On March 22, the bipartisan and bicameral New York Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. The event served as an opportunity to showcase the benefits the time-honored traditions of hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping provide to the Empire State.
The event featured booths from a variety of in-state and national conservation organizations, including shooting and fishing simulators. The day was designed to allow legislators and their staff to have an interactive experience with various aspects of our sporting traditions, and to discuss policy priorities with attendees. Formal remarks were provided by Assembly Member Aileen Gunther and Senator Joseph Griffo – Co-Chairs of the New York Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.
Senator Griffo said, “The sportsmen and women of New York have been making the most of our great outdoors since the founding of our state, where so much of our shared culture and character is defined by this lasting tradition. Generation after generation, these outdoors enthusiasts have passed down their love and respect for our lands, while helping to strengthen our economy. By co-hosting the New York Sportsmen’s Day every year in Albany, I am proud to make my legislative colleagues aware of the sportsmen’s lifestyle and highlight the passion that inspires all of our state’s hunters, anglers and trappers.”
Event sponsors included American Suppressor Association, Crosman Corporation, and Yamaha Motor Corporation. Event participants included: 4-H Shooting Sports, Access the Adirondacks, National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, New York Crossbow Coalition, New York Deer and Elk Farmers Association, New York Sportsmen’s Advisory Council, New York Sportsmen’s Conservation Council, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, New York Back Country Hunters and Anglers, New York State Conservation Fund Advisory Board, Operation Injured Soldiers, and Saint Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
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?
