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Sportsmen And Women Gather At State Capitol For Annual Sportsmen's Day

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Georgia Capitol is going to get a little taste of the wild today as sportsmen's groups from the around the state gather to meet with legislators for the annual "Sportsmen's Day at the Capitol".

A broad spectrum of sportsmen's and conservation groups will participate with displays, educational materials and interactive activities. The Department of Natural Resources will also participate with a live animal exhibit featuring birds of prey and reptiles along with a 3D shooting simulator.

"This is our 7th annual sportsmen's event at the Capitol and it looks like it will be our biggest yet," said Scott Tanner, the event organizer.

Governor Sonny Perdue and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle are scheduled to speak at the event at 9:15 a.m.

"This event is an opportunity for the sportsmen of Georgia to say thank you to the sportsmen legislators for their leadership and support in defending and advancing hunting, fishing, and conservation issues," said Jennifer Lundy, State Caucus Manager for the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses.

"Sportsmen are not only among Georgia's leading conservationists who contribute millions each year towards land and habitat preservation but sportsmen also make a multi-billion dollar impact to Georgia's economy each year," said Georgia Senate Sportsmen's Caucus Chair, Senator Bill Heath.

As the number one hunting destination in the United States according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2006 Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Survey, hunters and anglers contribute almost $2 billion annually to the Georgia economy, of which, $26 million is contributed directly to the state's wildlife conservation efforts.