Skip to main content

NSSF Profile: 5 Questions with U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)

Feature from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

NSSF Profile: 5 Questions with U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)

Photo courtesy of NSSF

NSSF Note: We are pleased to post the latest of our occasional Q&A features with an elected official who supports hunting and the shooting sports. NSSF thanks U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) for agreeing to talk with us.

1) Who introduced you to hunting and the shooting sports?

I grew up with my grandparents at our ranch in Camp Wood, Texas, so I spent a lot of time learning how to safely handle firearms from my grandfather. I still remember the first time my grandfather let me shoot a rifle. He told me to hold tight because it was going to kick like a mule.

2) What was your most recent shooting sports/hunting experience?

I was able to get out to the shooting range in Pecos County with the county sheriff and his deputies the last time I visited. It was a great opportunity to spend some time with law enforcement and also do something we all enjoy. It was a little intimidating to do target practice with a group of LEOs but I was able to hold my own.

3) Describe your favorite shooting sports or hunting activity.

I now own ranch property and I love passing along the tradition of teaching my kids how to hunt and shoot. I go hunting with my two oldest children, one of who is in college. It’s a great time to slow down from everyday life and spend time together as a family.

4) Which piece of pending legislation related to the firearm industry is particularly important to you and why?

There have been a number of bills this Congress that address and protect our Second Amendment rights. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which I cosponsored, is just one bill relating to gun ownership that I was proud to cosponsor. This bill would allow someone who is licensed to conceal carry to use that license across state lines, provided the state they are traveling to also allows for conceal carry.

5) What do you see as the challenges and opportunities for hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts?

As I have begun raising my children, I believe we have an important opportunity to teach the next generation the importance of proper training, storage and maintenance of firearms. Certain political organizations try to push a misleading narrative to oppose Second Amendment rights so it’s critical we promote the use of firearms for sport and recreation.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Gear

Lew's Custom Pro Gen 3

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Other

Light up the Salt

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Fishing

Snook on the Hook

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Fishing

Jacks to the Max

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Baits & Tackle

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Reels

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Gear

Beilue's Best from ICAST 2024: Rods

Saltwater gamefish like sailfish, mahi-mahi and jack crevalle are known for their blistering runs, acrobatic jumps and p...
Fishing

The Fight is On

Game & Fish Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Game & Fish App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use