Why It Matters: Legislators, particularly those with a passion for our shared outdoor pursuits, are typically flooded each day with opposition to and attacks against the things they do. Events that bring sportsmen and women together with legislators to celebrate our hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions in a positive environment are an effective way to not only educate them about our beliefs but also to show them that we’re engaged, and we stick together as residents and voters.
Highlights:
- Over 350 sportsmen and women gathered on the lawn of the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Thursday, April 17, 2024, to celebrate Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol.
- Presentations were given by the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co- Senators Perry Will and Dylan Roberts, and Rep. Mike Lynch, who gave speeches of support, along with our partners at Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management and the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project.
- Every Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair was presented with an award recognizing their contributions to Colorado’s sportsmen and women, and Senator Perry Will was presented the Colorado Icon Award for lifetime achievement.
- The members of the House and Senate showed their support by running Joint Resolution 24-017 at the same time, declaring April 18 as Colorado Sportsmen’s Day 2024.
In a state like Colorado, where the legislative news for sportsmen and women is often bad, this year’s Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol was a welcome day of fellowship and celebration in Denver. Despite the 35-degree temperature, rain, and even a little snow, over 350 sportsmen and women gathered on the Capitol lawn to hear legislators voice their support for them and their issues. Several of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) in-state partners also spoke to the crowd about the good work being done to defend and advance hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting issues, and how Colorado’s abundant wildlife resources are being managed.
Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Mike Lynch and Barbara McLachlan and Senators Perry Will and Dylan Roberts were all presented with awards to recognize their service to Colorado’s sportsmen and women. Senator Will announced that he was retiring from the legislature at the end of this session, and that he intends to run for a county commissioner seat in his home county in order to be near his grandchildren. Given his full lifetime of service to Coloradans and dedication to scientific wildlife management in numerous roles over the years, Senator Will was also presented with the Colorado Icon Award. Senator Will has been a tremendous advocate, and his absence in the legislature will be deeply felt.
Meanwhile, as the crowd was gathered on the lawn, the House and Senate ran a concurrent joint resolution in support of Colorado’s sportsmen and women. Joint Resolution 24-017 declares April 18 to be Colorado Sportsmen’s Day 2024. The resolution was sponsored by all Colorado Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus co-chairs in the House and the Senate, and urged all members of the Colorado Legislature to join the Sportsmen’s Caucus. A copy of the resolution was ordered to be sent to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis, who was in attendance for most of the event.
CSF extends its thanks to all who attended this annual event, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
