This week, the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) welcomed two new members; Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Joining 30 of their fellow members, the GSC is a group of bipartisan governors from across the country who are dedicated to protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping.
The GSC facilitates communication and information exchange between participating offices in support of policies and regulations that promote and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. Guided by a bipartisan leadership team of governors and staffed through CSF, the GSC complements and enhances the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. Presently, the bipartisan GSC consists of 32 members, one being a lieutenant governor, representing diverse regions of the nation.
On joining the GSC, Governor Ivey noted Alabama’s biodiversity and the economic importance of hunting and angling in the Yellowhammer State. “From the coast, to the Black Belt, and up to the foothills of the Appalachians, Alabama is home to tremendous opportunities for sportsmen and women. The strong sportsmen’s heritage found within Alabama is unparalleled and the associated economic impact is a tremendous boost for our state. I am proud to join state executives from across the country in support of these time-honored traditions.”
Founded in 2009, the GSC facilitates communication and information exchange amongst participating offices across the country in support of policies and regulations that promote and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. The GSC is led by Co-Chairs Governor Steve Bullock (MT) and Governor Phil Bryant (MS), and Vice-Chairs Governor Matt Mead (WY) and Governor Tom Wolf (PA).
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?