Why It Matters: Legislators, particularly those with a passion for our shared outdoor pursuits, are typically flooded each day with opposition to and attacks against the things they do. Events that bring sportsmen and women together with legislators to celebrate our hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions in a positive environment are an effective way to not only educate them about our beliefs but also to show them that we’re engaged.
Highlights:
- Approximately 75 sportsmen and women gathered at the Yolo Sportsmen’s Club in Davis, CA, just outside Sacramento, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to speak with members of the California Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus while enjoying some trap shooting together.
- Presentations were given by the Caucus Co-Chair Senator Brian Jones, our partners at California Waterfowl Association, California Rifle and Pistol Association, Bill Gaines and Associates, and of course, by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF).
In a state like California where the legislative news for sportsmen and women is often bad, this year’s Caucus Trap Shoot was a welcome day of fellowship and celebration in the capital city. On a typical beautiful California afternoon, around 75 sportsmen and women gathered at the Yolo Sportsmen’s Club to speak with legislators who support them and their issues. Several of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s in-state partners also spoke to the crowd about the good work being done to protect and advance hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting issues, and how California’s abundant wildlife resources are being managed.
Caucus Co-Chair Senator Brian Jones spoke for a few minutes on the importance of our hunting and shooting traditions, and their ongoing efforts to hold the line within the legislature. Following that were remarks from Mark Hennelly of the California Waterfowl Association, the primary sponsor of the event, followed by Rick Travis with the California Rifle and Pistol Association, and CSF’s Assistant Manager, Southwestern States Barry Snell.
Families and legislative staffers were also in attendance, and everyone was given guidance on the firing line by the young folks from the local California Youth Shooting Sports Association trap team. Over a dozen California game wardens were on hand to answer questions, act as range safety officers, and provide a few pointers here and there. The California Bowmen Hunters also came out and set up a range for kids to try their hand at archery. The event was rounded off with IDPA pistol shooting demonstrations on the adjacent short range, and the final touch was a fine spaghetti and meatball dinner provided by the good people at the Yolo Sportsmen’s Club.
CSF extends its thanks to all who attended this annual event, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
