Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris announced the grand opening of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri this September, in coordination with National Hunting and Fishing Day.
As a conservation leader and avid sportsman, Morris dedicates much of his time and resources to conservation organizations and promoting the story of hunters and anglers as true conservationists. “I am proud and excited that this special facility dedicated to those who love the outdoors will open in the heart of America in our hometown, Springfield, Missouri,” said Morris. “We are deeply grateful to the many remarkably talented individuals and world-class conservation organizations that have come together for the past nine years to help make this vision a reality. It is our shared hope that the tremendous investment of time, energy and resources will have a profound, positive long-term impact on the future of hunting, fishing and conservation in America.”
According to Bass Pro Shops’ statement, this museum and aquarium will be the largest and most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world. In addition to a 1.5 million-gallon aquarium, trails and exhibits, and wildlife galleries, the museum will highlight partnerships that Bass Pro Shops has with 34 of the world’s foremost conservation organizations, including the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), a National Hunting and Fishing Day sponsor.
CSF President Jeff Crane will attend the grand opening in Springfield to represent the organization and its partnership with Bass Pro Shops. “Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops have been longtime supporters of CSF. I look forward to attending the opening of the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and celebrating fish and wildlife conservation and our sportsmen’s heritage,” said Crane.
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?
