On May 16, the bipartisan Maine Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted its annual Sportsmen’s Caucus Reception in Augusta. More than two dozen Maine legislators attended the event and were joined by partners from the sportsmen’s community and members of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council to discuss the importance of hunting and angling to Maine’s heritage, economy, and for the conservation of critical fish and wildlife habitat throughout the state.
Along with a discussion of key bills from the 2017 legislative session, attendees received information on the conservation funding that Maine receives from hunters and anglers through the American System of Conservation Funding which provides the bulk of funding for fish and wildlife conservation projects throughout the state.
The Maine Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus was formed in 2013 and currently consists of 40 bipartisan members from both the House and Senate. Co-Chaired by Senators Thomas Saviello and Troy Jackson, and Representatives Martin Grohman and Steve Wood, the Caucus provides a strong voice for Maine’s 413,000 sportsmen and women who spend more than $609 million to engage in their pursuits. This spending supports more than 10,000 jobs and generates more than $71 million in state and local taxes – enough to pay for the average salaries of more than 2,200 firefighters.
Sponsors included: L.L. Bean; Norman, Hanson, & DeTroy, LLC; and Reynolds American, Inc.
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?
