On February 16, over 120 attendees gathered at the Vermont State House to celebrate Vermont’s rich sporting heritage at the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus’ Annual Reception and Fundraiser. Included in the attendees were over 50 members of the bipartisan and bicameral Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, members of Governor Phil Scott’s Cabinet, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter, and many other distinguished guests.
Caucus Co-Chair, and NASC Executive Council member Representative Patrick Brennan (VT) opened the event to thank attendees for their support. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter and Director of Wildlife Mark Scott then discussed the strong results of the 2016 hunting season and many of the conservation projects the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has been able to accomplish thanks to the funding they receive from sportsmen and women through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF).
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Northeastern States Director Brent Miller then presented some additional details on the ASCF funding that Vermont receives each year and discussed the 80th Anniversary of the ASCF occurring this year.
Finally, Knox Williams, President of the American Suppressor Association (ASA) discussed the importance of H. 31 – a bill to allow firearm suppressors for hunting in the Green Mountain State. Presently, Vermont is one of only two states that allows for the ownership of suppressors but prohibits their use for hunting.
“Vermont sportsmen and women have once again come together at the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus annual mixer to celebrate our state’s outdoor heritage,” said Rep. Brennan. “Many thanks to both the legislators, and the many sportsmen and women who made this year’s event a great success. The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Vermont’s conservation camps.”
The event was made possible thanks to the support of ASA, Reynolds American, Inc., and Safari Club International, among many in-state sponsors that donated raffle items for the fundraiser.
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?
