Through their involvement in the Illinois Sportsmen’s caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers that promotes hunting, fishing, conservation, and recreational activities, House Republicans are helping preserve that part of Illinois’ proud heritage.
Illinois is home to a wealth of rivers, lakes, streams, and forests, ripe with fish, deer, and a multitude of other game hunting opportunities.
House Republicans have long prioritized leading the Sportsmen’s Caucus, working to ensure that Illinois respects the rights of hunters and anglers and preserves opportunities for young people to get involved in the outdoors. The Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and the stewardship and preservation of the environment.
One of the most visible ways the Sportsmen’s caucus makes a difference is through its grant and scholarship programs. Each year, the Caucus hosts events such as the annual “Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Trap Shoot” fundraiser, with proceeds going directly back into local schools and community programs. The group also hosts a Springfield reception and auction, which also raises money for the Sportsmen’s Caucus.
These funds are then distributed as grants to high school bass fishing and trap shooting teams across Illinois to help with the purchase of equipment, uniforms, and travel assistance.
High school bass fishing has become one of the fastest-growing extracurricular sports in Illinois since it was sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) in 2009. Teams from both rural and urban schools compete at tournaments across the state, often relying on community support to cover expenses. Thanks to contributions from the Sportsmen’s caucus, many of these programs can purchase boats, fishing gear, and safety equipment, ensuring students have the opportunity to compete in the outdoor sports they love.
Similarly, the Caucus has been a consistent supporter of trap shooting teams, another growing IHSA activity that teaches responsibility, discipline, and respect for firearms in a structured and competitive environment. Grants have helped local programs purchase clay targets, ammunition, and protective gear. These items can be very costly for school districts or families. By filling this gap, the Illinois Sportsmen’s caucus helps more young people have the chance to experience the tradition of shooting sports in a safe and supervised setting.
State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) has been giving out Sportsmen’s caucus grants to bass fishing and trap shooting teams since taking office and joining the Caucus back in 2017. Last year, Severin made a donation to the Woodlawn Cardinals Bass Fishing Team from the Sportsmen’s Caucus and has donated to various other trap shooting and bass fishing teams in his district.
“In addition to direct financial support to the teams, the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s caucus offers scholarships to students who have demonstrated leadership in outdoor activities and a commitment to conservation,” Rep. Severin said. “These scholarships help young men and women pursue higher education while remaining connected to their passion for hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. Many recipients go on to become advocates for conservation or leaders in their communities, extending the impact of these programs for years to come.”
Through grants, scholarships, and a strong commitment to community engagement, Illinois House Republicans and the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus are working to ensure the future of outdoor sports and support the young people involved in them.
To learn more, visit The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s website.