The First Annual Sportsmen's Day on the Hill: legislators take notice

On April 22, 2009, Earth Day, the Connecticut State Capitol Building will be abuzz with the 1st Annual Sportsmen’s Day on the Hill. As legislators pass through the Gothic doorways, they will be met by a variety of interest groups intent on informing our law makers of the contributions and concerns of outdoor enthusiasts. The event will be hosted by the Connecticut Sportsmen’s Caucus, and is expected to draw National and local groups as well as the media. The press conference is scheduled for 10:30 AM.

The Great Recession and our state’s budget deficit have created a hot-bed of controversy over proposed legislation; much of that legislation will directly impact the quality of our environment, and Connecticut’s 297,000 hunters, trappers and fishermen want their interests represented. The Connecticut Sportsmen’s Caucus was formed six years ago for this very purpose, and on Earth Day they will be counting on the support of their constituency.

Connecticut’s sportsmen spend $339 million a year on their recreation, which helps support 5,500 jobs in the state (Why else would Cabela’s open a retail store in the middle of our state?). The Department of Environmental Protection is funded by license and permit fees paid by hunters and fishermen. Environmental conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited have frequently taken up stewardship of our environment where the state’s efforts were inadequate. And, all of these contributions were made out of a devotion to preserving our outdoor heritage. Now, a show of support may be the most influential contribution yet.

Here is a schedule of events:

10:30 AM, Press Conference, 1st floor of the State Capitol Building

11:15 AM – 2:00 PM, Informational Displays, 1st floor State Capitol Building

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Fundraiser Reception, Officer’s Club of the Hartford Armory