Contact: Nick Buggia, Upper Midwestern States Manager
On September 16, the Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted their first Sportsmen’s Rendezvous at Atterbury Shooting Complex in Edinburgh.
Attended by approximately 50 people, this event provided an opportunity for legislators, conservation organizations, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, and members of the Natural Resource Commission to discuss conservation issues across the state while enjoying activities like trap, skeet, and archery. In addition, Federal Premium Ammunition offered a demonstration of their new .410 shotgun loads for turkey, and participants had a chance to tour the nearly 5,000-acre Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area.
The activities were followed by a dinner catered by the DNR’s Parks Department and featured favorite dishes from around the state. During the dinner, participants heard from Director of the Indiana DNR Cam Clark, and representatives from the Indiana Sportsmen’s Roundtable, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Ruffed Grouse Society. Discussions focused on the importance of conservation organizations, fish and wildlife agencies, and legislators working together to strengthen the rich outdoor heritage we all enjoy as sportsmen and women. Co-Chair of the Indiana Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus, Representative Terry Goodin, also spoke on the importance of the Caucus and thanked everyone for supporting the event.
“”I am grateful for the partnership with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus,”” said Clark. “”This was a great opportunity to highlight all that the sportsmen’s community is doing to further conservation and wildlife in Indiana. The event at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area was enjoyed by all and we are looking forward to making this an annual occurrence.””
Co-Hosts included: Federal Premium Ammunition, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Sportsmen’s Roundtable, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society. Sponsors included: Ducks Unlimited, Indiana Conservation Officers FOB Lodge 201, Indiana Whitetail Deer Herd Management, Izaak Walton League, and Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever. Other support included the Central Indiana Chapter of Pheasants Forever.
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?
