On March 1, the Arkansas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) held their annual joint fish fry luncheon at the Arkansas Association of Counties office in Little Rock. The annual event is an opportunity for members of the legislature to discuss policies from fisheries management to feral hog control with AGFC staff from across the agency. During this event, Senator Eddie Joe Williams was elected as Senate vice-chair.
“We’re blessed to live in a state with good leadership from the AGFC and strong support from the legislative body for our rich outdoor heritage,” said Representative Jeff Wardlaw, Arkansas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair and member of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council. “The solid attendance by members of the legislature and AGFC staff at this annual event is a testament to our dedication for working together on natural resource issues and ensuring the ability of Arkansans to access and enjoy the abundant fish and wildlife the Natural State has to offer.”
Nearly 700,000 hunters and anglers spend more than $1.5 billion annually in the state, creating 25,000 jobs and contributing $163 million in state and local taxes.
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?
