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1/19/2007
Georgia Capitol Turns 'Wild' at 5th Annual Sportsman's Day
The Georgia State Capitol got a little wild during the first week of Georgia’s 2007 legislative session, when the Georgia Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, along with nearly every sportsmen’s organization in the state, recognized Governor Sonny Perdue for his support of sportsmen’s issues with an appreciation award during the 5th Annual Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol.
“This event is an opportunity for Georgia sportsmen to say thank you for the leadership and support of our elected officials like Sen. Johnson, who authored our right to hunt constitutional amendment,” said Georgia for Outdoor Traditions (GOT) Chairman James Lakeman. Voters approved Georgia’s Right to Hunt constitutional amendment with more than 81% of the vote in November 2006.
Also recognized at the event was the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses. Among the organizations in attendance were NASC partners such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Rifle Association and SCI.
“Sportsmen have a multi-billion dollar economic impact on Georgia’s economy each year,” said Scott Tanner, event organizer and Vice-Chair of GOT. “And they are among Georgia’s leading conservationists, contributing millions annually towards land and habitat preservation throughout Georgia. Sportsmen’s Day provides a perfect opportunity for us to share that great story with our elected officials.”
On that same day, Governor Perdue unveiled his spending plan for next year during his annual State of the State address. In it, sportsmen’s issues played a central role. “Governor Perdue has shown us once again what a true friend he is to Georgia’s Sportsmen” said Tanner afterwards.
During his State of the State address, Perdue said, “We have a long-standing tradition of hunting and fishing in our state, and last year, voters preserved that right in our constitution. Each year residents and tourists spend nearly $600 million on fishing alone, for a total economic impact of more than $1.5 billion. But we can do even better. We will turn Georgia into a fisherman's paradise.” The budget will include $19 million for a program called “Go Fish Georgia” to create world-class resources for fishing and boating lovers. The money would buy new ramps along a bass trail that will include 15 sites on Georgia’s major rivers and reservoirs capable of hosting large bass tournaments. "With premier tournaments generating upwards of $20 million each, we know these are sound investments," said Perdue.
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