On September 10, 65 members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC), and hundreds of representatives of the sportsmen’s community were welcomed in downtown Washington, D.C. for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) 25th Annual Banquet & Auction.
As CSF’s largest annual event, this year uniquely showcased the 25th Anniversary of CSF and the CSC, as well as the 10th Anniversary of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) and the 5th Anniversary of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) through the Banquet and Anniversary theme: “Yesterday’s Achievement’s, Tomorrow’s Aspirations.” The event provided an opportunity for the CSC to reflect on and celebrate 25 years of successful policy-making and plans for future opportunities to advance the interests of America’s sportsmen and women in the House and Senate.
Earlier in the day, CSF hosted the CSC 25th Anniversary lunch, sponsored by Entergy Corporation. At the lunch, CSC leadership and CSF partners discussed a variety of priorities in the sportsmen’s community.
CSF President Jeff Crane stated, “After working closely with the CSC all year, this is our opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and dedication to advancing the heritage of America’s sportsmen and women, and keeping hunting, angling, and recreational shooting a priority.”
The evening kicked off with a VIP reception hosted by Remington and Safari Club International. Congressman Rob Bishop (R-UT), the likely next Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, addressed the reception’s attendees. “Few entities have had such significant successes and influence on natural resource, public lands, and outdoor recreation policy issues in the last 25 years as the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. As Chairman of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee, overseeing public lands I have worked closely with caucus members to ensure that hunting and fishing remain viable on our nation’s public lands. Advancing these opportunities has always been a key priority and, in collaboration with the ongoing advocacy efforts of the Sportsmen’s Caucus, I look forward to continuing our work on these important issues next year at the Natural Resources Committee,” said Rep. Bishop.
CSC Co-Chairs also reflected on the 25th Anniversary of the CSC and CSF:
Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC): “For 25 years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation has been a key voice for sportsmen and women across the country. Since becoming Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus early last year, I have had the pleasure of working closely with CSF to advocate for policies important to hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts in North Carolina and nationwide. Protecting our rich outdoor heritage is one of my top priorities, and I will continue to work across party lines and regional divides to ensure America’s sportsmen and women have a seat at the table in Washington.”
Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH): “For 25 years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has served a vital role, promoting pro-sportsmen and sportswomen initiatives at the federal level. The Caucus has grown to include nearly 300 members representing almost 50 states, making it one of the most influential on Capitol Hill. It has been an honor to serve as the Caucus Co-Chair this Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Caucus to advance the recreational and conservation efforts of our sportsmen and sportswomen.”
Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS): “I am pleased to join the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in celebrating 25 years of effectively raising and implementing sporting policies on the federal level. As an avid fisherman and hunter, I understand the impact that hunting and fishing has on local economies and the unique sporting opportunities the caucus helps to highlight. As Caucus Co-Chair, I anticipate the continued success of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and its advancement of legislation promoting the interests of sportsmen and women across the country.”
Senator John Thune (R-SD): “As a hunter and Senate Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I commend CSF for its 25 years of dedication and hard work on promoting the legislative agenda of America’s sporting community in the Halls of Congress.”
Title Sponsors of the 25th Annual Banquet & Auction were ATK and National Shooting Sports Foundation. Host Sponsors included: Diageo, Ford Motor Company, Hornady Manufacturing Company, InterMedia Outdoors, ITC Holdings Corporation, Safari Club International, Sportsman Channel, and Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America. Co-Host Sponsors included: Amgen, Anheuser-Busch, Ash Grove Cement Company, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, CropLife America, Crossroads Strategies, LLC, Dallas Safari Club, General Motors, Houston Safari Club, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Natural Resource Results, Remington, Richard Childress Racing, Shimano American Corporation, Smith & Wesson, Winchester Ammunition, and Yamaha Motor Corporation.
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?
