On September 29, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted the 4th annual “Texas Bass, Bucks & Boots” regional event in Houston. During the reception and dinner, the sportsmen’s community, including CSF staff and partners, discussed upcoming policy priorities at the federal and state level within Texas and the Midwest region.
CSF President Jeff Crane welcomed attendees and noted state and federal policy accomplishments within the Lone Star State. “This year, CSF staff worked with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Texas Congressional delegation, and Governor Abbott’s office on policies that are critical to the state’s sportsmen and women; such as the Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority Act that would allow the Gulf States to manage its coastal fisheries.”
Bruce Culpepper, CSF Board of Directors member and President of Shell Oil Company, has been instrumental in organizing this event over the last four years. “I am pleased with the local interest and growth of this event over the past four years. Texas has 2.7 million hunters and anglers who spend over $4 billion annually on their outdoor pursuits, which is why coming together to both protect our outdoor heritage and continue to fuel the economy is so important,” said Culpepper.
Title Sponsors included: Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Dallas Safari Club, and Houston Safari Club. Host Sponsors included: Bass Pro Shops, Coastal Conservation Association, Gordy and Sons Outfitters, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Outdoor Sportsman Group, Plano Synergy, Richard Childress Racing, Safari Club International, Shell Oil Company, Shimano American Corporation, Silver Eagle Distributors, Southwest Airlines, and Vista Outdoor Inc.
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?
