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Spring Hill, Tenn. — The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) has honored International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (Insulators) Local 14 Member John Stahl with the 2019 Insulators Conservation Steward of the Year Award for his exemplary commitment to conservation and community service.
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA)
For Immediate Release
November 2, 2018
USA Sponsors Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt
Cambridge, Maryland — Twenty-three aspiring hunters gathered to learn how to pursue big game and provide food for themselves and their families at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Oct. 26-27 during the refuge's inaugural First Shots deer hunt.
The hunt was sponsored by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), Maryland Department of Natural Resources and National Wild Turkey Federation. More than 60 applications were received for the 23 available opportunities to be mentored by an experienced hunter and learn hunting basics including scouting, stand placement, biology and field care. The individuals selected were all new adult hunters who did not have a support network to help them develop a new lifelong passion.
Applicants were also eager to harvest their first deer, and at press time the apprentice hunters had harvested a total of 17 deer, with additional hunting opportunities set for later in the week.
In September of 2017, the USA partnered with the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to conduct a sika and white-tailed deer population survey using infrared imaging technology. The long-term goal was to provide necessary population data to the refuge—allowing for more opportunities for sustainable deer hunting.
USA put out a call to local members asking them to consider volunteering as a mentor. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 24 Training Coordinator Brian Cavey wasted no time applying to be a mentor.
“I was honored and privileged to take part in Maryland’s Mentored Deer Hunting Program,” said Cavey. “What a way to introduce new hunters to the wonderful world of the outdoors and hunting.”
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017, as the non-profit organization continued to engage, educate and organize Union members, their families and like-minded individuals who share a passion for hunting, fishing, shooting and the great outdoors.
This story comes from Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA), on a conservation project completed this past fall in Alabama. HFIAW Insulators Local 78, chartered in Birmingham, was heavily involved with this project.
USA VOLUNTEERS RENOVATE OAK MOUNTAIN HORSE BARN
For years, Alabama State Parks have been unable to afford many necessary repairs and updates. To offer support, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) volunteers recently renovated a horse barn at Oak Mountain State Park, transforming a structure that had fallen into disrepair into a potential increased revenue source for the park.
Voters will also determine the control of the U.S. Congress. In the U.S. Senate, Republicans currently have a 54-46 majority, and there are 34 Senate races this year (24 seats are Republican and 10 are Democratic). If Hillary Clinton is elected president, Democrats will need to win 4 additional seats to win the majority (As Vice President, Tim Kaine would give Democrats the Senate majority if the Senate election was deadlocked at 50-50). In the U.S. House of Representatives, the Republicans have a 247-186 majority, and it is expected that House Democrats will gain seats, and there is the potential for significant gains for House Democrats.
The HFIAW Master Apprentice Competition (MAC) seems to grow in popularity and excitement every year. The annual competition where 10 apprentices compete as Conference representatives to be crowned the “Best of the Best” included an emotional finish this year in Toledo, Ohio.
Held in conjunction with the 41st annual Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Conference, the top HFIAW apprentice competitors arrived having already won at the Local and Conference levels.
“Our training is what sets our profession apart, it is what makes us the best,” HFIAW General President Bud McCourt said during the MAC.