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June 28, 2023
NSSF PROFILE Q & A: U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.)
Editor’s Note: We are pleased to post the latest of our occasional Q&A features with an elected official who supports hunting and the shooting sports. NSSF thanks U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) for agreeing to talk with us. Rep. Banks is serving in his fourth term representing Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. Congressman Banks serves on three committees in the U.S. House of Representatives – the Armed Services Committee, the Education and the Workforce Committee and the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committee.
1) Who introduced you to hunting and the shooting sports?
When I go back to where I shot my first deer in Northeast Indiana, I have a great connection to my childhood memories going hunting with my dad and grandfather who has since passed away. It is something I will always cherish.
2) Describe your most recent hunting or shooting sports activity.
The last few years I’ve gone on an annual pheasant hunting trip to South Dakota with friends and I’m really looking forward to getting back this year.
3) Describe your favorite shooting sports or hunting activity.
These days I really enjoy pheasant hunting with my favorite hunting buddy, Marshall. Marshall is my three-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, who joined our family as a puppy the day before the COVID lockdowns. He gets loose at least once a week and we have to go chase him down, but he makes up for all of that when he’s in the field. He’s a great hunting dog, a great pointer and there’s not much I enjoy more than seeing him out there doing what he was made to do.
4) Which piece of pending legislation related to the firearm industry is particularly important to you and why?
I think H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, is one of the most important pieces of Second Amendment legislation before the Congress right now. I have cosponsored this bill every Congress since I was elected in 2016. If someone is eligible to conceal carry in Indiana, they should not lose that right when they cross state lines. This legislation would cut down on the burdensome overregulation of firearms and restore the rights of law-abiding gun owners across the country.
5) What do you see as the challenges and opportunities for hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts?
I think one of the challenges we could face is passing a love for hunting down to the next generation. Just like in my family, hunting traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and really are a part of our American heritage. Unfortunately, the radical left is trying to demonize gun ownership. I hope that they are unsuccessful at influencing young people out of a love for this great and important sport. My wish is that this upcoming generation will continue to have a passion for hunting and fight to preserve their gun rights even harder than my generation has.
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