On February 24, leaders and members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) gathered for a reception running concurrently with the annual National Governors Association meeting to discuss annual priorities with representatives from the sportsmen’s conservation community.
The event was hosted by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and focused on accomplishments and challenges from the last year.
CSF President Jeff Crane welcomed attendees. “The Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus continues to grow stronger – now with 35 governors – and extends the network of elected officials who represent sportsmen, sportswomen, and fish and wildlife conservation in the halls of government across the country,” said Crane. “CSF would like to thank the 40 governors who signed proclamations in 2017 recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day. We hope that every GSC member will consider signing such a proclamation in 2018 as well.”
This year, the GSC is led by Co-Chairs Governor Steve Bullock (MT) and Governor Matt Mead (WY), along with Vice-Chair Governor Tom Wolf (PA).
Governor Mead said, “This last fall, my son got his first elk in Wyoming; it is wonderful that he is going to be the next generation that carries on conservation efforts, the opportunity for outdoor recreation, and the spirit and tradition [of hunting], not only in the Western states, but across the United States. Sportsmen care about wildlife and the traditions of hunting and fishing, and [other] outdoor recreation.”
Former GSC Co-Chair Governor Phil Bryant (MS) also addressed attendees. “If it were not for [hunters], there would not be a deer population in Mississippi. We 
care about and nurture wildlife. We also understand that our land, water, and air is important. What the [Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus] does is ensure hunting and conservation in the future.”
About the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus
Formed in 2009, the GSC, a bipartisan caucus of governors, facilitates communication and information exchange between participating offices in support of policies and regulations that promote and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. Guided by a bipartisan leadership team of governors and staffed through CSF, the GSC complements and enhances the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. Presently, the bipartisan GSC consists of 35 members representing diverse regions of the nation.
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?
