Union Sportsmen's Alliance Celebrates Big 2012

January 10, 2013

Seattle Local 89 member Tucker Fairburn, third from left, is just one of the more than 9,000 IBEW members in the Union Sportsmen's Alliance who work to preserve hunting and fishing.

2012 was a big year for union members with a passion for hunting and fishing. The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance – a national organization of union members committed to outdoor sports and conservation – surpassed 50,000 members, its highest number yet.

Says USA Executive Director Fred Myers:

Having a new milestone of 50,000 active members, we are more excited than ever about the positive impact we can have lending the diverse time and skills of our members to critical conservation projects that benefit the communities our members live and work in.

Key to the alliance’s growth has been the support of the IBEW. At more than 9,000 members, the IBEW makes up the largest percentage of the USA’s membership, says Communications Director Kate Cywinski.

She says:

The IBEW has been there since the beginning to support us, and its continued support has helped us to grow and achieve our mission.

Established in 2007 to connect the more than 6 million union members who hunt and fish with projects to preserve their outdoor sporting heritage, USA has been active in numerous efforts including:

• Airing an award-winning hunting and fishing TV show, Brotherhood Outdoors, shown on the Sportsman Channel. Each episode features a union member on an outdoor adventure in locations throughout North America.  
• The Boots on the Ground program recruits union members for vital conservation projects to protect and enhance the great outdoors – from introducing kids to the world of hunting and fishing to preserving outdoor area.
• Offering discounts on outdoor gear, as well as hunting and fishing tips.

Says Beaver, Pa., Local 712 member Charles Welch:

I’m getting my son involved in shooting, hunting and fishing. He is already displaying strong union ideals, and this will help to strengthen both. We are both happy to be a part of this organization.

Go to www.unionsportsmen.org for more information.