There’s a new legislative body in the state of Utah that looks out for hunters and anglers. It’s called the Utah Sportsman’s Caucus.
During the summer of 2017, Bill Christensen, RMEF regional director in Utah, teamed up with other hunter-angler conservation groups to jump-start the effort. Outdoorsmen and women then joined forces with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, state legislators, Sutherland Institute and the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation to get it up and running.
Representative Tim Hawkes, District 18 of Centerville and Senator Allen Christensen of North Ogden, serve as co-chairs of the bipartisan effort. The Utah Sportsman’s Caucus holds a breakfast every Tuesday during the legislative session to review and discuss legislation affecting fish and wildlife and hunting and fishing. Every organization has an opportunity to educate legislators about its respective group, mission, accomplishments and legislative priorities. The breakfast meeting averages 22 to 30 legislators every Tuesday and is held at the Utah State capitol building. RMEF holds a lead position in this meeting.
Working with legislators gives RMEF a voice and a place at the table on legislation impacting elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage.