Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Leaders Set for 112th Congress

January 5, 2011 (Washington, DC) – The over 40 million sportsmen and women of America welcome strong bi-partisan leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to Washington as the 112th United States Congress convenes today.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Rep.  Jeff Miller (R-FL), and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) were selected by their fellow sportsmen in the United States Congress to serve as Co-Chairs. Leadership Vice-Chairs include: Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID), Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), and Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC).

"Members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus have a long, rich history of producing legislation that effectively protects hunting, angling, trapping, and effective fish and wildlife management and with new leadership leading the way we expect no less in the 112th Congress," said Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.

Established in 1989, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus works to protect the interests of America’s hunters, anglers, and trappers in the United States Senate and House of Representatives.  The new leadership will guide the nearly 300 members of the Caucus in efforts to champion sportsmen and women in the federal legislative process. 

Statements from the New Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Leadership

“Montana has a rich outdoor heritage, and I’m proud to pass that heritage down to my kids and grandkids,” said Sen. Tester, a third-generation farmer.  “I look forward to working together in the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to ensure access to public land and to stand up for what our outdoors has to offer—things like hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.”

"I am proud to represent a state with a rich tradition of outdoor sporting activities," said Sen. Thune. "As Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I look forward to working with the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation to ensure that our nation's outdoor traditions are protected for future generations of hunters and anglers."

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus has a long history of putting policy over partisan politics in order to protect this country’s heritage of hunting, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors,” said Rep. Miller.  “I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle during the 112th Congress and helping to pass legislation that protects the rights of fellow sportsmen.”

“As an avid hunter and outdoorsmen, I am honored to help lead the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus in the next Congress,” said Rep. Ross.  “Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing are an important part of our heritage and way of life, especially in my home state of Arkansas.  I firmly believe this important tradition must be preserved and promoted, especially in our nation’s capital.”

“As a Senator from North Carolina, one of the best places to hunt and fish in the United States, I am honored to be a vice-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. I come from a family of lifelong hunters, and among my favorite activities are hiking and fishing across North Carolina. My husband, Chip, went duck hunting over New Year’s while I was in Afghanistan visiting our troops. I look forward to working with members of the caucus to support our sportsmen and women and to preserve our public lands into the future,” said Sen. Hagan.

“I have been hunting and fishing my whole life, so I am well aware of the value these forms of recreation provide to millions of Americans each year,” said Sen. Risch.  “I look forward to working with other caucus members to both advocate and defend sportsmen’s and sportswomen’s interests in the new Congress.”

“I would like to thank Congressman Jeff Miller for this opportunity to serve the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in the next Congress.  Sportsmen and sportswomen issues are important for me as a public servant.  I look forward to working with all members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to protect and advance the values, traditions, and rights sportsmen and sportswomen enjoy in the United States,” said Rep. Latta.

 “I have been a hunter since I was a kid, and now am blessed to be able pass a love of hunting on to my son,” said Rep. Shuler.   Sportsmanship is personally important to me, but it is also vital to tourism and the economy in many parts of our country, including in Western North Carolina.  I am honored to help lead this important Caucus in the 112th Congress.”