Rep. Shelly Short, R-Addy, was recently awarded “Legislator of the Year” by the Hunters Heritage Council (HHC). The HHC is Washington’s largest hunting-rights organization with nearly 50 organizations representing 45,000 members advocating for hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation.
Short, who has represented Northeast Washington’s 7th Legislative District since 2009, received the award for her efforts to push the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Fish and Wildlife Commission to acknowledge the impacts of predators on local ungulate populations and for stressing the importance of predator management on hunting activities.
“There are folks out there who think hunting is just part of the rural lifestyle, and it is, but it’s also so much more than that,” said Short, R-Addy. “Hunting is a significant economic driver for our state and especially Northeast Washington. We have hotels, diners, retail stores, guides, land owners and more who depend on hunters spending money in our area. The economic activity that results from a healthy, thriving hunting community benefits us all. Whether it’s managing our predators in a more efficient way or finding solutions to encourage the next generation of hunters, I’ll continue to work hard to make sure hunting continues to be a successful, viable option for those who want to participate.”
According to Hunting Works for Washington, a hunting advocacy group, hunting supports 5,600 jobs, creates over $600 million annually in economic activity for Washington state, and generates approximately $40 million in state and local taxes.
Short also said the number of people who rely on hunting for subsistence should not be overlooked.
“Subsistence hunting is not just for those who live in extreme rural areas,” said Short. “I know friends from Colville to Spokane to Deer Park to Metaline Falls that absolutely count on the provision they get from hunting. If they had to fill their freezers with something else it would be a huge burden on their family finances.”
Short said she’s proud to stand up for hunting families and will continue her work to try to make hunting more accessible and affordable for Washington citizens.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rep. Shelly Short on the House floor with the 2015 Legislator of the Year award from the Hunters Heritage Council.
For more information about Rep. Short, visit: www.representativeshellyshort.com.
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Rep. Short’s media:
Washington State House Republican Communications
www.houserepublicans.wa.gov
461 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
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