Bush urges more land for hunters

WASHINGTON – President Bush wants the government to look for more room for hunters to hunt and to step up efforts to conserve places where wildlife roam.

Bush on Friday ordered any federal agencies that manage public lands, outdoor recreation or wildlife to “facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.”

In the 2004 presidential campaign, Bush and Democratic nominee John Kerry both courted the so-called sportsmen’s vote of hunters and anglers, groups that include both gun supporters and conservationists.

Bush’s order mostly affects the Interior and Agriculture departments, which manage 700 million acres of land – an area slightly more than double the size of Alaska. They have now been put on notice to seek any chances for more hunting of wildlife, waterfowl, big game and upland game birds when considering state and federal land management plans.

“Outdoor activities, like hunting, can provide tremendous benefits to both individuals and to wildlife conservation,” Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said.