Patty Van Sicklen, AKC Government Relations Regional Manager and Bee Frederick, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Southeastern States Director

AKC Government Relations joined sporting, conservation, and wildlife groups in sponsoring the annual Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Luncheon, held April 24, 2019 on the capitol lawn in Montgomery, AL.  AKC GR Regional Manager Patty Van Sicklen provided educational materials on responsible dog care and children’s safety around dogs, and discussed how training for and competing in sporting, working, and competitive events help deepen the bonds between dogs and their owners. 

Organized by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the event promoted the positive impacts hunting and angling provide in Alabama.  More than 400 people attended the luncheon, including legislators, legislative and executive staff, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) representatives, and members of the Alabama Conservation Advisory Board.  Speakers included Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Representative Danny Crawford, and DCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. 

“It was a wonderful opportunity to join with the conservation community, university representatives, outdoor industry leaders, tourism professionals, USDA Wildlife Services, and other groups in celebrating the benefits that sportsmen bring to the state, its natural areas, and our state and local economies. And hearing stories about dogs owned by people who stopped by AKC’s table was a fun part of the event, especially the tale of the ‘hunting’ Chihuahua.  It’s evident there are lots of dog lovers working at the capitol,” Van Sicklen said.