State Senator Mike Bell (R-Riceville) on Thursday was re-elected to serve a second term as a member of the Executive Council for the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). The announcement was made at the 16th annual NASC Legislator Summit in Greensboro, Ga., 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, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “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-heritage in Tennessee,” said Senator Bell. “Hunters and anglers not only bring significant revenue into Tennessee but also play an important role in nature conservation. It is essential to continue partnering with my fellow legislators across the nation to protect and advance the rights of outdoorsmen and women.”
Tennessee’s sportsmen and women spend more than $1.8 billion per year on their outdoor pursuits, supporting 26,389 jobs in the state and contributing $167 million in state and local taxes.
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.