On February 16, the North Dakota Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted a sportsmen’s reception. More than 30 state legislators, leaders of national and in-state conservation organizations, and staff from the Department of Game and Fish gathered for a reception in Bismarck to discuss issues affecting the sportsmen and women in the state and celebrate North Dakota’s rich sporting heritage.
Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Kelly Armstrong, Representative Todd Porter, and Representative Corey Mock welcomed attendees to the reception, thanking them for supporting their sportsmen and women constituents. The caucus leaders also addressed the need to continue to raise awareness of sportsmen’s issues in the legislature. Representative Mock remarked, “Hunting, fishing, conservation – they’re all an essential part of North Dakota’s outdoor heritage. They are not partisan issues. It is imperative – and should be easy – for all sides to come together, find solutions, and enrich this shared heritage.”
The reception was sponsored by: Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, North Dakota Chapter of the Natural Resources Trust, North Dakota Chapter of the Wildlife Federation, North Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society, North Dakota Deer Ranchers, Pheasants Forever, Rick Tischaefer, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Scheels.
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?
