Nevada Sportsmen’s Caucus Hosts Successful Fly Fishing and Education Event

Engaging with state legislators is vital for our conservation efforts and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Events that unite sportsmen and women legislators in a positive setting to celebrate hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting traditions, aid to effectively communicate our values and highlight the benefits these activities bring to local communities.

Approximately 35 sportsmen and women gathered at the Flying M Ranch outside Yerington, Nevada for the first significant event of the newly reorganized Nevada Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. This gathering included members of the Nevada Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, the National Wild Turkey Federation and several of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s in-state partners, for a day of fellowship, education and policy discussion.

Attendees enjoyed a day of fly fishing at a stocked pond, and newcomers to the sport received expert guidance from rangers and Nevada Department of Wildlife staff. Following the instruction, participants had the freedom to continue fishing at the pond or explore the nearby Walker River.

“Events like this are a great way to engage with legislators in a positive light and is an effective way to educate policymakers on our mission,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

After a shared lunch, attendees gathered for presentations addressing critical issues, notably the efforts to restore Walker Lake’s fish populations and recreation opportunities.

Mike Sevon, a Rretired Nevada Department of Wildlife fisheries biologist, delivered a poignant presentation titled “The Fisheries History of Walker Lake – Past, Present, and Future,” underscoring the lake’s decline in habitat for many species of fish due to shrinking water levels and escalating toxicity.

Following Sevon, Carlie Henneman, water program director at the Walker Basin Conservancy, presented insights into collaborative initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Walker Lake, once a thriving hub for fish and recreation.

The day culminated in a roundtable discussion, emphasizing joint efforts to tackle challenges facing Nevada’s sportsmen and women. Key concerns included proposed changes to the game commission’s composition in the upcoming legislative session, raising alarms about potential impacts on hunting and conservation efforts.

This event sets a strong precedent for future activities of the Nevada Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, demonstrating the power of collaboration and shared passion for conservation and outdoor traditions.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.