Senator Mike Bell, Co-Chair of the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, was recently named “Legislator of the Year” by the Safari Club International (SCI).
An avid outdoorsman and champion-legislator for sportsmen, Senator Bell was chosen for the prestigious award from 11 finalists and over 15,000 state legislators across the country. The award will be formally presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC on May 12.
Elected to the Tennessee State Senate in 2010, Senator Mike Bell currently represents District 09 in the Tennessee State Senate. He previously served two terms in the Tennessee State House of Representatives before seeking his current Senate seat. He joined the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in 2010.
As a member and leader of the Sportsmen’s Caucus in Tennessee, Senator Bell consistently proposes and advances pro-sportsmen’s legislation. Throughout his career, Senator Bell has led efforts to allow firearm carry permit holders to possess a firearm in a refuge, public hunting area, or a wildlife management area; prohibit anti-hunting radicals from using drones to interfere with those lawfully hunting or fishing; protect funding for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency; and many others.
Regarding the award, Senator Bell noted the important role that legislators play in protecting and advancing the interests of sportsmen and women in state capitols across the country. “It is a distinct honor to receive this award, and I am humbled by the selection. Protecting our sporting heritage in Tennessee has consistently remained a driving force during my service within the legislature, and to that end I am proud to be a part of the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.”
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?
