By Nick Buggia, Upper Midwestern States Manager
On October 9, the North Dakota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted its 4th annual Legislative Clay Competition at Capitol City Sporting Clays in Bismarck.
Attendees included North Dakota Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Erin Oban and Representative Todd Porter along with several other legislators, representatives from the North Dakota Governor’s Office, and leadership of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
“This event is something the Caucus looks forward to every year. It is an opportunity for the sportsmen’s community and legislators to build stronger relationships, and gives sportsmen and women the chance to communicate directly with legislators,” said Rep. Porter.
“Bringing together the sportsmen’s community at this event helps legislators learn more about the issues that are vitally important to the many sportsmen and women who call North Dakota home,” said Sen. Oban.
Also in attendance were Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s Upper Midwestern States Manager Nick Buggia, along with representatives from Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, North Dakota Bowhunters Association, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, North Dakota Wildlife Federation, North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Society, North Dakota Natural Recourses Trust, Pheasants Forever, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
The clays competition was followed by a dinner and discussion of issues important to North Dakota’s sportsmen and women.
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?