On October 12, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) hosted the 12th Annual “Wine, Wheels & Wildlife” regional event in Lexington, North Carolina. This event brought together representatives from the sportsmen’s community and NASCAR to discuss upcoming sportsmen’s priorities across the country while enjoying wine from Childress Vineyards.
More than 400 attendees, including federal and state legislators from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), joined CSF and Childress for a reception, dinner and auction, followed by a speech from keynote speaker Mark Geist and a musical performance by country musician, Randy Houser. Several supporters of CSF hosted booths on the vineyard property including: Ball and Buck, Bass Pro Shops, Bill Ward, Bookyourhunt.com, Capt Peacock, Clint Orms Engravers & Silversmiths, CNH Industrial, Connecticut Shotgun, Croman Corporation, Ducks Unlimited, Foreign Cars Italia, Holland & Holland, Huntstand.com, Jonas Brothers Taxidermy Studio of New York, Leonard Logsdail, Montana Watch Company, Open Fences, Richard Childress Racing, SilencerCo, and Tiger World.
CSF President Jeff Crane welcomed attendees and noted recent accomplishments by the CSC, NASC, and Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC). “It is thanks to the support of our sportsmen’s community and industry partners that we are able to work with federal and state legislators on policies that are important for sportsmen and women and our rich sporting heritage.”
“This is our 12th year hosting Wine, Wheels & Wildlife, and it is stronger than ever,” said Childress. “We appreciate all of the support for this event and for CSF. What CSF does in the halls of government is so important to protecting hunting, fishing, and conservation for future generations.”
“In Washington, we work with 300 bipartisan Members of Congress to ensure sportsmen’s legislation is advanced,” said CSC Vice-Chair Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC). “Working with CSF, we were able to pass the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act during this Congress, which we hope to get signed into law this year.”
Title Sponsors were Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Childress Vineyards, and Richard Childress Racing. Host Sponsors included: Davidson’s, Inc., Grady-White Boats, Harris Crouch, Reynolds American, Inc., Safari Club International, SilencerCo, LLC, and Vista Outdoor Inc. Co-Host Sponsors included: Brownells, Inc., The Buck Bomb, Crosman Corporation, Dallas Safari Club, Foreign Cars Italia, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Outdoor Sportsman Group, Plano Synergy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Shimano American Corporation, and Thompson/Center Arms.
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?
