President Bush, One of Us!
Demonstrating a genuine knowledge of wildlife, habitat and the concerns of hunters and anglers, President George Bush led a group of sportsmen's organizations' leaders on a two-hour tour on April 8th of his 1,600-acre Crawford, Texas, ranch. He pointed out pecan trees, native grasses, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail cover, wildflowers and a lake stocked with bass where he enjoys fishing, accompanied by his Scottish terrier Barney. That the president shares the values of America’s hunters and anglers was clearly evident. Referring to himself as a conservationist, Bush said, “There’s a big difference between conservationists and preservationists. Conservationists care."

National Shooting Sports Foundation president Doug Painter was among those invited on the first-of-its-kind tour. “President Bush is one of us — a hunter and fisherman who has firsthand experience scientifically managing his ranchland. He is aware of the concerns of outdoorsmen and women, particularly in regards to hunter access on public lands,” said Painter, who attended a similar meeting at the White House four months ago. “The president is not a johnny-come-lately sportsman and clearly understands the importance of active management to ensure healthy wildlife populations,” he added.

In addition to NSSF, President Bush welcomed leaders from the National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance , Ruffed Grouse Society, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Boone & Crockett Club, BASS, American Sport Fishing Association and the Coastal Conservation Association.
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