Rep. Jeff Spiegelman discussed the importance of forming the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus in the latest GOP message.
In late October, state lawmakers announced they were forming the Delaware Legislative Sportsmens’ Caucus. This bipartisan, bicameral committee would be devoted to protecting the rights of hunters while supporting the conservation efforts that are important to other outdoor recreationists.
Spiegelman chairs the caucus along with Rep. Bill Carson, and Senators Brian Pettyjohn and Bruce Ennis.
“Acting together, our legislators will gain a better idea of emerging hunting, fishing and wildlife issues and strengthen our voice in Congress regarding federal initiatives that could impact us locally,” said Spiegelman.
Delaware is the 48th state to create a group like this--the only state who have not are Rhode Island and Hawaii. Spiegelman and his co-chairs join a network of 2,000 lawmakers nationwide who participate in similar caucuses.
Currently, there are an estimated 177,000 hunters and anglers in Delaware. They contribute $150 million annually to the state’s economy and support nearly 1,900 jobs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzwTpYgo36o&feature=youtu.be
Full text of the message:
Hi, I’m State Rep. Jeff Spiegelman speaking to you from western Kent County.
Hunting and fishing are likely the oldest sports in our state. They are part of our fundamental heritage and remain hugely popular today. By some estimates, there are 177-thousand hunters and anglers in Delaware spending approximately 150-million-dollars annually and supporting nearly 19-hundred jobs.
Hunting, fishing and trapping are highly regulated, often involving the interaction of state and federal agencies, laws and guidelines. Additionally, the lands and waters used by hunters, fisherman and trappers are often shared by other groups with competing, dissimilar interests. Hikers, equestrians, bird watchers and others also have a claim to fair use of the tens-of-thousands of acres of public lands in our state.
Yet until now, there has been no legislative organization charged with dealing with this complex landscape.
Hoping to fill that void is the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. Currently being formed, this bipartisan, bicameral ad hoc committee will be jointly chaired by me, Representative Bill Carson, and Senators Brian Pettyjohn & Bruce Ennis.
The Sportsmen’s Caucus will help advance the rights of hunters, trappers and fisherman; support efforts to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and foster outdoor-related industries and activities. In contrast to some mistaken reports, firearms issues – except as they directly relate to hunting – will be outside the caucus’ scope.
Delaware becomes the 48th state to form such a group, joining an existing national network of more than 2,000 state lawmakers. Acting together, our legislators will gain a better idea of emerging hunting, fishing and wildlife issues and strengthen our voice in Congress regarding federal initiatives that could impact us locally. The Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus will give our sportsmen, sportswomen, and wildlife enthusiasts a group eager to hear their concerns and act in the best interests of all Delawareans.
