Chris Horton is leaving his post as BASS conservation director to join the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation as regional director for the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC). He'll assume his new position in September.
"Fishing, hunting and protecting our fish and wildlife resources is a personal passion that I share with millions of Americans and I'm both honored and excited about the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a proven track record of protecting America's hunting and angling heritage," he said. "I believe that accepting this position provides the best and most direct opportunity to implement policies that not only benefit our natural resources, but also safeguard our ability to enjoy those resources."
Horton joins CSF to deepen and expand the existing relationships that the NASC program has developed with state legislators, governors, and legislative staff. He'll be based out of his home state of Arkansas.
"This expansion with the addition of such a trusted and well-known figure in the sportsmen's community such as Chris will allow the organization to better serve NASC state caucuses and governors," said CSF president Jeff Crane. "By increasing awareness of the caucuses and developing a more in-depth knowledge of fish, wildlife, and conservation related issues and policies for different regions, Chris will provide valuable on-the-ground assistance to state legislators, governors and legislative staff."
Horton's primary role at BASS was to work with and represent the BASS Federation Nation and BASS members on local, state, and national conservation issues that impact sport fishing.
"Chris' vast knowledge of conservation practices and our precious natural resources served BASS well during his tenure," said BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks. "BASS' reputation in the industry and beyond is highly regarded because of Chris' work and we wish him the best of luck in the future."
Added a BASS communications official: "BASS introduced the catch-and-release concept in 1972 and has shown an unwavering commitment to conservation and our natural resources since its inception. Nothing will change. We anticipate filling Chris' role in some fashion in the near future."
