The state of Texas has a new voice looking out for its hunting and fishing heritage in the halls of Congress thanks to a new addition to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation board of directors.
Dallas Safari Club Executive Director Ben Carter has accepted a position on the board of directors for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, one of the most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organizations in the political arena.
Its sole focus is providing access and a voice for sportsmen in the U.S. Congress, Administration, federal land management agencies and state legislatures.
“This appointment is a recognition of Dallas Safari Club’s growing influence and effectiveness in conservation, education and advocacy,” said Carter. “I’m honored to represent DSC in an organization leading the political fight to protect and enhance hunting, fishing, trapping and sport shooting.”
Additionally, Carter has served as the Director of the Wild Sheep Foundation and as a Professional Member of the Boone and Crockett Club. From 2007-2008 he was Trustee of the Dallas Ecological Foundation. From 2002-2005 he was Director of Texas Bighorn Society; he joined the Texas Bighorn Society Advisory Board in 2005 and remains an active member of the board today.
As an avid outdoorsman, Carter has taken 26 of the 28 North American game species, including six different species that qualify for the Boone and Crocket Record Book. He has hunted in Africa, in South America, Russia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and most of the western and southern states. He has a ranch in West Texas that he manages for white-tailed deer, turkey and quail.
“Personally, I think that our rights to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors are at risk every day,” he said. “The work the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation does is critical to keep our heritage alive. We are in the front trenches, and if we don’t maintain our heritage and sporting interests they will be lost. I have taken an active role within the Dallas Safari Club by promoting our Outdoors Adventures curriculum that is now in 110 secondary schools in Texas. By partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife on this program, we have presented it to most of the schools in Texas, and we hope to get it going nationwide .
“Hunter recruitment is something we all should be focused on.”
Joining Carter on the board are:
Jeff Angers, Center for Coastal Conservation
Laurie Aronson, Lipsey’s
Jim Baker
Richard Childress, Richard Childress Racing
Mark DeYoung, ATK Armament Systems
Brad Franklin, Yamaha Motor Corporation USA
Chris Gullott, Bridgestone Americas Inc.
Jason Hornady, Hornady Manufacturing
Tom Hornish, Outdoor Channel Holdings
Brian Kelly, Americas Natural Gas Alliance
John Larkin, JC Larkin Company LLC
Walter McLallen, Meritage Capital Advisors
Paul Miller, TechExec Inc.
Thomas Millner, Cabela’s
Robert Model, Boone and Crockett Club
Phil Morlock, Shimano
Kevin O’Donovan, Sun Edison
Jeff Paro, Intermedia Outdoors
Steve Sanetti, National Shooting Sports Foundation
Merle Shepard
Melissa Simpson, Safari Club International
Lindsay Thomas, Thomas Consulting
