IDAHO LEGISLATORS FORM SEVENTEETH STATE SPORTSMEN'S CAUCUS
Washington, DC: Idaho legislators will form the seventeenth state sportsmen's caucus after an organizing dinner tonight at the Crystal Ballroom in the historic Hoff Building in Boise. Co-chaired by Representative David Langhorst (D-16B) and Representative Richard Wills (R-22 A) in the House, and Senator John Andreason (R-15) and Senator Clint Stennet (D-25) in the Senate, the Idaho Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus is a bi-partisan, bi-cameral group of legislators who will work together to address sportsmen's issues within the state legislature. Tonight's dinner will feature an overview of the successes of sportsmen's caucuses in other states from the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF). In addition sportsmen's groups in the state, spearheaded by SCI, are exploring the creation of an advisory group to serve as a link between the groups and members of the caucus.
"Idaho is a rural state and there is a need for a coalition with genuine concern for promoting and protecting our great hunting and fishing traditions," commented Representative Wills. "We need to preserve these opportunities as a lasting legacy for the future"
"Fish and wildlife issues can sometimes be divisive, but our interests in preserving a quality resource, with access for Idaho's hunting and fishing families, can unite us," stated Representative Langhorst. "I come from an urban district, and many of my constituents care greatly about maintaining Idaho's outdoors traditions. They understand that the best way to protect our hunting and fishing heritage is for sportsmen and landowners to work together, both on the land and here in the legislature."
"I am excited that the sportsmen's caucus is organizing," noted Senator Stennett. "I look forward to working with legislators, the sportsmen's groups of Idaho and the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation to enhance access and provide richer and better sporting opportunities in our beautiful state."
Idaho's outdoor traditions are a key part of the state's economy and history. The land and water of Idaho presents hunters and anglers with tremendous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, and one of every three Idaho residents hunt or fish. The state's 486,000 sportsmen contribute over $755 million annually to the state's economy.
"As a native Idahoan it has been my privilege to hunt and fish all my life," said Senator Andreason. "I am very pleased to be a part of this new organization that can work hand in hand with the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to promote fishing and hunting in this state."
"This is a great opportunity for Idaho's sportsmen to work closely with like-minded legislators to build a positive future for hunters and anglers throughout the state," commented Brad Rowse, State Caucus Manager for the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "The Idaho Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus will present a visible front when promoting pro-sportsman and fish and wildlife conservation initiatives." The Idaho Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus will be loosely patterned after the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, which is the largest Caucus in the U.S. Congress, with more than 300 members.
Tonight's dinner for members of the legislature is being attended by twenty sportsmen's groups including: Ada County Fish & Wildlife League, Federation of Fly Fishers - Idaho, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Idaho Bird Hunters, Idaho Falconers Association, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, Idaho State Bowhunters, Idaho Steelhead and Salmon Unlimited, Idaho Wildlife Federation, National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, Southeast Idaho Mule Deer Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife, Steelhead & Salmon Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, and Upper Snake River Trappers Association.
Good effort there 1-pointer; but I don't personally abide lobbyists in any form. You see I'm a firm believer in this; "If you give up your individual responsibility, then soon you lose your individual right." Normally that works as a transfer of power from citizen to elected official but the same thing applies to lobby groups.
