Contact Aoibheann Cline, Western States Coordinator
On May 25, the Oregon Sportsmen’s Caucus and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hosted the annual Youth Fishing Day at the Capitol.
Pools with trout and bass were brought to the steps of the Oregon State Capitol building to provide a quality experience and unique opportunity for kids to learn about fishing. Youth under 17 fished for free. Volunteers were on hand at the pools to teach casting techniques and how to land a fish. Additional volunteer stations surrounded the pools and provided opportunities for kids to learn about knot tying, fish anatomy, and local places to fish in Oregon. Outdoor Chef Kurt provided lessons on how to properly prepare fish and even served some of his favorite trout recipes.
This event is designed to get more kids “hooked” on fishing. New anglers were awarded with “First Fish Certificates” for catching their first fish.
“The Fishing Derby was a wonderful success. Hundreds of parents and children enjoyed a rainy day learning to fish, cast, and having their fish cooked right then and there. So many groups worked together to encourage children to enjoy the great outdoors. The best part of the day was hearing children call out, ‘I can’t believe I caught my first fish!’ and ‘This is the best day ever,’” said Caucus Co-Chair Representative Sherrie Sprenger.
“Kids fishing events are always heart-warming and special. We very much appreciate the efforts by the Caucus and volunteers from several organizations that made the event such a success,” said Shannon Hurn, Deputy Director of Fish and Wildlife Services of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
Oregon’s more than 700,000 anglers and hunters spend $929 million annually and support more than 14,000 jobs in the Beaver State. The Oregon Sportsmen’s Caucus is proud to represent the interests of these sportsmen and women in the Capitol.
Right to left: Rep. Sprenger and her son’s family with ODFW Deputy Director of Fish and Wildlife Services Shannon Hurn.
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?
