On February 5, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted the annual Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Leadership Dinner, which gathered current and former CSC leaders with CSF partners and supporters from the sportsmen’s community to discuss policy priorities for the year.
CSF President Jeff Crane welcomed attendees and thanked current CSC leadership for their commitment to sportsmen and women. Co-Chairs include Senator Jim Risch (ID), Senator Joe Manchin (WV), Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC), and Congressman Gene Green (TX). Vice-Chairs include Senator Deb Fischer (NE), Senator Heidi Heitkamp (ND), Congressman Austin Scott (GA), and Congressman Marc Veasey (TX).
Sen. Manchin thanked CSF partners for supporting the organization’s mission of protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. “I want to thank you, because without your investment [in CSF], we are not going to be able to continue to do what we all enjoy so much, and what some of us take for granted,” said Sen. Manchin.
“It’s important that we pass this [tradition of hunting and fishing] along. There are fewer and fewer young people that spend time outdoors. It’s not because they don’t want to, it’s because they don’t know any better. I urge everyone to make a commitment to mentor somebody. Without that, it is going to be very difficult to continue our traditions,” said Sen. Risch.
He continued by emphasizing the importance of passing a comprehensive sportsmen’s package and bringing it to the President’s desk. “We are all in agreement on this. This is nonpartisan, and will continue to be nonpartisan,” said Sen. Risch.
Title Sponsors included Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. Host Sponsors included Altria; American Sportfishing Association; Boone and Crockett Club; BP Energy Company; Center for Sportfishing Policy; Crossroads Strategies, LLC; Ducks Unlimited; Hornady Manufacturing Company; Lockheed Martin Corporation; Natural Resource Results, LLC; National Rifle Association; National Shooting Sports Foundation; National Wildlife Federation; Oracle Corporation; Outdoor Sportsman Group; Plano Synergy Holdings, Inc.; Richard Childress Racing; Safari Club International; Shimano American Corporation; Southern Company; Syngenta; Vista Outdoor Inc.; and Winchester Ammunition.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
