On September 20, members of the Nevada Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus) and leaders from the Nevada sportsmen’s community gathered to honor the late Senator Debbie Smith at the Senator Debbie Smith Memorial Shoot in Las Vegas, Nevada. Attendees, including a number of first-time shooters, had the opportunity to shoot trap at the Clark County Shooting Complex, and remarks were provided during lunch by both colleagues of Senator Smith and members of the state’s sportsmen’s community.
Sen. Smith, who served as Co-Chair of the Caucus, was honored by her colleagues for playing a vital role as the driving force in establishing the Caucus, and having a lasting and positive impact on the sportsmen and women of the Silver State.
“Early on, Debbie recognized the value of bringing people together from across the aisle, and across the state to talk about these issues,” said David Bobzien, a former Caucus Co-Chair, and current member of the Reno City Council. “Debbie’s legislative service will be noticed and felt by Nevadans for many, many years.”
“Senator Smith had a significant and positive impact on sportsmen and women in Nevada,” stated Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “She was dogged and steadfast in her support of hunting and fishing in the state, and we should all strive to live up to her example of bringing people together to protect our rich outdoor traditions.”
Senator Scott Hammond, who serves as Co-Chair of the Caucus, also spoke about Senator Smith’s contributions. “Today was a great opportunity for sportsmen and women to come together to honor Senator Smith. Debbie was an exemplary advocate for Nevada’s sportsmen and women, and I look forward to working with the Caucus to build on her legacy.”
Each year, the Silver State’s more than 163,000 hunters and anglers spend $409 million annually, generating $38,198,892 in state and local taxes, and supporting 5,326 jobs.
Sponsors included: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Carson Valley Chukar Club, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, Friends of Nevada Wildlife, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Nevada Sportsmen’s Unlimited, Nevada Trappers Association, Nevada Wildlife Federation Inc., Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI), Southern Nevada Coalition for Wildlife, Wildlife and Habitat Improvement of Nevada.
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?
