Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) met with outdoor sporting enthusiasts in his Albany office Tuesday. Members from Oswego, Onondaga and Jefferson county sportsmen clubs attended the event.

Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) and the Minority Conference hosted their second annual "Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day" at the Legislative Office Building in Albany Tuesday. Lawmakers were joined by Chuck Cunningham, Director of Political Affairs for the National Rifle Association (NRA), and thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from across the state.

"I was pleased to see so many Central and Northern New Yorkers visit the Capital today in protection of our second amendment rights," said Barclay. The event, which included more than two dozen vendors from around the state offered hunters, sportsmen and outdoor recreation enthusiasts from around the state an opportunity to meet with their legislators.

"The Second Amendment is under perpetual attack in New York State and 2011 will be no different. Our Constitutional freedoms are sacrosanct; I have spent my life advocating for them. I look forward to continuing the battle," said Cunningham.

In addition to a keynote speech by Cunningham, the formal program included a taped presentation from NRA CEO & Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, as well as remarks from James A. Rabbia, Plant Manager for Remington Arms; Tom King, President of NYSRPA; Stephen Aldstadt, President of S.C.O.P.E.; and William Schwerd, Executive Director of New York State 4-H Shooting Sports.

Remington Arms Company employs more than 1,000 people in Ilion, New York, making it an economic force in Central New York.

"The sporting tradition of New York is an integral part of our state's economy and deserves the State Legislature's understanding and support. I'm pleased to help host this annual event in Albany," said Barclay.

"Heritage" tourism is big business in the Empire State, because New York is home to first-rate outdoor recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation contribute more than $6 billion to New York State's economy every year. With more than 7,500 lakes and ponds, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and hundreds of miles of coastline, there are abundant opportunities for world-class fishing for a wide variety of fish species. Boaters also can explore these bodies of water via canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, sailboats and motorboats.