On Wednesday, December 10, the Ohio Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in conjunction with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted over 70 members from the Ohio sportsmen’s community for an evening reception in the beautiful Capitol Atrium. Despite it being the second to last day of the 2014 session and legislators having packed agendas, over 20 members of the Ohio General Assembly stopped by to spend some time with sportsmen and women, Ohio Division of Wildlife staff, and allied industry representatives, helping further strengthen the bonds between all those involved with protecting and advancing hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping in the Buckeye state.
Senate Co-Chairs, Sen. Joe Uecker (R-Miami Township) and Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) addressed the crowd and reiterated their commitment to, and appreciation for Ohio’s time-honored traditions. Following the event, Sen. Uecker commented, “I enjoyed meeting with many groups and members of Ohio’s sportsmen’s community last week. The community plays a vital role in Ohio’s economic development and conservation efforts. It’s important that we continue to come together to further the sportsmen’s agenda.”
Sen. Lou Gentile added, “Ohio’s sportsmen and women contribute greatly to our state heritage and culture, as well as contributing to our local communities and economies. I look forward to working with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and all of Ohio’s sportsmen to promote this vital industry that is so valuable to Ohio’s economy.” Ohio’s sportsmen and women spend nearly $3 billion a year pursuing their outdoor interests.
Other speakers included Matt Misicka, Vice President of the Ohio Conservation Federation, and Division of Wildlife Chief, Scott Zody. Both speakers expressed thanks for the dedication of the Caucus and to the many supporters who made the event possible and whose on-the-ground conservation efforts help make Ohio one of the premier states in the country to hunt, fish, and trap.
The Ohio Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Reception Title Sponsors included the Ohio Conservation Federation and Byers, Minton & Associates, LLC. Host Sponsors included: Buckeye Firearms Association, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, American Suppressor Association, Buckeye Big Buck Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Ohio State Trappers Association, and Field & Stream.
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?
