Colorado Capitol Challenge Shoot Out

April 20, 2009 (Denver, CO) Sportsmen, pro-sportsmen state legislators, Governor Bill Ritter and industry representatives gathered together this week for the First Annual Colorado Capitol Challenge Shoot Out.

"It's wonderful that elected representatives and members of the sportsmen's community can have an afternoon outdoors shooting, talking, and eating great food. This event is great in getting our affiliated groups on the same page and making sure that we continue to support sportsmen's issues in Colorado," said Colorado Sportsmen's Caucus Chair & NASC Executive Council Member Sen. Dan Gibbs.

135 shooters, from first time novices to target experts, including 12 members of the Colorado Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter spent the afternoon shooting trap and sporting clays.

"This is the beginning of a tradition that will bring together legislators, the Governor and other groups who support hunting, fishing and conservation in Colorado," said Sportsmen's Caucus Chair Senator Lois Tochtrop.

Sponsors for the event included: The Sportsmen's Channel, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses, Outdoor Heritage Consulting, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Colorado Youth Outdoors, Colorado Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Federal Premium Ammunition, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, Browning, Melissa Simpson of PAC/WEST, National Wildlife Federation, and Colorado Bowhunters Association.

The event was the first of its kind to bring these groups together to help advance the pro-sportsmen agenda in the legislature. Based on the overwhelming response from the first event, organizers expect an even larger event next year.