The Missouri Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted its 6th annual Sportsmen’s Caucus Squirrel Gravy Kick-off Breakfast last week at the Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri. Chris Horton, the Midwestern States Director for CSF, was in attendance and had an opportunity to address the gathering. “We had another great turnout for this event. Like always, the squirrel gravy and biscuits are a new experience for some, but a much anticipated favorite for veteran attendees who look forward to the event each year. Most importantly, however, the gathering presents an opportunity for the sportsmen’s community to come together with policy makers at the beginning of the Missouri legislative process to discuss various issues and challenges for the state’s 1.28 million hunters, anglers and trappers.” said Horton.
The event is held near the beginning of the legislative session, where attendees can share their hunting and fishing experiences during the previous seasons, while also giving the Caucus a chance to discuss upcoming policy priorities over the next few months. Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Linda Black and Eric Burlison led the meeting and encouraged new legislators to join the Caucus. They also took the opportunity to relate their experience and information gained during the annual NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit, and encouraged their fellow Caucus members to attend in 2015 in order to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities America’s sportsmen and women are facing nationally.
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?
