Date: 04/23/2014

Final
Briefing on Hunter and Angler Recruitment Programs and Policies

COMMITTEE ON JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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08:06 AM -- Briefing on Hunter and Angler Recruitment Programs and Policies

Senator Schwartz called the meeting to order and announced that attendance at Joint Agriculture meetings is voluntary and attendance will not be taken.
08:07 AM

Mike King, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, discussed the importance of promoting outdoor recreation and the use of hunting and fishing license fees to support wildlife management in Colorado.

08:09 AM

Bob Broscheid, Director, Division of Parks and Wildlife, discussed changing demographics that are affecting outdoor activity participation by children and young adults in Colorado. He described programs to promote hunting and fishing including outreach to K-12 students and sponsored visits to parks and wildlife facilities. He also responded to questions from the committee about barriers to greater participation of youth in outdoor activities including competing recreational activities, economic challenges of families, liability concerns of schools for students participating in outdoor activities, lack of affordable transportation to recreational resources, and other issues. He also described collaboration of state agencies with federal land management agencies to promote outdoor activities.

08:25 AM

Committee discussion followed about policies that may help increase youth participation in outdoor recreation and barriers to implementing these policies.

08:40 AM

Denny Behrens, Colorado Mule Deer Association, discussed hunting recruitment and retention programs initiated by the association including summer youth camps that teach hunting and camping skills (Attachment A). He showed a video promoting the North American Sportsman's summer youth camp and identified other organizations supporting the summer camp. He also discussed funding needs for the summer camp.

08:53 AM

The committee adjourned.