On March 17, Chair Senator Pam Roach, and members of the Washington Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted the semi-annual Shootout at Littlerock, an event that brings together legislators, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Washington’s sportsmen’s community to celebrate the economic and conservation benefits provided by the Evergreen State’s sportsmen and women.
The event, held at Evergreen Sportsman’s Club near Olympia, WA, kicked off with a roundtable discussion between legislators and representatives from a number of sportsmen’s groups and companies. Senators Pam Roach and Kirk Pearson led off the discussion and were followed by incoming WDFW Director Jim Unsworth, who fielded questions from sportsmen and women regarding management of Washington’s fish and wildlife resources. Attendees then moved outside for a day on the range, taking aim in rifle, pistol, and trap shooting.
Senator Pam Roach noted that, “Hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting are important to the economy and conservation efforts in the state of Washington. Over one million people hunt and fish in our state each year, spending $1.6 billion annually and supporting nearly 22,000 jobs. It is critical that we continue to work together to ensure our sporting pastimes.”
Event Sponsors included the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, Coastal Conservation Association-Washington, Ducks Unlimited, I-5 Guns, Kittitas County Field and Stream Sportsmen’s Club, National Rifle Association, Northwest Marine Trade Association, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, Puget Sound Anglers, Safari Club International – Northwest Chapter, Washington Arms Collectors, and the Washington Hunters Heritage Council.
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?
