Congressional Sportsman Caucus

[1_pointer]

Seems like some politicians are appearing to be interested in Sportsman's Issues. Thought this may be of interest to those who post on this forum. The site also has a search function that allows one to identify the congresspeople from their state involved in their state.
Congressional Sportsman's Congress

 

[pawclaws]

Our voice in Washington?? I thought that's what our Congressmen were!! 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.

 

[Ithaca 37]

Our Idaho Sen. Larry Craig has been in the caucus since day one and he's the worst enemy hunters and fishermen could have. True, he's an NRA Director, but he's also firmly under the control of the logging, mining and welfare ranching industries. A few years ago he was making a speach and claimed that he had enjoyed some pheasant hunting on a recent trip back home to Idaho. The ID F&G checked their records and Craig hadn't bought a hunting license in 20 years!

 

[dgibson]

Coincidentally, here's a press release from the CSF (affiliated with the CSC) that came in just today:

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.

http://www.sportsmenslink.org/programs/caucus/IDStateCaucus.asp

Maybe Ithaca's just mad because he didn't get an invitation to the swank event.

 

[Ithaca 37]

Actually, Representative David Langhorst and Senator John Andreason are friends of mine. I think we're in pretty good shape with those guys in charge.

 

[JoseCuervo]

Yeah, what have they done for me lately??? I don't see them leading any 'issues'.... Do you?

 

[Moosie]

Caucus Bump............

Any more thoughts on the Sportsmans Caucus ?

 

[Wally Dog]

EG,
Patience, patience. The Sportsmen's Advisory Council is in the formative stage. We are developing bylaws etc. at present. The group will consist of a diverse mix of sporting group representatives. The intent is to structure our group so that we are insulated against any single personality or organizations agenda becoming the mantra of the council. We'll deal with issues that impact our hunting, fishing & trapping privledges with a unified voice. Then council our Legislative Caucus members. You and I both know of instances where this concept has gone wrong in recent years. So stay tuned in. I sincerely hope we succeed.
WD

 

[JoseCuervo]

Wally,

Who is the "we"? There are only so many people that actually get involved in these things, and they all seem to go back to their "core" agenda....

IE, the Fish and Game is bad, they spend too much, they don't have enough doe hunts, Wolves are bad, Elk need Winter feeding when temps drop below 40, Outfitters need special hunts, Ranchers need landowner tags, ranchers need compensation for feed, ranchers don't need to protect the Salmon, Salmon don't need water, need more hunts for left handed recurve shooting archers, ATVs are good, walk-in hunting equals no access....etc..etc...

How does a "caucus" approach an 80% GOP legislature made up of ranchers and farmers, and convince them to keep their politics out of the science of managing Idaho's game?

I'll be honest Wally, I have given up on most of these attempts, as they just don't seem to have worked. It seems easier to me to accomplish WAY more with Idaho Rivers United, WWP, ICL and other groups that actually are winning.

I'd love to be convinced that a buch of Hooks and Bullets guys are going to be able to make a change, but in a 1 party state, how would that happen???

(Not trying to start a fight, just trying to pi$$ you off enough that you share some insight.) If you want, I would even buy you a beer (Green bottle of course....)

 

[Wally Dog]

EG,
Beer'd be good. I hate typing anything lengthy.
WD

 

[JoseCuervo]

Hey Wally,

I can do lunch or a beer on Thursday (tomorrow).

And since Moosie was the one who bumped this topic, I would even invite him along to buy, or at least send his debit card....

(Actually, I need my lifejackets, squirtguns,etc... back)

 

[Moosie]

I think I have Lunch With the State tomorrow.... Could any of ya do it on Friday ? Beer at 5:30 PM would work though..... I'll even Bring my debit card

MAybe we could Invite Ithica and MD4me and have a BIG ol Party

 

[JoseCuervo]

I can do lunch on Friday, not beer, as I got Soccer practice....

I'm not sure if MD likes all of us.... Let's just leave it at Wally... Hell, I don't even know if he likes me yet, but most all learn to love me....

 

[Moosie]

I know I have come to love ya

Gunner could we Bribe you to Drive to Park center ? Thats about where Wally is... Or we could meet elsewere, Someplace Quite to talk .. like Moons (Of course THAT was a joke.)

Lemme know. Friday sounds Good. I need to hear about this Caucus before my Sat Meeting I'm having in Pokey, I'm suposed to Answer a question or two and Look smart at doing so

 

[Wapiti Slayer]

Originally posted by ElkGunner:
Yeah, what have they done for me lately??? I don't see them leading any 'issues'.... Do you?

If they haven't done anything for "YOU" than it must be bad! YOU are the only thing that matters in the whole $*)Q!#@$ world according to YOUR dumb ass self! To bad YOU don't $*)Q!#@$ matter to anyone but YOU!

 

[Ithaca 37]

I wish I could be there on Friday, but I don't think I'll be back from Emmett in time. Let me know where you'll be in case my appointment gets cancelled.

Wally knows how much $ turkey hunting generates every year in Idaho and how much it was generating in 1982 when there were 93 turkey permits sold and about 400 turkeys to hunt for in the whole state. I just can't believe that kinda info doesn't have any impact on a legislator from Orofino or Council, but they don't seem to get it! Turkey season is the best thing that ever happened to the economy in Council in the spring.

 

[Wapiti Slayer]

but most all learn to love me.... [/QB][/QUOTE]

No I'd say 99.9% Would just as soon beat the living #*^@#* out of you as to read another one of yer dumb ass posts!

 

[JoseCuervo]

I'm sticking with Lunch today (Thursday), Beer today, or Lunch Friday...

It is up to Wally to figure if he wants to cater to Moosie's schedule....

And if need be, I could drive to Park Center...

Or how about the Ram, lunch AND beer always works...

What is in the place next to Red Robin??

Or even just hit the End Zone...

 

[Wally Dog]

EG,Moo,
I have to inspect a t/l of lumber at noontime today. Lunch on Friday wood be fine. My office is right next to Jakers (which is next to the Red Robin)
11:30 Friday?
WD

 

[JoseCuervo]

11.30 works for me, on Friday.

Which place? Can Moosie afford Jakers???