On April 21, Members of the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Department of Natural Resources officials, conservation partners, and members of the law enforcement community participated in a Mid-Atlantic Shoot and Policy Forum in Henderson, Maryland.
Director David Saveikis from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife stated, “”The demonstration on Airbows and firearm suppressors was a great opportunity for the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife to experience and evaluate new hunting methods and technology being considered for Delaware hunters. We thank the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for organizing the demonstration.””
The event began with a presentation by Mr. Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the American Suppressor Association (ASA), who discussed the numerous benefits of firearm suppressors for both recreational shooting and hunting. Mr. Jason Reid, Marketing and Communications Manager of Crosman Corporation, then presented information on large caliber air rifles and Airbows. In both instances, advances in technology now offer sportsmen and women an expanded effective range with products that are capable of harvesting big game animals. There was then a robust Q&A session where attendees discussed how the various technologies work and the current laws and regulations throughout the country.
Attendees then took to the range where they were able to see, feel and hear the positive difference using firearm suppressors provides both for the shooter, and for those around them. Likewise, attendees had the opportunity to test out a .357 caliber airgun and an Airbow.
Representative Jeff Spiegelman, Co-Chair of the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, in commenting on the event and the future of Delaware’s sporting heritage said, “Everyone who attended agreed that it was a very useful experience for understanding these state-of-the-art technologies. I think we all walked away with a new appreciation for putting Delaware on the cutting edge of new ways of legally and ethically practicing our hunting and shooting heritage.”
CSF would like to thank the American Suppressor Association, Crosman Corportation, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, National Rifle Association, and National Shooting Sports Foundation for their support and participation.
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?
