Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1538420
40 PULLUSA MAGAZINE SUMMER 2025 THE FIELD INSIGH T As with any activity that can be affected by elected policy makers, it is important that League and shoot- ing sports participants educate law- makers about the benefits of their sport even before policy decisions come before them. Educating lawmakers is easier than you may think. An easy way to connect with your local lawmakers includes inviting them to practices, competitions, or an end-of-season banquet. Seeing ath- letes in action and talking to parents, coaches, and athletes helps put famil- iar faces on the sport. As an experi- enced lobbyist in Minnesota, I know that lawmakers enjoy opportunities to engage with their constituents in informal settings such as these. You can also write letters, send emails, or make phone calls to intro- duce yourself and explain what the L e a g u e a n d t h e s h o o t i n g s p o r t s means to you, your team, school, and community. Be sure to share person- al experiences about how being part of the team has improved your con- fidence, provided leadership oppor- tunities, or helped other athletes succeed in school. Elected officials want to support youth programs that have a clear, positive impact. If you attend a legislative activity, a d vo c a c y d ay, o r h ave a n o p p o r- tunity to interact with legislators, proudly wear your team gear and be ready to share your experience and enjoyment of the League and the shooting sports. T h e f u t u r e o f s h o ot i n g s p o r t s depends on engaged athletes and communities. By building strong relationships with lawmakers and educating them on the benefits of shooting sports, USA Clay Target League members can help ensure their sport continues to thrive for generations to come. ✪ Elected policymakers at the local, state, and federal level often shape policies that affect funding for school-sponsored extracurriculars, access to shooting ranges, choices of available ammunition, and even the public perception of shooting sports. When lawmakers are not familiar with the League, shooting sports, or the values taught to stu- dent athletes through these activities, decisions can be made based on fear or misinformation. But when athletes, coaches, and families take the time to share their stories, it can make all the difference. I n communities across the country, tens of thousands of high school and college athletes proudly compete in the USA Clay Target League. We know these student athletes gain confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship through clay target shooting. However, these student athletes and all shooting sports participants still often face challenges from miscon- ceptions and shifting legislative priorities. This is why government advocacy is critical for protecting access to shooting sports and for helping lawmakers understand the positive impact these programs have on young people. FULLY ENGAGED by TROY OLSEN - Senior Government Relations Consultant, Ewald Consulting WHY GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY MATTERS FOR USA CLAY TARGET LEAGUE ATHLETES FUN FACT League student athletes are leading contributors to wildlife management and conservation efforts.