On April 8, the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus hosted their annual year-end legislative reception at the War Memorial Building in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Sponsored by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation (Foundation), the event provided a time for legislators, staffers, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency personnel, Foundation staff, and representatives from sportsmen’s organizations to gather and reflect on legislative successes. The event was attended by over 100 guests, including approximately 40 legislators and Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member Governor Bill Haslam.
The Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus is Chaired by Representative Ron Lollar and Senator Mike Bell. This year, Senator Bell sponsored SB 1237, which would increase the number of consecutive years that a person may purchase an annual hunter apprentice permit to allow hunters more sufficient time to “try before you buy.” The measure passed the Senate on April 1, and is currently waiting to be heard in the House. Additionally, numerous bills have been introduced, aiming to establishing an outdoor sporting good tax holiday in Tennessee this year.
Hunters and anglers in Tennessee spend $1.8 billion annually, supporting over 26,000 jobs.
The Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus is part of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). For more information on the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, please contact CSF Southeastern States Manager Bee Frederick at bee@sportsmenslink.org.
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?
