On March 8, the Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a luncheon on the lawn of the Capitol Complex. With over 300 people in attendance, the event brought together legislators, members of the conservation community, outdoor industry leaders, and state agency representatives to learn more about the Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the varied positive impacts hunting and angling provide Alabama through the American System of Conservation Funding.
In addition to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), many other conservation organizations hosted booths to promote their individual groups, including: Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, Coastal Conservation Association, Hunting Works for Alabama, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Representatives from the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Trapper’s Association, B.A.S.S., the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, USDA-Wildlife Services, and others were also in attendance.
“Hunting and angling has a $1.9 billion economic impact on the state and provides opportunities for citizens and tourists to enjoy Alabama’s vast natural resources,” said Representative Randy Davis, House Chairman of the Alabama Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus. “Today we are celebrating Alabama’s great outdoors, the sportsmen and women who are an economic force, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for sound management of wildlife and fisheries.”
DCNR Commissioner Gunter Guy also thanked the legislators in attendance for supporting the Department and highlighted the connection between buying hunting and fishing licenses and funding through for the DCNR through the American System of Conservation Funding.
The Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus was formed in 2009 and is chaired by Representative Randy Davis and Senator Del Marsh.
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?
