Albany, NY – Today, the New York Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chaired by Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, hosted Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol, an annual event serving as a premier opportunity to showcase the benefits that the time-honored traditions of hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping provide to New York State.
Designed to foster meaningful dialogue between Sportsmen and women with policymakers, while offering legislators, staff, and the community interactive experiences with various aspects of our state’s sporting traditions, today’s event featured numerous educational booths and vendors from a wide variety of in-state and national conservation organizations, including tabling by Trout Power of Rome, an archery simulator from New York State
4-H Shooting Sports, track-chair by Specialized Outdoor Adaptive Recreation (SOAR), and an ATV provided by Yamaha Motor Inc. Kicking-off the day’s event, formal remarks were provided by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, fellow Co-Chairs of the New York State Legislative Sportsmen Caucus Assemblyman Robert Smullen, Senator Joe Griffo, and Senator Michelle Hinchey, as well as the events sponsors Senior Manager Fred Bird of the
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Bill Wilbur of the New York Sportsmen’s Advisory Council, and Executive Deputy DEC Commissioner Michelle Marchello. “Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol is a celebration of the proud character and traditions that have shaped
New York’s heritage for generations. Hunting, angling, trapping, and recreational shooting are more than pastimes, they are cornerstones of our conservation efforts, our communities, and our way of life. Events like today’s are essential not only to honor these time-honored traditions, but to open the doors to those who may be unfamiliar with the incredible value these activities bring to our state. By gathering legislators, community members, and sporting organizations under one roof, we foster meaningful conversations that bridge the gap between tradition and new audiences. I am proud to help champion
these efforts so that New York’s rich sporting heritage can be understood, appreciated, and embraced by all.”
Assemblywoman Buttenschon would like to extend her gratitude to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, New York Sportsmen’s Advisory Council and the National Wild Turkey Federation for sponsoring today’s event, as well as the following participants, who helped make the event a great success: NYS 4-H Shooting Sports, SOAR, Yamaha Motor Inc, Paul Miller of Trout Power, Bohden Rabarsky of the Oneida-Herkimer S.C.O.P.E
Chapter, NYS Conservation Council, NYS Environmental Conservation Police, NYS Trappers Association, NY Crossbow Coalition, NYS DEC Division of Fish & Wildlife, NYS Council of Trout Unlimited, Mid Hudson Valley Fur Harvesters Association, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever, New York Outdoor Writers Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Columbia Land Conservancy, Rensselaer County Conservation Alliance, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Forest Defense, Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association, NYS
DEC Division of Law Enforcement, Adirondack Catskill SCI Chapter, the Wild Trust, Safari Club International, and HB’s Venison Vault. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to every participant and organization who helped make today’s Sportsmen’s Day at the Capitol a wonderful success. Filled with great energy and enthusiasm, today’s event put on full display the passion that drives New York’s sporting community,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. “Together, we are building a greater understanding and appreciation for
the rich sporting heritage that makes New York State so special, and I would like to thank all my fellow legislators for taking the time to stop-by, engage, and learn firsthand about the traditions and values that are enjoyed and held dear by so many in our communities.”
About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly represents New York’s 119th Assembly District, encompassing the cities of Utica and Rome as well as the Towns of Floyd, Deerfield, Marcy, and Whitestown. From a lifelong educator and former Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College, to a small family farm owner, Buttenschon brings decades of experience advocating for equity, access, and opportunity across public health, education, agriculture, and emergency services. In the Assembly, she serves as Chair of the Committee on Small Business and as a member of the Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she champions bipartisan solutions to improve quality of life. Her work reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every family in her district and beyond can live with dignity,
support, and a voice in their future.
