DES MOINES – The Obama of America Iowa campaign has launched the Iowa Sportsmen for Obama Council, a group of hunters, fishers and conservationists from across Iowa who share the President’s vision for America’s great outdoors.

“As an avid sportsman, I support the president because his conservation and recreation strategy will ensure Iowa’s outdoor heritage will continue to be enjoyed by hunters, anglers and sportsmen for generations to come,” said state Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines. “The Sportsmen for Obama Council will play a critical role in reminding Iowans when they vote early about the clear contrast between President Obama’s record and Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan’s harsh policies that will threaten programs that maintain and grow our hunting heritage.”

Coalition members said Obama’s focus on America’s great outdoors takes a 21st century approach to conservation, protects our natural resources, supports jobs in rural economies, and preserves habitat for fish and wildlife. They also say the president has committed substantial investments to protect and restore the lands and waters that shape America’s identity and fuel our economy. Conversely, they said the Romney-Ryan budget would “gut” funding for programs aimed at protecting our public lands and wildlife habitat.

For more information about the campaign’s outreach to sportsmen, please visit www.barackobama.com/sportsmen.