Every four years, the U.S. fields an Olympic shooting team known worldwide for achieving success in a most un-contemporary way-a rich and distinctly American background in traditional field sports.
Coaches say hunting and fishing, still the primary funding mechanisms for conservation in our country, also help boost America's competitiveness on the international stage.
In recognition, the entire USA Shooting Team is serving as honorary chair of National Hunting and Fishing Day 2010, set for Sept. 25. Congress established the annual commemoration to recognize hunters and anglers for their leading role in fish, wildlife and habitat conservation. Sporting licenses and special taxes on certain gear generate $100,000 every 30 minutes, totaling more than $1.75 billion per year, for programs that benefit all who love the outdoors.
Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife, the official home of NHF Day in Springfield, Mo., said, "American hunters and anglers are not only world-class conservationists, they have skills that help make world-class athletes."
National Shotgun Coach Bret Erickson agrees.
"Most members of our shooting team grew up hunting and fishing," said Erickson, himself a four-time Olympian and lifelong hunter and angler from Bennington, Neb. "Nobody starts hunting because they want to go to the Olympics, but it helps. The skills learned in hunting and, to a lesser degree, fishing-safety and comfort with firearms, basic shooting mechanics, patience, controlling emotions, concentration, ability to focus for long periods, persistence-can translate directly to competitive shooting."
This deep and unrivaled connection to outdoor traditions helps make the U.S. a surprisingly fierce contender in all three shooting disciplines: shotgun, rifle and pistol.
Erickson explained, "In many countries, Italy for example, shotgun shooting is a premier sport. Everyone shoots. And they shoot the international-style games that are relatively uncommon here in America. So before a match even begins we know we're outnumbered and outmanned. Our athletes typically haven't had as much time in their sport. Our training budgets are often smaller. And yet, in shotgun events, the U.S. remains among the top one or two countries in the world."
He added, "Most nations don't enjoy the broad freedoms to hunt like we do in the U.S., and that unique tradition and rural lifestyle produce much of our talent. Hunters have always been a reservoir of natural shooting abilities that America has relied on and successfully developed for Olympic competition."
Shooters are among the most decorated athletes in U.S. Olympic history. With 103 medals for shotgun, rifle and pistol marksmanship, only track and field, swimming, diving, wrestling and boxing have been more prolific medal producers for Americans. In fact, shooting ranks ahead of gymnastics, figure skating, volleyball and more than 30 other Olympic sports.
Buddy DuVall of USA Shooting, the national governing body for Olympic shooting sports, said, "Our team is thrilled to serve for National Hunting and Fishing Day. It's a great honor to recognize our roots in hunting and fishing, raise awareness of conservation and build appreciation for the sportsmen and women of America."
Notes and Quotes
A sample of USA Shooting Team members, listed by home state, on hunting, fishing and conservation:
Texas
B.J. Banchard, 19, Vidor-Olympic hopeful, 2012. Shotgun: skeet. Has been hunting as long as he can remember and is especially fond of bird hunting. Quotable: "Hunting is what got me started in shooting. Every time I go out hunting it seems to help my skills in skeet shooting."
Glenn Eller, 28, Katy-Olympic gold medalist, 2008. Shotgun: double trap. Fervent bass angler and deer hunter. Quotable: "The first time I passed up a deer that most people dream of shooting because I would rather have it in the gene pool than on my wall, I really made the connection between conservation and hunting. Without hunters, there would be far less pristine land left in the world."
Sean McClelland, 24, Harlingen-Olympian, 2008. Shotgun: skeet. Grew up fishing the saltwater flats of the Texas gulf coast, chasing redfish and speckled trout. Also an avid bird and big game hunter. Quotable: "Hunting at a very early age proved to be the foundation for my interest in the shooting sports. This passion eventually opened the doors for my Olympic dreams. It was through hunting, also, that I learned how hunting license and tag fees go back into conservation efforts for all kinds of wildlife."
Connie Smotek, 45, Bryan-Olympian, 2004, 1992; World Cup bronze medalist, 2009. Shotgun: skeet. Longtime dove hunter, deer hunter and angler. Quotable: "Hunting and fishing require staying calm, being patient and paying attention to detail, which for me has translated to better focus in competition."
CLICK HERE for a listing of other states
The USA Shooting Team joins a long list of sports personalities who have served as honorary chair of NHF Day. Baseball stars have included Ron Guidry, Tom Seaver, George Brett and Wade Boggs. Football pros Bert Jones, Terry Bradshaw, John Riggins and Jay Novacek, along with golfers Tom Weiskopf, Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer and Tom Lehman have also served. Basketball legend John Havlicek, NASCAR's Ward Burton and tennis champion Roscoe Tanner round out the sports heroes who have helped spread the word about hunting, angling and conservation.
Since launching in 1972, NHF Day has been formally proclaimed by every U.S. President.
The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2010 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, Cabela's, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, and Pope and Young Club.
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