(Columbus) On Tuesday, March 19 more than 150 sportsmen and legislators met at the annual U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) Legislative Reception to discuss issues of concern to Ohio conservationists at the Capital Club in Columbus, Ohio.
The reception, hosted by USSA and sponsored by numerous conservation organizations, provided the venue for hunters, anglers and trappers to connect with more than 50 legislators and their staffs.
“These conversations are important to ensuring our elected officials recognize the interests and issues that concern sportsmen,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s director of government affairs. “We certainly appreciate and want to thank all of the legislators and sportsmen and women in attendance.”
Attendees were in for a surprise when Governor John Kasich stopped in to the event to meet and greet attendees. During the Governors brief remarks, he recognized the contributions of Ohio sportsmen and women as people making a difference to Ohio. He also proposed a possible meeting with sportsmen leaders at the Governor’s residence later in the year.
Key note speakers Representative David Hall (R-Millersburg), chairman of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, and Senator Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, both made strong assurances that Ohioans do not need to worry about their right to keep and bear arms in the Ohio General Assembly. Both pledged to derail any bill that infringed upon Second Amendment rights.
The reception was made possible through the generous donations from numerous sportsmen’s organizations including: Buckeye Firearms Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever – Ohio State Council, Ohio State Trappers Association, Safari Club International – Central Ohio Chapter, Safari Club International – Southwest Ohio Chapter, Whitetails Unlimited, 21 Consulting LLC, Associated Bird Dog Clubs of Ohio, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, Ohio Wildlife Control Operators, Buckeye Brittany Club, Ducks Unlimited and Ohioans for Wildlife Conservation.