State Senator Mike Bell, co-chairman of the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, has been elected to serve as a member of the Executive Council for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). The announcement was made last week at the 14th annual NASC Legislator Summit in Acme, Mi., following a ballot vote among states in attendance.
“As an avid sportsman, I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve as the co-chairman of the Tennessee Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus,” said Senator Bell, who has introduced and passed comprehensive legislation that creates a legacy for future sportsmen. “I look forward to bringing my experience as a legislator and a sportsman to the council.”
The National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses works to create a nationwide network of legislators to shape a wide range of policies that address issues facing hunters and anglers in America. This includes recruitment, retention and reactivation, as well as protecting waterways from invasive species, increasing access and opportunity, and many other issues. The goal is to share best practices for conservation-policy and growth for sportsmen.
“It is important to adopt good legislation that continues the strong sportsmen’s-heritage in Tennessee,” added Senator Bell. “Hunters and anglers bring in significant revenue to Tennessee, so our continued partnership with my fellow legislators across the nation in protecting and advancing the rights of outdoorsmen and women is essential.”
The latest numbers show Tennessee boasts over 1 million hunters and anglers that spend over $1.8 billion annually and support over 26,390 jobs.
Members of the NASC Executive Council serve two-year terms and assist with policy development, sportsmen’s community engagement, and work to highlight the role that hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit the nation’s social and economic wellbeing.
NASC was launched by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in 2004, and currently includes 48 state legislative sportsmen's caucuses (over 2,000 state legislators) united under the NASC umbrella. This network facilitates the interaction and idea exchange among state caucus leaders and the outdoor community.
Senator Bell is chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee and represents Senate District 9 which includes Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties. He was recently awarded the 2016 National Legislator of the Year Award by Safari Club International for advancing legislation to promote hunting.