If you’re one of the more than 70 percent of IAFF members who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors hunting, fishing and shooting, you’ll want to join the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and become a union sportsman.

The IAFF – along with a number of other unions – has allied with TRCP to unite union men and women who share a common interest in hunting, fishing and shooting. Founded in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, TRCP is focused on conserving, maintaining and enhancing access to land and water available for enjoying hunting, fishing and shooting. This alliance provides programs and benefits for IAFF members, including a union dedicated sportsman’s club with its own magazine, web site and affinity program to promote union-made products and equipment and offer discount merchandise and trips. The 18 unions now affiliated with TRCP have already begun discussions to create this union sportsman’s club. “The sportsman’s association is a great concept and will give IAFF members with a love for the outdoors and a shared interest in hunting, fishing and shooting the opportunity to engage in these activities through our union,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

In addition, TRCP has partnered with the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) to produce two outdoor television shows that showcase union members and their passion for the outdoors.

The first show, “Life in the Open,” which debuted in October 2005, takes viewers to many of the best hunting and fishing destinations in America, all of which are accessible to the public. The IAFF will sponsor an episode of “Life in the Open” when the series begins airing next fall.

A second television show, “Escape to the Wild” reflects the ground-breaking partnership among TRCP, labor unions and OLN. Debuting in January 2007, the new show will feature American sportsmen and women as they embark on their dream hunting and fishing adventures.