By Brett Stayton, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator
On April 26, the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held a policy forum at the State Capitol for caucus members, state agency personnel, and stakeholders to discuss various conservation policies.
Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Jeff Spiegelman and William Carson, provided legislative updates on issues involving game meat donation liability coverage and hunting with airbows. Additionally, Senator Bruce Ennis presented a draft of the Sunday Hunting bill he authored, which is expected to be introduced in Committee next week. Lastly, Senator Bryan Pettyjohn joined his Co-Chairs in outlining their list of legislative priorities to discuss with Governor John Carney, a member of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC).
David Saveikis, the Director of the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, also provided updates on the state’s artificial reef program, regulatory changes to flounder take, and what the new Sunday hunting legislation could mean for the state’s public lands.
Finally, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Shawn Garvin updated meeting attendees on Gov. Carney’s stance on several sportsmen’s issues in the state.
Public input on various topics was shared by representatives of the Delaware Nature Society, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, and National Wild Turkey Federation.
All Caucus meetings in Delaware are open to the public. Caucus members plan to reconvene in late May.
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?
