Pictured above, Assemblywoman Rabbitt (second from right) stands with members of the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club in her legislative office.
“Our state has long been a paradise for outdoor recreation and heritage sports like fishing and hunting. We have been a national leader in parks, trails, and responsible hunting development. These traditions have proudly been passed on from generation to generation. I am very gratified to be joined by so many enthusiastic sportsmen from my own community and I will certainly continue to support this valuable industry,” said the Assemblywoman.
In addition to the keynote address by Chuck Cunningham, the event also featured remarks by Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) and taped remarks from the NRA’s Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre, as well as sporting information, expert advice, and vendor demonstrations. This year’s vendors included groups such as New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, S.C.O.P.E, New York State 4-H, New York State Outdoor Writers Association, Conservation Alliance of New York, New York Bowhunters, and Remington Arms, among many others.
With over 1.4 million resident heritage-sports enthusiasts and a growing number of outdoor-recreation participants, outdoor activities contribute more than $6 billion to the New York State economy every year. The economic impact is growing: ATV registration has increased to 1.9 million New Yorkers. Other outdoor recreation, such as snowshoeing, which requires no registration, is increasingly popular. Snowmobiling itself is now a billion dollar industry with over 131,000 snowmobiles registered across the state this year.