On Tuesday, January 21, the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus held its annual Sportsmen’s Caucus Reception to jump-start the 2014 legislative session.
Over 50 members of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus were joined by state and national conservation partners, as well as staff from Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus member, Governor Peter Shumlin’s office, and U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy’s office. Additionally, the Commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Patrick Berry, attended the event along with many of his staff.
“Events like these are critical to successfully advancing sportsmen’s issues and fostering a spirit of cooperation,” said Representative Patrick Brennan, Co-Chair of the Caucus. “It is invaluable for us, as Caucus members, to hear from our constituents and other stake holders, and for them to hear from us. Vermont is very fortunate in that we have the support of the Governor, Congressional members, the Fish and Wildlife Department, and both in-state and national conservation partners to ensure that the interests of sportsmen and women are prioritized in the policy process.”
CSF’s Northeastern States Director, Brent Miller, attended the event and presented on the positive economic and conservation benefits resulting from Vermont’s rich sportsmen’s heritage. Over $442 million is added to Vermont’s economy each year as a direct result of hunting and angling. Additionally, Vermont’s sportsmen and women contributed over $14.5 million to conservation in 2013 alone.
To learn more about the positive impact of hunting and angling in Vermont as well as the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, click here.
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?
