By Bee Frederick, Southeastern States Director
On July 19, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted the 2nd Annual South Carolina Sporting Clays Classic in Edgefield at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Palmetto Shooting Complex.
The event gathered South Carolina and Georgia state legislative sportsmen’s caucus members, respective state agency leadership, nearly 200 members of the sportsmen’s community, and various in-state supporters of sportsmen’s policies and conservation efforts.
Following a round of sporting clays, attendees enjoyed an evening of barbeque and sportsmen’s policy discussion. Recognized at the event was the reauthorization of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, which was due in large part to the Sportsmen’s Caucus. Additionally, the Caucus recently submitted a letter in support of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is a proud partner of the NWTF. As one of the original substantial supporters of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), it’s fitting to join with them here in South Carolina at this beautiful complex to further our shared mission,” noted CSF President Jeff Crane. “The South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus continues to set an example for how sportsmen’s caucuses can be a voice for pro-sportsmen’s policies in statehouses around the country. A special thanks to the South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus members, especially Representatives Mike Pitts, Brian White, and Alan Clemmons for all you do and for making this event a tremendous success.”
The South Carolina Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus is currently chaired by Representative Russell Ott with Rep. Alan Clemmons serving as the Vice-Chair. Senators Chip Campsen and Thomas McElveen lead the Senate side.
National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Members including President Senator Bill Heath (GA), Vice President Representative Brian White (SC), and past President Representative Mike Pitts (SC) were in attendance.
“Today, we had a team from Newberry Middle School out there having a good time, respecting firearms and also respecting the great outdoors. That’s one of the main reasons we do what we do. We want to be sure that future generations are able to enjoy these storied traditions and conservation funding drivers,” said Rep. White.
“We are really proud to have the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation back here at the Palmetto Shooting Complex,” added Becky Humphries, NWTF CEO. “Through their efforts in D.C. and on the state levels, they are working to protect our hunting, shooting and outdoor rights across the country. Their work is critical to preserving the lifestyle we believe in.”
Title sponsors included: Bass Pro Shops; BP America; Cabela’s Outdoor Fund; Ducks Unlimited; National Wild Turkey Federation; Wilson Tractor, Inc.; and Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses legislators and CSF President Jeff Crane at the South Carolina Clays Classic.
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?
