Contact: Joe Mullin, New England States Senior Coordinator
On March 12, the bipartisan and bicameral New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its first Caucus Luncheon of the year in Concord, NH. The Caucus was joined by representatives from the New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG) Department, several in-state and national conservation organizations, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) New England States Senior Coordinator Joe Mullin. Opening remarks were provided by Caucus Co-Chair and National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Secretary Representative Jeff Goley, who welcomed all attendees, Caucus members and non-Caucus members alike, and explained the pivotal role that the Caucus plays in supporting and advancing pro-sportsmen legislation. Mullin then took the floor to mention the upcoming NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit, and to recognize the dedicated efforts that various Caucus members put forth in fighting respective anti-sportsmen bills, and for their support of increased opportunities for the Granite State’s sportsmen and women.
Next to speak was Caucus member and Chair of the House Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee, Representative Cathryn Harvey, who remarked upon a number of the sportsmen-related bills that have been of particular notoriety this year, including a ban on recreational trapping, restructuring the qualifications for members of the Fish and Game Commission, and legislation that would have increased the discharge distance for firearms from 300 feet to 900 feet.
Carter Heath, New England Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation, then provided an update and outlook for the approaching turkey season. “I am excited about this coming Spring season, and look forward to making memories and sharing experiences with new hunters. We are in great shape for some high-quality hunting here in the Granite State,” said Heath. The luncheon wrapped up with statements made by longtime Caucus supporter Col. Kevin Jordan of the NHFG Department, Law Enforcement Division. Col. Jordan expressed his thanks to the Caucus members for their pro-sportsman efforts thus far, and then provided updates on various Departmental projects, such as the future use of drones for search and rescue efforts.
CSF will continue to work alongside the New Hampshire Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus throughout the year to protect and advance pro-sportsman legislation.
CSF would like to thank the following sponsors for making this Caucus luncheon possible: Comcast; Normand Higham Law Firm; RYP Granite Strategies, LLC; Alex Vailas; and Nick Vailas.
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?
