Joining the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance has several different membership levels and pro­grams you can join right from their Web site. Individuals and clubs can purchase general memberships or a specific coalition:

Club membership benefits include insurance programs, merchandise discounts on gear and other items that are offered through the USSA, banquet packages through the USSA inventory and a personalized Web site program.

Individuals wanting to become members of the USSA receive the following benefits (depending on membership level):

  • Annual newsletter
  • Member card
  • Coalition-specific quarterly newsletter
  • Logo Cap
  • Logo T-Shirt
  • Logo hunting knife
  • Decal [source: USSA]
Sportsmen Against HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States and the U.S. Sportsman Alliance have a long history of debate. Recently, the USSA started a movement to have the HSUS recognized as an animal rights lobbying organization, and to have the USDA remove it from the "shelter, rescue and welfare organization" category on its Web site. According to the USSA, the HSUS does not "operate animal shelters or rescue facilities," as does state and local Humane Societies [source: USSA].

­Special donation programs are available for those individuals or organization that need more than general memberships. The USSA Outdoor Business Council offers ways for businesspersons to form alliances, preserve outdoor sports and promote their sporting legacy to consumers and sportsmen. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation Endowment program provides a way for individuals and organizations to donate through wills or estate planning and decrease federal income and property taxes. The U.S. Sportsmen Legal Defense Fund accepts donations so they can provide legal services and support to government agencies and sportsmen. The Hunting for America campaign seeks donations and volunteers so they may grow their numbers to help ensure they can continue to serve hunters everywhere [source: USSA].

The U.S. Sportsman Alliance has many coalitions and many resources that are used to ensure hunting, fishing and trapping remain available to those passionate about outdoor sports. For more information, visit the links on the next page.