On April 20, the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted hunting and other conservation groups from across the Centennial State for Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol in Denver. Participating organizations had the opportunity to set up tables and displays on the first floor of the Capitol, providing them with the chance to interact with legislators, visitors and staff throughout the day. The Sportsmen’s Caucus also hosted a hot dog picnic and wild game feed featuring elk cheddar dogs, elk burgers and venison.
When the House convened in the morning, Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Jeni Arndt and Jim Wilson invited participants to join them on the House Floor for introductions and announcements. The Caucus leaders also recognized the contributions of the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF) by presenting Sportsmen’s Day participants with a tribute and requesting that it be read aloud on the floor. Following the morning’s activities, attendees gathered for a discussion of House Bill 1321, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Financial Sustainability legislation.
This year’s sponsors of Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol included: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Bass Pro Shops, Big Game Forever, Colorado Outfitters Association, Colorado Outfitters United, Colorado Trappers and Predator Hunters Association, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
To listen to archived audio of the Sportsmen’s Day tribute on the House Floor, click here and advance to 9:05.
To view a copy of the House ASCF tribute, click 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?
