On February 4, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted the annual “Welcome to Congress” reception on Capitol Hill, welcoming new and returning Members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC).
The reception was attended by approximately 50 Members of Congress, many of them from the CSC, and provided an opportunity to discuss the upcoming Sportsmen’s Act with members of the sportsmen’s community. “Getting a sportsmen’s package passed in this Congress is vital to the future of the nation’s hunting and angling opportunities. We have great bipartisan CSC support so far, but need to get as many Members of Congress involved as possible,” said CSF President Jeff Crane.
Crane announced the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership: Co-Chairs, Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Congressmen Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Tim Walz (D-MN) and Vice-Chairs Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Congressmen Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Gene Green (D-TX).
CSC leadership addressed the crowd. “The 114th Congress opens with great promise for our nation and for this Caucus, which is well positioned to advance sportsmen’s issues. I look forward to helping shepherd a great package of bills through the House and to ensuring that sportsmen and women across America can continue to enjoy the rewarding outdoor endeavors we all cherish,” said Rep. Wittman..JPG)
“I welcome new and returning sportsmen and women to the largest Caucus in Congress,” said Rep. Walz. “Together, we will work to promote our hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation economy and heritage. We do this with big, bold ideas designed to enhance access for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors while protecting our natural treasures with smart policies that will keep our outdoor recreation economy booming. So, again, I welcome you all here today and I look forward to working with you in the 114th Congress.”
The “Welcome to Congress” reception Title Sponsor was Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. Host Sponsors included: American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, ATK, Bass Pro Shops, Honeywell Corporation, National Beer Wholesalers Association, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Natural Resource Results, Oracle, Remington, Richard Childress Racing, Safari Club International, Shimano American Corporation, and Syngenta Corporate Affairs. Co-Host Sponsors included: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Boone and Crockett Club, Capitol Hill Consulting Group, ccAdvertising, Center for Coastal Conservation, Crossroads Strategies, LLC, Ducks Unlimited, Forbes-Tate, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Magnum Entertainment Group, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Outdoors America, RISE, and SilencerCo, LLC.
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?
