By Joel Hodgdon, Central Midwestern States Coordinator
On August 24, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Dr. Jeff Colyer brought together the Kansas sportsmen’s community for a proclamation signing ceremony in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
The proclamation recognizes the state’s hunters and anglers for the instrumental role they play in the state’s conservation funding and economy. Kansas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Representative Ken Corbet and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Joel Hodgdon were also present.
“Thanks to the dedication of our sportsmen, sportswomen and staff at the Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Kansans enjoy countless opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Gov. Colyer. “I’m proud to recognize Kansas’s hunters and anglers and their immense contributions to conservation.”
Through the American System of Conservation Funding, Kansas sportsmen and women contribute over $45 million annually to conservation funding in the state while spending over $629 million annually on their outdoor pursuits. This spending helps support close to 10,000 jobs in the state.
National Hunting and Fishing Day was established in 1972 to honor the contributions of the nation’s hunters and anglers, and is celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, taking place this year on the 22nd.
Participants at the ceremony included representatives from Ducks Unlimited; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; National Wild Turkey Federation; Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever; and other allied industry partners.
Kansas Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Ken Corbet and CSF’s Joel Hodgdon join Governor Colyer and conservation partners for the proclamation signing.
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?
