On June 17, the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus hosted a trap shoot to celebrate their state’s outdoor heritage with members of the Golden State’s sportsmen’s community. Held at Cordova Shooting Center outside Sacramento, the event also provided an opportunity to expose other legislators and staff to hunting and the shooting sports and the benefits of maintaining California’s strong outdoor traditions.
“As a Co-Chair of the Outdoor Sporting Caucus, I am very pleased that our Annual Caucus Shoot event was so well attended this year,” said Assemblymember Jim Frazier. “As a leader of this group, one of my major goals has been to end the negative stigma and misconceptions that are often associated with these types of recreational activities. The more we are able to engage and educate new participants, the more information we are able to share about safety, conservation and overall appreciation of the outdoors. I am proud of the strides that our group has made in educating our staff and Members in the Legislature, and I will continue to work diligently and foster the success in this Caucus.”
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife certified firearms instructors gave numerous novice shooters the opportunity to participate in the shooting sports in a safe, friendly and inviting environment.
Senator Jean Fuller, Co-Chair of the Outdoor Sporting Caucus, also used the shoot to highlight the critically important economic benefits that hunting and angling bring to California, stating, “Like millions of people in the United States, I grew up hunting and fishing. At my father’s duck club, I learned to shoot safely, behave responsibly and respect our natural resources. Additionally, hunting and fishing contributes $3.5 billion to our economy and employs 58,000 Californians. As the Co-Chair of the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus, I am committed to promoting and protecting these important outdoor activities for future families to enjoy.”
Sponsors included: Gaines and Associates, the California Waterfowl Association, Ducks Unlimited, the Tulare Basin Wetlands Association, California Bowmen Hunters / State Archery Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, California Houndsmen for Conservation, the American Suppressor Association, the Bay Area Chapter for SCI, the Black Brant Group and the Monterey County Fish and Game Commission.
For more information about the California Outdoor Sporting Caucus trap shoot, please see the news coverage provided by the Stockton Record by clicking here.
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?
