Legislative Reception Will Foster Relations Between Sportsmen and Lawmakers

(Columbus) – Ohio sportsmen leaders will be rubbing elbows and voicing their
concerns as they meet with lawmakers next month at a special reception being
hosted by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.

The reception will be March 13 at the Athletic Club of Columbus from 5:30 to
7:30 PM. The Athletic Club is located at 136 E. Broad St. in downtown
Columbus. Ohio legislators will field questions and listen to opinions of
their sportsman constituents in an informal atmosphere.

“The 2007 Legislative Reception comes at an opportune time,” said Rob
Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs. “A
new state budget will soon be proposed. In years past, state legislators
have tried to divert sportsmen’s dollars, which are reserved for
conservation purposes, to fund non-conservation programs. Sportsmen must
speak with their lawmakers to ensure that conservation funds are secure.”

Legislative co-hosts include Sen. Steve Buehrer, R-Delta, Sen. Joy Padgett,
R-Coshocton, and Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green. Each is an avid supporter
of hunters’ rights.

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As a former state representative, Buehrer sponsored legislation to establish
Ohio’s apprentice hunting license. The new program last year allowed 10,000
hunting newcomers to enjoy the state’s rich hunting heritage under the
guidance of mentors.

In recent years, when the legislature debated the state budget, Sen. Padgett
helped round up votes to ensure that the Wildlife Fund, which is dedicated
for conservation, not be diverted to other government programs.

Rep. Latta is also devoted to protecting sportsmen’s rights. He sponsored
legislation that lifted Sunday hunting restrictions, and took the lead in
protecting sportsmen’s dollars.

“Ohio sportsmen must initiate communication with new state lawmakers and
foster relationships with those who have been in office,” said Sexton. “It’s
wise to have a good relationship with someone who may be the key vote on an
important issue, like protecting the funds that support wildlife
conservation in our state.”

Gold Sponsors for the Legislative Reception include Gander Mountain, Ohio
State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ohio State Trappers
Association and Whitetails Unlimited. Buckeye Firearms Association is a
Silver Sponsor.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and
sportsmen’s organization that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and
trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through
public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s
Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website,
www.ussportsmen.org.