On January 25, the Idaho Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, a bipartisan group of sportsmen-legislators working to safeguard Idaho’s hunting, angling, trapping, and recreational shooting traditions, hosted its annual kick-off breakfast in Boise with the Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance to celebrate the state’s outdoor pastimes and discuss sportsmen’s priorities for the 2018 session.
The Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Mat Erpelding and Steve Miller, and Senators Michelle Stennett and Lee Heider – addressed attendees and reaffirmed their commitment to working for Idaho’s sportsmen and women.
Senator Heider stated, “The Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus has a tremendous opportunity to serve as a trusted source of information and education on policy issues affecting our state’s hunters and anglers, and I am excited to continue to work with my fellow Co-Chairs to ensure that the Caucus is as effective as it can possibly be.”
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Northwest States Manager Zach Widner discussed the form and function of the Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus, noting that the Caucus was created in 2004 as a venue for focused discussion on Idaho’s sportsmen’s issues. Attendees also received a brief address from Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance (ISA) President Larry Fry and Executive Director Benn Brocksome, who discussed some of ISA’s policy priorities for the session. It was also announced that the Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus will be hosting an informational lunch briefing on Chronic Wasting Disease at the Idaho State Capitol on February 14.
Caucus members were joined by representatives from a number of state and national sportsmen’s organizations, including Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Idaho Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Trout Unlimited. Idaho Fish and Game Deputy of Operations Ed Schriever also provided remarks.
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?
