The National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) and the Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a policy reception on July 11 in Lexington, Kentucky during the 70th Annual Meeting of The Council of State Governments’ Southern Legislative Conference. More than 50 guests, with strong legislative attendance from five states, gathered to celebrate the rich sporting heritage of the Southern United States and learn how sportsmen’s caucuses protect and advance sporting traditions.
NASC Executive Council President and Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Senator Robin Webb addressed reception guests and spoke to the importance of working together to protect the interests of Southern hunters, anglers, trappers and recreational shooters. Senator Webb reflected, “It was an honor hosting legislators and partners from other Southern states at the NASC Southern Legislative Conference Reception in Lexington. It’s encouraging to see my peers from neighboring states steadfast in their dedication to protecting our rights as sportsmen and women. Many thanks to our sponsors and all that attended the reception to celebrate and learn more about how to protect and advance the South’s sporting heritage.”
Senator Robin Webb discussed a wide range of policy issues pertinent to sportsmen and women, and the American Kennel Club staffed an information table with exhibits and educational materials. In addition, staff from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation spoke with attendees about state-specific policy issues, answered questions and shared state sportsmen’s economic impact data and educational information on an array of policy topics, including Animal Rights Intrusion into Public Institutions; Substandard Kennels; and Hunter Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation.
The event facilitated interaction among legislators, state fish and wildlife agency staff and representatives from various sportsmen’s organizations including Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. The reception was made possible thanks to support from Safari Club International, the American Kennel Club and the Kentucky Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.
In 2004, CSF established NASC, which today is comprised of 48 states representing more than 2,000 state legislators.
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?
