Crapo Chosen As Safari Clubâ??s â??Legislator Of The Yearâ??

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has been named â??Legislator of the Yearâ?? by the Washington chapter of the Safari Club for his efforts in Congress on behalf of hunting, second amendment rights and wildlife conservation efforts. Crapo, who chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water, was given the award during a dinner held Wednesday evening. â??Hunting is both an enjoyable pastime and an effective tool in species conservation,â?? Crapo said. â??Hunters pay millions of dollars in taxes, which are then used to maintain wildlife populations, to conduct wildlife research and to enforce wildlife laws. Some of these projects are recognized as some of the nationâ??s most successful conservation programs. In addition, funds from hunters are used to encourage safe and responsible use of firearms through hunter safety programs. â??â??The Washington Metro Chapter of Safari Club International is very pleased to honor Senator Mike Crapo as its 2004 Legislator of the Year,â?? said Charles C. Keller, President of the Safari Clubâ??s Washington Chapter. â??He has demonstrated a long-standing passion for, and dedication to, the heritage of hunting and promoting wildlife conservation as a Member of Congress and as a friend of hunting and the outdoors. In addition to be being an avid hunter and fisherman, Senator Crapo has also worked to ensure that Idaho receives the federal funds necessary to improve wildlife habitat. He exemplifies the best of the hunting tradition through his dedication to protecting and preserving our hunting heritage through wildlife conservation, education, and legislative involvement.â?? The Legislator of the Year Award has been given to a member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Senate annually since 1999. The Safari Club is a non-profit association of over 43,000 members from more than 100 countries dedicated to protecting the rights of 45 million hunters worldwide, and to promoting wildlife conservation. # # #