Yesterday, nearly 30 bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Members put politics aside and joined members of the sportsmen’s conservation community for a day of trap, skeet, and sporting clays outside Washington, DC.
The annual Congressional Clays Competition allows Republicans and Democrats to come together and enjoy a shared tradition as sportsmen and women. Team Republicans was led by CSC Co-Chair Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC), and Team Democrats was led by CSC Co-Chair Congressman Gene Green (TX).
“This annual event brings together Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who are passionate about our outdoor traditions and wildlife conservation,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) President Jeff Crane.
Special guests included CSF Ambassador Lucas Hoge, Gold Medal Paralympian (2010, 2014, 2018) Andy Soule, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Director Greg Sheehan, Member of Canadian Parliament Bob Zimmer, and former Washington Redskin defensive tackle (1975 – 1988) Dave Butz.
Prior to the Congressional Clays Competition, members of the sportsmen’s community and allied industry representatives gathered for the annual Industry Challenge on May 14.
Top Congressional Clays Competition Scores
Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Individual Category
“Top Gun” Member of Congress: Rep. John Rutherford (FL)
“Top Gun” Republican: Rep. Richard Hudson (NC)
“Top Gun” Democrat: Rep. Mike Thompson (CA)
Top Skeet: Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC)
Top Trap: Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA)
Top Sporting Clays: Rep. Austin Scott (GA)
Experienced Category
“Top Gun”: Ryan Boyles
“Top Gun” Female: Sarah Rauch
Top Skeet: Forrest Wilson (Vista Outdoor)
Top Trap: David Farmer (Bass Pro Shops)
Top Sporting Clays: Joel Goergen (Safari Club International)
Beginners Category
“Top Gun”: Jennifer Thompson (Shell Oil Company) and Bob Sherman (Ducks Unlimited)
Industry Challenge Winners
Team Category
First Place team: Bill Backleit, Ryan Bronson, Fred Ferguson, Forrest Wilson (Vista Outdoor)
Second Place team: Andrew Bordon (Bass Pro Shops), Ryan Broyles, David Farmer (Bass Pro Shops), Rick Schmidt (Buck Bomb)
Third Place team: Dave Butz, Bethany Erb (Pheasants Forever), Chris Horton (CSF), David Slikkers (Tiara Yachts/Pursuit Boats)
Experienced Category
“Top Gun”: Ryan Boyles
Top Skeet: Ryan Bronson (Vista Outdoor)
Top Trap: Bill Backleit (Vista Outdoor)
Top Sporting Clays: Robert Crow (White Flyer Targets)
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?
