On February 7, the New Mexico Sportsmen’s Caucus, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Senior Director of Western States Andy Treharne, and members of the sportsmen’s community came together to celebrate hunting, fishing and trapping in the Land of Enchantment.
Although the New Mexico Caucus is currently focused on the state budget during its thirty-day session, the event provided an opportunity to highlight many of the economic, social and conservation benefits that the state’s hunters, anglers and trappers provide for the state.
Speaking to the crowd, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council member Representative Bill Rehm stated, “This reception is a good time to remind ourselves as legislators that sportsmen and women are the primary drivers of conservation funding in New Mexico. But even more importantly, these activities are important for New Mexico’s cultural heritage and are ingrained in the state’s identity.”
Attendees were also provided with statistics about hunting, fishing and trapping in New Mexico. Among them:
Sponsors included Barrio Brinery; National Wild Turkey Federation; New Mexico Cattlegrowers Association, Inc.; New Mexico Council of Outfitters and Guides; New Mexico Conservation Officers Association; Southern New Mexico Safari Club International; New Mexico Wool Growers; Marco Gonzales; Jeremy Rutherford; Charlie Marquez; and Public Service Company of New Mexico.
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?
