On February 17, as part of the 2017 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a reception with leaders of the Minnesota conservation community. The gathering shared ideas to elevate the discussion about conservation efforts throughout the state and learned more about the accomplishments of the community.
Caucus Co-Chair Representative Joe Hoppe and Caucus Member Representative Rick Hansen addressed the attendees, stressing the important role that sportsmen and women play in Minnesota’s economy and as conservationists. Representative Hoppe discussed the importance of legislators staying informed on hunting and angling issues.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Midwestern States Director Chris Horton provided remarks, “Minnesota was among the very first states to organize a state legislative sportsmen’s caucus, and understandably so. Minnesota’s hunters and anglers spend almost $3.2 billion annually, and support almost 50,000 jobs. Building partnerships between legislators and sportsmen and women is essential to help protect and advance Minnesota’s rich outdoor heritage.”
Joining the Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in hosting the reception was CSF, Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Alliance, Pheasants Forever, and Quail 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?
