2009 Legislative Trap Shoot Draws Largest Crowd Ever
The California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus held its 7th Annual Legislative Trap Shoot on June 17th at the Cordova Shooting Center in Rancho Cordova, California, just a short drive from the State Capitol. Not only did this year's affair attract a maximum capacity crowd of 160 people, it drew the largest number of Legislators and Capitol staff ever - including Caucus co-chair State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta). Numerous other dignitaries joined Caucus members, including several California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) organizational member representatives, and top California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and California Fish and Game Commission staff. Also attending the rapidly growing and popular event were 2008 Olympic Discus Gold Medalist Stephanie Brown-Trafton, California State Trap Champion and Junior Olympic Shooter, Michael Flores Jr., State Airgun Champion Brett Morrison, and Women's State Trap Shooting Champion Paulette Graham. Graham was also very kind to donate her talents in helping some of the beginners find their shooting groove. At the end of the evening, it was clear that the event had fully achieved its primary purpose of demonstrating to State Legislators and their staff that firearms - when handled by experienced users or by beginners under proper supervision and instruction - can be both safe and fun.
The event was sponsored by the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, National Wild Turkey Federation, Federal Ammunition, California Waterfowl, California Deer Association, California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Mendocino County Blacktail Association, California Rifle and Pistol Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Westervelt Ecological Services, National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action, Shell Corporation, Safari Club International-San Joaquin Chapter, Safari Club International-San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Union Pacific Railroad, and the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.
"We were very pleased with the strong turn out of Legislators for this year's Caucus Shoot," stated Bill Gaines, President of COHA. "This year's Shoot certainly helped us demonstrate to key decision-makers the recreational benefits of properly used firearms. Further, the attraction of this and other fun caucus events has helped to build the Outdoor Sporting Caucus to be the largest caucus at California's State Capitol, giving outdoor interests an even louder voice in state politics."
The event opened with a welcome from Caucus Senate co-chair, Dennis Hollingsworth, and COHA President, Bill Gaines. After a talk on gun safety from Captain Roy Griffith, DFG Hunter Education Program Administrator, participants eagerly hit the range. With the close and careful assistance of Hunter Education Instructors and DFG Wardens from around the state, the trap and skeet shooting proved to be challenging, yet safe and enjoyable for seasoned pros and beginners alike. By the end of the evening, most participants were nursing a sore shoulder, but gleaming with accomplishment. For many who attended the event, it was their first time shooting or even handling a firearm. All of those who attended had an opportunity to shoot several rounds of trap and skeet, as well as enjoy a delicious barbequed meal cooked up by Sierra Smokehouse BBQ.
The bi-cameral, bi-partisan California Legislature Outdoor Sporting Caucus was created in order to help ensure state legislative policy decisions which protect and promote California's wildlife, their habitats, and the ability of the public to participate in wildlife-related recreational activities.
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