Kansas Forms Sportsmen's Caucus

Kansas became the 35th state to join the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses.

A group of legislators gathered at the Topeka Country Club to form the Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus on March 25.

Members of the caucus will set aside politics and present a unified front by remaining informed and organized on sportsmen's issues.

Several groups got together for the kick-off including the National Rifle Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Nearly 60 people attended including more than 20 policymakers, outdoor writers, outfitters and trappers and others were in attendence

House Majority Leader Ray Merrick and Rep. Gary Hayzlett will serve as co-chairmen.

"It is an honor to serve as chairman of the Kansas Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus," Merrick said. "Hunting and fishing are ingrained in the Kansas lifestyle; it's about time we had a legislative group to work on these issues."