmen activities and against those that attempt to further regulate, tax and limit them.

As Commissioner of Agriculture and a member of Florida’s Cabinet, I will have new and important opportunities to fight for Florida’s sportsmen. From providing additional access to public lands to streamlining the permitting process for concealed weapon licenses, I will continue to stand alongside fellow sportsmen so that future generations of Floridians can enjoy the same opportunities we have had.

I encourage you to use this Web site as a place to learn about the many issues facing Florida sportsmen and as a forum to connect with other sportsmen.

• Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus 2005-2006
• Led the effort against the re-authorization of the so-called “assault weapons ban”
• Reversed the prohibition of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges
• Led effort to ensure representation by the recreational fishing community on the formation of a proposed new ocean governance structure
• Supported effort to allow hunting and fishing on public lands and waters
• Helped lead the effort to end the long-term prohibition of handguns in Washington, D.C.
• Fought against unfair regulations that limit the use of recreational vehicles and personal watercraft

• Provide additional access for recreational activities, including hunting and fishing, on public lands — especially those within the 1.1 million acres of state forest lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Maintain a well-staffed and efficient Division of Licensing Office to best serve law-abiding gun owners applying for concealed weapon permits
• Provide special access to public lands for Wounded Warriors to pursue recreational activities
• Establish a Sportsmen Advisory Board to advise the Department of sportsmen priorities
• Provide special opportunities for children to safely hunt, fish and become acquainted with the outdoors
• Allow for expanded opportunities for off-highway vehicles and horses on public land
• Increase the number of public boat ramps in Florida

Send us a photo at campaign@adamputnam.com of your latest outdoor experience and we will post it on our “Braggin’ Board.”

[view all the pictures on the Braggin' Board]